Thinking of buying a house

We have been thinking of getting a house lately. Our two bedroom condo is starting to feel small since our family is growing (and we expect it to grow even more). Unfortunately house prices are insane in the Northern Virginia area. I have no idea how people can afford to pay the exhorbitant prices that are being asked for houses in this area, half a million for a townhouse? The real estate market is crazy around here. Perhaps I should consider a career change into real estate?