<prompt> Human: Background: We are both 27. I make 70K, 30K savings, Fiance: makes 65K but part time, 70K savings. We pretty much have no debt except for recurring 30 gymmovies. We are looking at houses between 150 to 250K in central NJ but my dad was telling me to be realistic and look at ones at least 350K since we might have a kid and want more room. My argument was since were not going to have kids why do I bother paying extra in property taxes for a school system I dont use. In addition, Id rather not pay for house space which will used as a storage space. I also said buy a cheaper house will allow us to funnel more money into retirement as well and extra savings for house upgrades and emergency savings.  <response>: Your dad is wrong. Do not buy more house than you can afford. With your joint income, 150K-250K seems like a great range, and buying a more affordable home will give you breathing room in terms of savings, maintenance costs, and taxes. 