I think I'm ready to leave the renter's nest. Looking to buy, but I'm not sure how much exactly I can afford. Everything is short and simple when renting, you get a bill every month, and that's that. With owning, you have to factor in real estate taxes, mortgage rates, maintenance fees (I'll probably wind up getting a 1BDR co-op). And then there are tax deductions which reduce costs.

So..looking for some advice.
To keep things simple and free of conflicts of interest, I'm not looking to work with anyone here if you're an actual real estate agent. Just some advice. Thanks!

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Vanilla rice, rice baby

60% is what I usually hear. Your mortgage/taxes/insurance cannot exceed 60% of your monthly income.

"Always be yourself...unless you suck."

oh, I'm gonna make sure they don't exceed 50% of my income, because I like to eat more than canned food for dinner.

New place to be and get in to right now is Harlem- In 2-3 years, that will be too expensive too.

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in times of great moral crisis maintain their neutrality."

"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross" - Sinclair Lewis

What's a 1BR go for in Manhattan? Roughly 800sq feet? Buy or Rent.

I'm almost afraid to hear the answer.

yeah, I don't know..people have been saying that for years though. I'm sure eventually that's going to be the case, but I don't think soon...I think parts of Brooklyn will surge before Harlem.

typically a 500sq ft 1BDR (co-op, not even a condo!) costs over half a mill....studios you can find in the 4 range.

Dayam. And I thought condos in Toronto were expensive. wow.

Yikes! Does that even come with windows or 1 window? Sheesh!