----I just finished real estate school, have owned hoa and non hoa properties in states very expensive and very reasonable for real estate. If you are in the Boston area, thats a very high end real estate market.Having your family in that area tho is crucial for someone challenged like us.
I hope your husband actually enjoys doing maintenance if you choose a single family home. Re the dog, pets are wonderful but with a dog someone has to pick up the poops (been there). They should really be walked or the pup will have behavior problems--not so much fun if you are in Boston. I have a low maintenance cat. She knows when I need comforting but is out of the way when things are busy unlike a dog.
Equity building is important for your net worth and your retirement, but I hope your husband will handle most of the home buying process. The stress is NOT going to do you any good. Interest rates are still fairly low, but they will probably keep going up. They can get much higher. Financiers are expecting some inflation and the Fed keeps upping interest rates.
I think you should determine what is making your symptoms worse--is it the stress of deciding to rent or buy? Figure that out before you make a decision. Making such an important decision right now can put too much pressure on you. Maybe you should make a pros and cons list and quickly turn the whole issue over to your husband. I am all for women rights and participation but I understand the challenge of a complicated disorder.
PS, be sure the house is put in joint tenancy with right of survival. HUGS!!!