On the rent for now train of thought. You can understand what kids mean theoretically, but I'd wait until you know you're going to have kids to buy. On top of your wife's job stability, I'm sure your needs now versus when/if you have kids will change. It'd be a waste of money (realtor/title/mortgage/moving/furniture etc.) to move now, only to have twins and discover you need to move again in 3 years. On top of all that the housing market is starting to drop, so you'll probably get a better deal in a couple years when you guys are pregnant. Enjoy being childless and not having to take care of a house while you're in your twenties!