I am in a condo, don't do it! My condo board was mild when I joined. They are not anymore and they keep raising the condo fee. Anything I can't do, Brian can, so there is no real benefit for you two. (aka Snow Removal, Leaf Raking, etc...) You have the issue of common wall neighbors, if they are bad, they are not going to move in a year. They are homeowners also. I can't start a load of laundry after 9pm or use the pool before 10 am. Sometimes all the rules make me feel like a renter...

I wish I had the resources (time, money and all that jazz) for a house. But in the meantime, I am buiding equity so I don't hate it. Don't forget the housing market peaks in August so it is just beginning. If you don't find a house this year, wait to next. Also I notice some places have Thursday Night Open Houses. If I find the companies, I will send them.

The waiting game sucks, but in the end you will get something you love. Hang in there!