<prompt> Human: Hi all,I just watched this video and would like to buy a house one day, but I have no idea how I can meet the parameters Rachel Cruze is suggesting.For reference, I am a federal employee living and working in Fairfax County, VA, where unfortunately even the most affordable houses small cottages from WWII are valued at around 400,000.If I were to go for one of these houses, according to Rachel Cruze after saving 3-6 months expenses for an emergency fund and then saving 40,000 to 80,000 for a down-payment, I need a 15-year mortgage that is no more than 25 of my take-home pay.As a federal employee, the highest salary that I can get within a reasonable amount of time is 94,796, which comes to about 4,740 a month after all deductions. And yet even assuming a full 20 down-payment, a 15-year mortgage would still be 56 of my take-home pay 2,673 a month. That is nowhere near the 25.I would need a down-payment worth 70 of the homes value 270,000 to meet this 25 guideline.What am I missing? I just dont understand how this is possible, or is it not? Is Rachel Cruze just not being realistic?  <response>: Shes just repeating Daves advice. Its unrealistic for many, and unnecessary as well. Dave really wants to say pay cash, except he knows that wouldnt fly. 