RebE, so, interpreting Chasam Sofer, one does not need to own the house clean and have a management job, but one needs to plant – a profession and a mortgage should suffice.
Another note: we are blessed to live at the time of abundance. There is no need to keep up with the Joneses. If someone wants to live in a cheap place and not spend extravagantly, and the bride is happy with that, he might not need a mortgage.