Rent for a while and save. Prices will decline and you’ll have more money for a down payment… getting to that magical 20% in fairly short order I imagine.
The markets and lending institutions don’t care what you think you deserve based on your lifestyle choices. They want collateral and plenty of it. And I support their newfound prudence.
You sound like you’ve been relatively responsible with your money, but I’m nevertheless reminded of the classic skit, “Don’t Buy Stuff You Can’t Afford.”
