<prompt> Human: I think Im in a good financial position to buy my first home, but considering how big of a decision it is, Im looking for some outside opinions.Details: 30 year old male, single. Made 38,000 last year, will make about 42,000 this year income is slightly variable due to overtime, but the bump in pay is mostly due to an 8 raise I received early this year. I have no debt. I have 53,000 saved after emergency fund, 44,000. Rent is currently 725month, 1 bedroom. Over the past 5 years, Ive saved an average of about 750 per month. I own my car, 3 years old, about 20,000 miles on it.My original price range I had in mind was 135-150k. Got preapproved for a 165k home loan through my bank, have started looking at houses with a realtor. The houses Ive liked so far have admittedly been at the top of my price range, 150-160k. Based on the numbers I was given by the bank, at the very top end 165k, I would need about 43k to close 20 down payment, closing costs, etc and my monthly payment would be about 1,100. At 150k, its more like 39k to close and about 1,000 per month.Rules of thumb Ive found here are mortgage value 3-4x annual salary, and monthly payment 25 monthly income. Although Im not in the monthly range more like 45, the monthly payment seems doable. Additionally, expected raises over the next several years would make it closer to that range.So, thoughts? I dont think I left anything relevant out, but feel free to ask any questions.  <response>: Take your time looking for a house. You should be able to afford one around 150k, but it would be nice to have a little more than 9k leftover after you purchase. There will be other expenses than just the home itself when you move in, Id expect to need another 3-5k. 