Also don't forget to shop in the market a little higher than what you think you can afford. Say you both want to buy a house and spend NO MORE THAN 300,000. Shop the 310-315 range and offer less than 300. See if you can't get yourself a bit more house for your dollars by negotiating a good deal. Who knows? They may take your first lowball offer.
Just stick to your financial plan when you get out shopping. I know this can be difficult to do if one of you fall in love with a house. Make a plan and keep each other to the original plan. Go away from the house and sleep on it a night or two. Go back over the financial plans BEFORE you make any offer. Pinky swear to make each other stand strong long before you get to the shopping or negotiating part! IOW, don't be the downfall to your own best plans.
There is always another house!!
Oh, and not to be indelicate, but what kind of health is your father in? Is there a likelihood that you will inherit the family home?
And, I'd also be making a Plan B if once you all move in together if the family harmony situation is not idillic for your new hubbie. You may need to make a faster move than you are now planning.
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