<prompt> Human: My girlfriend and I are currently living in a very small studio apartment. Our rent is increasing from 1500 to 1850 at the end of the month. I currently make 52k a year and expect some raise in the near future probably not more than 55k. my liquid savings not including my 401k or HSA is 15k and my debt is effectively zero. i have a running balance on a credit card but there is reserve cash to cover that, which is not included in my savings. my gut tells me that investing all of my savings in real estate, making a 5 down payment on an FHA mortgage, and getting a more comfortable and personal space, is a better idea than continuing to rent.i understand there is some uncertainty in the real estate market but it seems like the obvious choice. is my understanding overly simplistic? what else should I consider?  <response>: Would it take all 15k to get that 5 down payment youre talking about? If so, thats a 285,000 mortgage, which you absolutely cannot afford on a salary of 55k. Even a 200,000 mortgage would be seriously pushing it. If rent in a small studio apartment is 1850 where you live, I highly doubt you will be able to find something all that much more spacious to buy with a salary of 55k. Does your girlfriend work as well?The other thing to consider is how long you plan to be in the area. If theres any possibility of moving to another city within the next 8-10 years, you should not buy a house. 