It'd be very dificult to find a SFH in western Fairfax County or Loudoun for $150,000. I only came across 6 in all of Loudoun and Fairfax County. So, yes, you'd really be looking at a townhouse or, more likely, a condo.

Here's a listing of all actives in Fairfax County and Loudoun for $150,000 or less. Note: There are only 50 here. If you include those under contract, you have hundreds. The point is that this is a very hot market now, with first-time buyers, investors, and others all flooding the lower-priced areas. (Since you're from Manassas, you've seen the activity there in the $90,000-$120,000 price range. Properties get multiple offers in just a couple of days.)

Here's a link to what's currently active:

http://mrislistings.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?ID=33…

If you'd like to "fine-tune" your search, just let me know.

--Don Tepper