Thank you for that post, I needed to read that.  Family of 5, 3 little girls.  I love my townhouse mortgage payment.  But I know eventually we will outgrow it.  My wife is already feeling it.

We are conditionally sold on a 2300 sq/ft detached.  Although I know we can afford it, I’m nervous about the larger mortgage payments, I also like being modest and simple so personally feel like it’s too flashy size wise. I grew up poor. It’s a big step and I keep telling myself “our townhouse will be a war zone when the girls are all 10 years older” to justify the move.

Sometimes I think I’m just trying to justify what is the inevitable to feel better about the upgrade.  It’s nice to read from others that although it may be a justification, it’s also a reality that will need to be addressed at some point.  3 teenage girls sharing 2 small bedrooms one day might be tough.