<prompt> Human: My husband and I are hoping to buy a house in the next year. We have a combined gross income of 150K, both making 75K in secure jobs with excellent benefits, and are looking at houses in the 350-450K range. So, were expecting a monthly mortgage payment of 2K or slightly more out of a take-home income of about 8K.Were also thinking about starting a family. Im very lucky to get a year of paid maternity leave, and if we can swing it my husband would like to stay home the following year or two years. His would be unpaid, but his job would be protected and there for him at the same salary the instant he wanted to return. Crunching the numbers, a 2K mortgage payment on a 4K monthly paycheque seems pretty big when we factor in the other expenses of owning a home, having a kid, and life generally. Does this sound at all realistic? Does anyone have any planning insight into this kind of situation?We realize we would have to forego saving in those years entirely, expensive vacations, other big purchases...but Im worried that it would be too much of a stretch. Ive always been relatively conservative with my money and the idea of not having anything left over at the end of the month really scares me. EDIT: if unreasonable - which sounds like may be the case especially if an older home requiring more upkeep - I wonder if we stop building our down payment now, and going forward start a tax sheltered account RRSP that will help to cover expenses while my husband is on leave. We can save on taxes now and if we dont have children for another year, and I can save half my maternity pay, then there would be a decent account that he could effectively draw a salary from.EDIT 2: Thanks to everyone who replied. This is what this subreddit is so great for - a much needed gut-check when you start getting wrapped up in unrealistic plans! Our budgets were really assuming the best case scenario of everything - minimal maintenance, no emergencies. Were going to keep saving, and are going to explore options that could allow some revenue to come in before and during those years to fill the gap - a rental suite in the home, part-time work for my husband, or seeking higher-paid positions sooner rather than later I know this is an obvious one, we just both love our jobs as they are... Thanks!!  <response>: Is 2kmonth including property taxes and homeowners Insurance?Dont forget utilities, which can be significant with an older inefficient andor large home. For example here in TX I can easily have a 300month electric bill during the summer thermostat set to 80 during the day, 75 at night. Watersewagetrash adds another 200. 