Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I would look at a duplex instead to offset the cost of the mortgage. Then in 5 years, you can get the house. I wouldn't stretch it that much for a "forever" type home when you're not in a forever type life, yet. What if you're future SO doesn't even like that house and then you have to sell?
I say go for it. You are 30 years old and you saved $70,000. You definitely know what you are doing. I think some of the folks on this board are way too conservative. It is great that you will be able to afford a house in NJ. I will be buying a condo in 2019. The prices of homes are high in NYC. I will be lucky if I get a 1 bedroom. I don't think you need a roommate. You are already know what you need to do. Trust yourself.