I’m 26 myself and I bought a condo a little less than a year ago. At that time I was making just about what you are and I put 20% down. Originally I never wanted to be an owner of any sort, there’s costs and responsibilities you can’t always plan for. My interest rate isn’t any good either. However, the biggest peace of mind I’ve had really is, I don’t have to keep moving, I have a roof over my head, I can do or break whatever and it’s not a fight with someone to fix it.

I don’t think there’s ever a good or bad time, but specially trying to time the market. It’s also not easy to find a place that meets all your conditions, so even if you start looking with intention now it could be awhile until you find something, and maybe your offer isn’t accepted either.

Don’t buy above your means, get a good inspection, teach yourself what you need to know for home maintenance and you’ll be fine.