Wow, if you feel "unwelcome" because you were violating municipal code, you might be in for a much bigger surprise once you're a homeowner, especially if you're within city limits. Someone could even call you out for running a business out of your home without a license. It happens, so educate yourself as to the codes before you buy anything anywhere.
You can up your DP cash by temporarily lowering your 401k contributions to just the percentage that gets matched.
I believe we are nearing the end of a Real Estate bubble. People who have lost their jobs are going to start losing/selling their houses. More inventory = lower prices. Use this time to learn your market intimately and pile up some more cash. Consider going on an austerity diet to further up your cash. The Frugalwoods have a good Uber Frugal Month plan that you can start any time and do for as long as you want.
https://www.frugalwoods.com/category/uberfrugalmonth/
If you are not at the point in your relationship where you are confident enough to marry, don't buy a house together. Not saying you have to actually wed, but buying property with a non-spouse is riskier.
Hi Dicey,
While we did violate an incredibly vaguely worded code, we were singled out by a neighbor complaint. I spoke with the City Planner and he confirmed as such. There are over a dozen boats, travel trailers, cars on blocks, etc. breaking the same ordinance in my neighborhood alone, and we were the only ones who were asked to move. That is the source of the unwelcome feeling.
The house were are in the process of purchasing is on 12 acres in the middle of nowhere, so no more pesky ordinances to worry about.
I agree with you on the housing bubble, but we have been working towards a house for a long time, and the quality of life increase is worth the possible short term housing value drop. I remember 2008 vividly and thankfully we are able to purchase a home that could feasibly be paid for with one salary should one of us lose our job.
In regards to marriage, while we both have not taken it off the table, we both have been impacted by awful divorces and are not thrilled about letting the government into our relationship. While I appreciate the marriage advice (It is a popular opinion), it's a personal decision and we are comfortable where we are.
On the house front:
We did find alternate financing and a going forward with a 3% down, 3.25% interest Fannie May backed mortgage, freeing up a bunch of cash for some updates. The home inspection process went well and we are going with the flow. The sellers are even including a nice zero turn mower in the deal! lol