Current takehome is one factor, but you also need to look at expected future income. I'd be nervous about counting on big raises, but the opposite happens a decent bit in this area given the #of folks in Biglaw.

Our HHI is currently about $650k, but there is a good chance it could drop to 400k, maybe less. I wouldn't feel comfortable getting a mortgage based on the higher number. If I make partner and my income goes up considerably we could always decide to upgrade at that point.