conversation: User (ed_bloom): "Early 30s, single...Been at my current job for about a year and just started making a decent salary (190k/yr with guarantee of a 1 to 2% pay raise annually).\nI've been throwing ~4k a month into a savings account with the plan of using it as a down payment on property.  My savings is presently 55k.  I plan on being at my job location for at least a few more years and would like to purchase either a house or condo.  \nI'm in massive student loan debt, but with a plan to have it all paid off by the end of 8 years.  Until then, I pay 24% of my monthly net to my student loans (income based loan repayment).\nAfter all is said and done (student loans been paid, contributions made to 401k, insurance, etc.), I have 5450 a month leftover.  I don't have many other expenses at this point (car paid off and no rent right now).  I'm obviously planning for my expenses to exponentially increase when I make a home purchase. I've been approved for up to a 470k mortgage, but do not need a house that big, and also want to live within my means.  I'm also not sure if I should keep building my savings for awhile in order to accumulate a 20% down payment or not.  \n\nWhat would you advise as far as what would be a sensible mortgage?  I'm turning to reddit because I know very little about personal finance, as does every member of my immediate family.  Thanks."
  Self: "You didn't state what part of the country you are in, which is important in telling us what type of market you are in.\n\nYou also said massive student debt but wasn't specific.  I'm assuming 6 figures worth.  \n\nWithout having all info, personally for the time being I would stay where you are and keep paying down that debt and saving up down payment money.  You are very lucky to be living rent free, I'd ride that out for a while.  "
  User (ed_bloom): "USA.  Good advice, thank you responders."
  