I totally agree, my parameters from two years ago, from a year ago, even from last month are no longer acceptable today. I have no patience or williingness to stretch today, I measure my housing budget in days of work per month, now 5 days pay is too much. Two years ago I was comfortable with 40% gross for housing, today I won’t go beyond 20% gross pay, including taxes and insurance. I’m holding out for 15%. No longer is it about stretching and impressing, the new black or the new 30 is streamline and affordable, the new goal is 50% of your income slated as “disposable.” It’s a new world, cash is king, granite, stainless and tapping into equity are passe. Having the cash to pick up the tab is the new sexy.
