Thanks R. We dont have to pay off our debt before the mortgage, we just figured it was more intelligent. Then we can get a bigger and better house than the one we found now. Only looking at next spring anyways. The payments arent much more than what we are paying now but we wouldnt be able to stash away savings for the off chance that something bad happens like we need a new appliance, or one of us loses our job etc. Gotta have the emergency stash. Plus the more we save up, the lower our payments and APR will be. It's pretty much a win win situation.
Yeah, that's a real good plan - more ideal than rushing into things. That's the kinda thing I would do too if it was me going through that. You'll do well. You two have got it together really well haven't you? Sounds like you are both so well-suited to eachother - good on ya!