I wanted something of my own for a long time, I hate renting - the money leaves your hands and is gone. Hubs (#2) has his own property and I have mine now. The most important thing is having the money to pay for what you want. Sit down and make a plan w/ hubs. If you both work, no kids, you should be able to save like crazy. Save til it pinches, cus once you own a home things happen and you will get pinched now and then.
I do agree, I would start by looking for a piece of land - only if you intend to stay put - things happen, jobs get moved cross country. In these times jobs are not a sure thing anymore.
I also wouldnt but any brand new anything, there are way too many homes out there banks should sell at way reduced prices. Find something that dosent cost more a month than what you pay in rent (include everything rent includes, or also add in what you would pay for ele/gas/water/utlities) Plan on how you would pay if 1 or both of you laot your jobs.
also, get a long mortgage(30yr - BUT you can always pay on the principal when you have extra cash, which allows the mortgage to be pd off sooner) and a fixed interest, AND, buy the ins (added in the monthly bill) that pays the mortgage in full if either of you die! Sounds goulish when you both say it, but my 1st hubs and I did and he dropped dead at 40 and I owned the home free and clear, which was a blessing. He made most of the money even if we both worked, I couldnt have carried the mortgage alone. sharet