The prices for Featherweights on Ebay have dropped dramatically. I have four; three I've bought through Ebay. One I bought through the online Goodwill site. On Goodwill, go to search and enter "sewing machine."
You can get a really nice Featherweight in the $200-$300 price range these days on Ebay. When the economy dropped, so did the prices on the FWs. It also depends on how picky you are about the body condition. Would you accept one with the decals slightly worn down? That seems to affect the price more than anything. Some go for a lot higher, but you really don't have to go that high these days. The Featherweight Freearm 222 used to sell for close to $2000, but you can get a really nice one for less than $1000 now.
Everyone that's told you about estate sales is absolutely correct. Every now and then you can find one at an estate sale for less than $100. Consider that a treasure find!!