I think you're best bet is to sit down and really do some calculations. Set up a spreadsheet if you're comfortable with that sort of tool. Figure out exactly what you're paying now in terms of rent and utilities, and then figure out what you'd be paying for a home in terms of mortgage, property taxes, insurance, repairs, utilities, etc.
Mortgage interest is tax deductible, which is really nice.
In owning our home, our property taxes are currently equal to almost two mortgage payments. We pay gas, electric, water/sewer, and trash. If we had cable we'd have to pay for that too. Our homeowner's insurance is equal to almot one mortgage payment, and in looking at it we've realized that it's not enough anymore, as the cost to rebuilld our home exceeds what our home is insured for.
Just some food for thought.
Welcome to the forums.
