I don't know that anything can be done, nor am I advocating for anything to be done.  I just want people to realize that making glib statements like, ask your parents for money, or just save more, aren't really workable answers either.  Too many folks don't realize exactly how difficult it is to save $60 or 70k to get that 20% down.  It is easier for someone purchasing a second home, as we hopefully have the equity in our first home to use as a downpayment.  Pointing out that you can probably find an affordable place to live further east or south is a valid answer, though bear in mind that pushing people further away from their jobs is a recipe for LA like traffic here, which would be unpleasant.