$95k in Alabama seems like really good money and presumably that number will continue to go up.

I personally would go for the $282k house that you really want even though in effect it’s 50% of your net pay. House price tags are lowering bc the IR rates are higher.

It def is scary buying when you know you will be spending 50% net on the housing but I think it’s worth it because when rates do go back down the values will go up again as more qualified and willing buyers hit markets again.

When I ( childless adult) bought In March 2020 my mortgage payment and utilities were 50% of my net but I was fairly certain in my city of Sacramento,CA demand during the pandemic would push prices up.

I also jumped into my purchase then because I was offered in March 2020 a 3.5% when in December 2019 I had almost bought at 5.5%.

In 2021 I refinanced down to 2.5% and dropped my PMI and my whole mortgage by $300 and that year I got a 5% raise and then in 2022 a 10% raise. Now my total housing cost with all utilities included is 30% of my net pay and I am very happy I bought when I did.I’d buy now and refinance later.

Mind you I am now married and the housing expense is now only 16% of mine and my spouses combined net pay. It’s even more affordable now.