We wouldn't be able to save 20% for probably another 5-10 years, unless if we get some absolutely huge amounts from the wedding. Am I really supposed to wait until I'm 41 to buy a house?
Yes you should.
Age doesn't matter. If you are not ready, you are not ready. Some people NEVER own a house.
It's not a hand out, it's something you have to work for!!!
We wouldn't be able to save 20% for probably I want to start a family next year, so I do appreciate your advice, but getting a 20% downpayment just isn't going to happen.[/QUOTE]
And you going to throw kids into a mix?
You are REALLY setting yourself up for failure.
I've been putting money into rent for the past 10 years, which is all money wasted.
It's ok, lot of people do that.
Remember, 1-2 missed mortgage payments and you in a lot worse situation then you are in today.
Not to mention the fiancee is literally crying over the fact that we would have to wait to save up $50k
Sounds like you might want to reconsider your marriage?
You or your fiancee are not entitled to ANYTHING in life. You have to work hard and MANY years to be ready.
Most Americans will NEVER end up owning a house (simple as that).
If you are not ready, don't even think about it.
I'm really not sold on the 20%. Rates are so low that putting an extra $10,000-$20,000 down on a modest house does very little over 30 years, PMI is tax deductable for a lot of people and most people can simply use that money on more expensive short term debt if they have it.
Yes, everyone in our society seems to think that. But there was a good reason it was done this way in the 70s/80s....before they deregulated and let the banks hand out money left and right.
As long as you and others remember that the risk is on YOUR side.
Although it does very little you have some buffer zone IF you lose your job or the prices go down. It's called a safety net.
Funny how the entire housing market crashed and...
a) banks are still doing sketchy things
b) people are still doing whatever they can to "own a house"
House ownership is something you have to be ready for. Also it's not all that is hyped up to be (many don't realize this either).