<prompt> Human: I just turned 27, 30k in retirement savings and 20k in saving acct. I make about 85k annually and expected 1037; increase in the next yaer. The majority of the money I make goes towards my 401k, roth, savings, etc. Rent is 375month currently living with two other roommates. I am considering of looking for a small house 200k vs renting, where I put in 4500 per year to a house I do not own.Buying a house is a HUGE commitment and Ive heard scary stories about it. However, I am actually getting tired of moving around and not having a place to call my own, but I am also scared of taking that big step. What are the downsides and upsides towards buying a house vs renting? Should I just continue to rent until at reach a certain point that Im comfortable in purchasing a house? Is 20k even enough to purchase one? Thoughts?  <response>: you have to live somewhere, usually need 2037; down , and figure being in it for 5 years minimum no guarantee of equity cost of upkeeprepairs there is plenty of upside if things go just OK 