[tyleo]

I was in the same situation and the solution is to just get a worse home than you want :(

I just purchased my first home because I could finally afford it after a few lucky cash windfalls. I spent the last 5 years in a 700 sq ft apartment.

What I learned: I would have been much better off buying a worse home 5 years ago that was at least better than the 700 sq ft apartment.

I don’t think saving up that down payment makes as much sense any more. I felt like I was chasing a target which was moving faster than I was.