We really need more data. How old are you and your husband? Will his income go up or is he at the top of his earning potential? How long do you plan to be a stay at home mom? Will you earn an income down the road? Any home improvement skills or DIYers? How important are the schools your kids go to? Do you demand 9 or 10 out of 10 on the rating scale? What are some of your top choice neighborhoods?

I’m probably of the camp that leans toward putting minimal down and invest the rest.

Great ideas to “work” the little old lady on a deal to buy or stay. But if that angle doesn’t work, you need to compare rent vs buy with your new market rent. I think the buy camp wins out.