Buying condos in bay area california?

im planning to buy a condo in bay area, california (south bay preferably) and was wondering how to go about it. My budget is about 350~400K and i'm looking for 2 Bd/2BR in south bay (mostly sunnyvale/santa clara etc). Is it advisable to buy a condo? I'm looking like staying here for about 5~6 years and then go back to INDIA, may be sell this place...rents are ridiculously high and i feel it is better to buy a condo instead....any suggestions for realtors? any tips on what to watch out and any guidelines?