Measuring Mortgage Payments

You're planning to buy a home and you've met with a lender.  The lender has indicated that you will qualify for a bigger loan with bigger payments than you're comfortable with.  Listen to your inner voice.  Buy something you feel you can afford.  If you have a nice house/townhouse/condo, but can't afford to furnish it or go out with friends on the week-end, you are not likely to be very happy.  Don't let yourself get caught in that trap.