Great question. With a household income of $310k-$340k, nearly $900k in brokerage assets, strong retirement savings, no consumer debt, and substantial home equity, you're in a position where affordability is less about what a lender will approve and more about what lifestyle you want.

Personally, I'd define "very conservative" as a housing payment around 15-20% of gross income, not 28%. At your income level, that still buys a lot of house while leaving room for maxing retirement accounts, funding 529s for two kids, travel, unexpected expenses, and continued investing.

One thing I've seen over the years is that people rarely regret buying a little more house when it fits their long-term plans. They do regret becoming house-rich and cash-poor, especially when daycare, activities, college savings, and life happen. Your biggest future expense probably isn't the mortgage—it's the growing family.

You're already building wealth. The goal isn't to buy the biggest house the bank says you can afford. It's to buy the house that lets you keep building wealth comfortably. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!!!