For actual pricing, look at Car-Part.com. It's basically a searchable database for junkyards. Consider that you have all the peripheral parts and just need a good long block. Most junkyard engines are a 'roll of the dice', so I'd look for one with a warranty.

I'm certainly no expert, but you may want to wait 6 mo on buying a house. It sounds like interest rates are going up in next 2 mo. If they do, that will kill the housing mkt and the bubble will burst. Yeah, you may have to take a higher interest rate on your loan if you wait but you'll make up for it in a lower house price. And you can always refinance when rates come back down.

YMMV but worth considering. Ask some trusted experts.