Am I ready to buy my first house?

[Eaysha Scaife]

Hello, I am a graduating senior in college. Once I graduate I will be starting at a company, in my field, in Washington DC making $72,500 salary. My student loan debt is just under $25,000 and my credit score is currently around 720 for all 3 credit bureaus. (By the time I am planning to move my score will be higher). My mother is a realtor in North Carolina and she is telling me that with my budget I could simply purchase a condo or a townhouse that would be cheaper if not around the same price as renting (I understand I'll have other fees like taxes, insurance, and HOA's). My sister is passionately against the idea and is telling me it makes more sense to rent. Personally, I plan to start investing in real estate in a couple of years, and I feel that purchasing a property for myself would be a good foot in the door and give me better understanding and experience. I am not familiar with the housing market in that area, so I've come here looking for guidance. What would be your suggestion, especially if you know or have experience working in the DC market.

Thanks