As a fairly rookie home owner I can relate to all of this. I'd like to add though that in certain markets (SF Bay Area) it's nearly impossible to buy something

As a fairly rookie home owner I can relate to all of this. I'd like to add though that in certain markets (SF Bay Area) it's nearly impossible to buy something with 20% down for a new time home buyer. My first home I purchased with 5% down, and just purchased a second home with 10%, hopefully for the third one I'll be able to put down 20% - but with the prices here you'll be saving up forever to get to that down payment.