I don't think we're at the max for a home. I know I shouldn't compare, but I see couples our age (mid-20s) buying homes in neighborhoods where prices start in the low 300s, and I know they aren't making our income. I realize that's not a good basis for comparison for our own lives, but I feel like if they're getting mortgages for up to that high, I should definitely be able to qualify for the significantly lower amount I'm requesting.
I am getting ready to start a job with the state retirement system, so I will be maxing that out, and DH has retirement as well as stocks through his company. Fortunately, we are not planning to have children, so future education expenses will not be a concern. Yes, I know "anything can happen." No, it's not happening.
That is my biggest concern regarding the less than 20% is the previous market bust. I was in college when that happened so wasn't super educated about it, but I knew enough to know it was from people putting down too little on their homes. I would definitely want us to put down the max amount possible without disrupting our emergency fund,
Maybe I'll just win the lottery and won't have to worry about this! Guess I better buy a ticket first though.