<prompt> Human: Me and my wife together make about 75k gross. But when she quits in about 3-5 years for us to start a family we are old fashioned I guess in that way we will then have about 45k income. So obviously I need to be in a situation that I can sustain at 45k.We currently have no kids and can EASILY only live off just my income currently.We are very frugal and very happy with living modestly, our biggest goal is to be able to be in a house in 3-5 years when we start having kids.The cheapest 3 room or larger obviously homes in our town are 180-200k. Now the 3 year salary rule would obviously dictate that I can only afford a 130kish home which doesnt exist here because of my 45k salary Here is the question. If we are very diligent, stay in an apt and save her income and we buy a 200k house BUT put 70k down. Then would I be safe then to have a home above 3x income?Our very much largest 5 year goal would to be into a home before kids. And it very much feels worth the effort.What do you suggest, stupid plan? I know I only make 45k and a home is a little out of the stars, but Im thinking with a large down payment we can pull it off.Also, id of course love to save her income and throw it in retirement or a mutual fund but again, a home is more important to us and we couldnt get in one with no down payment if I make 45k.Long winded, sorry. Thanks for any answers.  <response>: As long as the monthly mortgage is less than 13rd of your after tax money, youll be fine. For example, if you bring home 2,800 a month, your mortgage should be no more than 944. If you put down 70k on a 200k house, that means youd finance 130k - according to Googles mortgage calculator, your payments would be 615, under the 944 limit. 