Am I too worried about time before $8000 tax credit comes up? Friendship at risk...?

The program is not only for foreclosures for one. Second have you gotten yourself preapproved? If not you are wasting time. Do you have the downpayment and closing costs saved up? If not you are wasting your time. Last rushing and saying you need to find a home this weekend is a huge mistake as you will buy anything that is even remotely close to what you are looking for, again has to p appraisal and inspection.