Also you will save on Income tax. Yes, I think you could buy a house and not be in a financial bind. The old rule was - price of house equal to 2.5 times your yearly salarey. I don't think you will go wrong to buy a house. You only have to make each month's payment the same as your rent. You don't have to think that 130,000 is hanging over your head all the time. I am not a realtor but bought my first house at 21. Reading the financial columms in the newspaper helped me to understand that it was a good deal. I am now in my 4th house.
Don't let him see that you were talking on here, he will feel pressured and balk just like horse. I will stop preaching now and wish you GOOD Luck with your decision.