Right. Until one person gets laid off, has a car accident, wants a divorce, etc. 8000 in 12 months is 96000 so now one salary goes only to the mortgage... Now

Right. Until one person gets laid off, has a car accident, wants a divorce, etc. 8000 in 12 months is 96000 so now one salary goes only to the mortgage... Now make those salaries for the next 30 years. Your point is valid in that as you make more money more of it can go to housing because a smaller portion is required for things like food, clothing, gas, transportation, etc. 3x gross income was the conventional rule of thumb but truthfully that was back when interest rates were 7% or so. However, just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should.