E2, you said “if we find something that we like and is not totally insane as far as the payments go then we will go ahead and buy. Based on history, I can’t imagine a house that we buy now will be worth less in 20 years.”
That may be true, but it doesn’t mean that it is a good investment. Look at the opportunity cost of all the investments you will miss in those 20 years because you’re making a big monthly mortgage payment.
It sounds like other factors are more important to you (i.e., settling down, raising family) so this may not matter to you. I wish you the best of luck and hope you’re happy with your purchase. Just know that, at least financially, it is not a wise move at this point in time.
