<prompt> Human: I have 0 debt, she has about 12K in student loans.My take-home pay is 2,900 per month after taxes,401k, health insurance. Hers is about 1,900 - 200 per month in student loan payment.I am looking at buying a house within the next year. Can we afford a house in the 380,000 - 410,000 range assuming a 20 down payment?  <response>: You would be house poor. My wife and I bring in right around the same as you and yours and the only debt we have is 9K in a car. We literally have no other debt and both have high 700 credit scores. Ive done a lot of research in this area and Im a banker. If I were you with 20 the very most Id go would be 300K and honestly I wouldnt even feel that comfortable with that. The other things you have to take into consideration are major life expenses, maintenance on the house, saving other than a 401k, etc... You could make the payment, but I would recommend it based on the info youve given. 