All,
My fiancee and I have been keeping an eye on the Bethesda real estate market and would like to hear some thoughts on what we should spend. Here's some background:
1. Please assume long-term gross income of ~$300k (currently at $430k and climbing, but might dial it back in the future)
2. ~35y/o, with no kids, but open to having one or maybe two
3. Our preferred neighborhoods all have excellent public schools
4. Plenty of cash on hand to cover 20% down and transaction costs (without cutting into emergency or wedding funds)
5. Already maxing out retirement accounts (and not willing to touch them)
6. FICO scores are both over 800
7. Only debt is student loan of $22k, with 2.875% interest (repaying at $100/mo)
Homes catching our eye tend to range from $800k to a million, but we're flexible and would prefer to play it safe.
Thanks,
QA