I agree with Ride. You don't need to buy a house, especially when you're starting off and have no idea where you'll live in a few years. Unless you plan on renting out the place after you leave, I wouldn't buy a place unless you think the property is going to drastically increase or you'll be there for at least 7-10 years. I'm a bit jaded though b/c I felt the same pressure soon after college and we bought a condo in 2006 that we just sold (after renting out for 3 years) at like a $60k loss (not including the sale fees), but you are young and it's just you two, so there is no reason you can't find a small place to rent and save up a ton of money. Also sounds like your FIL might need a bit of adjustment, are you sure you want to latch on to him? If he needs support (emotional/financial) then okay, you've got some conversations to have, but you said he's acting out since his wife died. Obviously a traumatic experience that is understandable, but no idea what acting out means, if it means spending money, being a D-bag or what? But I wouldn't get caught up in buying too early, focus on saving.