It's really difficult.  If you're not pulling big dollars, you might as well forget it.  Sh1t, even if you're pulling big money, you have to at least have 5% down, then lawyer fees, then double land transfer tax (if you're not 1st time home buyer)...which can be like $10K+.  So at the low end you need at least have $35K+ for a $400K crib...minimal debt and great credit.  That is...if you go through the bank.  If you go through a broker, damn near anyone can get a mortgage.
My point is, home ownership is starting become out of reach for a lot of people.  The rates aren't going up so the prices keep going up.  The rates will go up eventually and a lot a folk will be 

.  So if the bank is approving you at $600K, you better look for something at $400-450K and you better put some money aside and have a back up plan in case you lose your job.