Not long ago new homeowners could afford to stretch the budget, assuming that appreciation would pay them back for buying a property that was a bit beyond their means. In 2010, however, reality dictates that, since appreciation is not automatic, buyers get more realistic and match their reach to their grasp. Mortgage payments at a quarter your monthly income are a lot safer than at one third of your income. And, since home ownership is still the best investment around for young couples — values rarely decline for very long and the tax benefits of ownership exist independent of the market — even a manageable investment can provide a spring board to a larger home in the near future. (Historically, most mortgages are paid off within seven years.) So, slow and steady is the new mantra — reach for what you can hold onto now and let value appreciation come at its own pace.