I don't think what you said ("won;t consider an offer" applies to first-time buyers. With the median home price in Boston around $467K, a young family would nee

I don't think what you said ("won;t consider an offer" applies to first-time buyers. With the median home price in Boston around $467K, a young family would need ~$100K (including tx costs) in _cash_ to buy. I am a bit puzzled by where this down money would come from. Given college debt payments and stagnant wages. Also, saving money is not a practiced virtue in the US :-)