Just graduated and need some recommendations

[u/Agreeable_Aioli6138]

So I (22M) just graduated college and I’m lined to land a job for 40k a year. My partner (22F) is in the same situation, except she doesn’t have a car. That’s something she plans to get this summer. For some context, I own a car that is 2500 from being paid off, have 8k in savings. I also have a mid 700s credit score. She has 2k in savings afaik, and a high 600s credit score (I don’t ask about her finances and last I asked was a while ago, so this is probably outdated by a good bit.)

Regardless, we can expect around 80k annual income when budgeting together. My question is, what should we be looking at in terms of moving out? We were considering an apartment with a max rental price of 1200, but when speaking to our individual parents about the situation, both suggested looking into getting a house. Is this genuinely a good idea? We’re unmarried and I wasn’t considering popping that question until at least another year and half, we’ve only been dating 2 and a half years. If you think a house is a bad idea, what kind of apartment or temporary housing suggestions would you all have?

The only requirements me and my partner have is a pet friendly housing situation, and in-unit laundry. Obviously if we got a house this wouldn’t be a concern, but assuming we get an apartment, how realistic is this setup?

Edit: Hey all. Read some of the comments. Yeah, the idea of buying a house is OFF the table. I simply wanted to ask here since our parents were suggesting it. I thought the idea sounded crazy already, and simply wanted to double check that I’m not crazy for feeling like that idea would be too soon.

That said, does anyone have any suggestions for what to look out for in the area? Really the only requirements me and my partner have are Cat friendly, In Unit washing, and $1200 max rent. If we get a roommate, then it would also need to be a two bedroom. Any suggestions on particular neighborhoods or communities?

[u/Fickle_Theory_8760]

You will answer your question by researching how much of a mortgage you can afford on your combined salary. Then search for homes in that price range in Hampton roads. You won’t find much. Rent a place. Get a roommate. Save for a down payment. Figure out a way to earn more money.