To Buy or Not To Buy

Why does it seem like a quantum leap to go from being a home renter to being a home buyer? Am I the only one who feels this way? At what point do you have enough faith that you take the plunge and hope that you make it to the other side unharmed and better off? How did all of you first-time home buyers do it? I find I can make some leap-of-faith decisions with no problem. I dont even look back half of the time and every time has proven to bring me further in my own self-evolution. But this house thing.....
Lets do the math. A "simple" equation- all variables considered.

Rent= 1200/month
Mortgage= $1200/month.

Hmmm....I can see the writing on the wall.....or can I?

This house buying thing isnt as black and white as I thought. Or is it? Does it become black and white AFTER I take the plunge? When does the fog clear?

So what is the fear behind this whole mortgage thing anyway? Lets see that equation again.
Rent= $1200/month
Mtg= $1200/month

So I am paying roughly the same amount.....but.....for some reason the mortgage amount scares me more. Is it the "Commitment" factor? or the "Responsibility" factor? or perhaps the "You know if your refrigerator breaks then YOU have to pay for it yourself" factor? is it the scary "Financing" factor? is it the "Now Your An Adult" factor?? or how about the "Economic Market-Present And Future" factor? Is it "D. ALL OF THE ABOVE" factor?

Why does renting seem to be so easy? Or is it??....

Whats so easy about having to deal with a landlord? How about paying extra for pets? And what about lease agreements? What if you have to move and you have to break a lease? Hey where did my deposit go? How about packing and moving every 12 months?

I think there is a point where all the rental hassles and details actually push you over the edge and its not that you jumped when you were ready but that you were actually pushed and you just figured it out as you plunged into your thoughts of "What if I dont qualify? How can I afford a down payment? Closing costs??? And what's a Mortgage Broker?

....So.... Do I take the plunge? Have I already been pushed and I am scrambling to grab hold of something on the familiar ledge? Perhaps its time to let go and see what kind of wings i come up with...