everyone has different style when handling big life events.
Some people do not like pressure, and would do things step by step, and other people may like to jump several steps first.
When it comes to buy houses, some people will buy houses which fit their current situation, while other people would take some risk to stretch a little bit to buy houses which they planned to stay for a little longer time and avoid changing and moving in a near future . Furthermore, they may believe their salary will be going up or they might get married one day. It is really personal preference. The most important thing is that everyone is happy with his/her choice and no regrets.
Just my two cents.