Buying a house

Usually you need to put down 20% of the final value of the house when you are buying. If you don't put down 20% you will need to get an extra insurance called private mortgage insurance.

So either, pay the insurance or take out a second non house loan to get up to the %.

It is a tough call either way. Look into both options before you decide what to do.

Typically if people put money down its usually 10 or 20%, but if your planning on just putting down a couple thousand I would just do 100% financing and save that money in case you become tight on money.

Whatever you decide to put down, leave a little bit extra in the bank for incidentals like blinds, furniture, paint, etc.!

As to your question, work backwards... Find out what your comfortable monthly payment would be (including Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) and make your determination from there!

Good luck!