Best no-load total market index fund?

Here's our situation:

My husband and I are both 27
Retirement accounts: $65K total, invested aggressively
Savings: $9000 in an E-Trade account, adding about $2K-$2500/month, to be used as a down payment in 1 1/2-2 years (putting about 15% on a $400K home)
Joint income: Around $125K

The one thing I think we're missing is non-retirement investments. Most of our savings right now is going toward the down payment goal but I'd like to open a small brokerage account and add a couple hundred a month to it. I'm thinking a good total market index fund and maybe a international index fund, around $2000 to start and then investing systematically.

Does this sound like a good strategy? Any recommendations on which funds? I'll probably just open an E-trade brokerage account with 1 or 2 funds.

Thanks!

Vanguard and Fidelity are probably the lowest cost sources for what you want. Check out this international fund which is a pretty good choice for a taxable account:https://personal.vanguard.com/VGApp/hnw/funds/snapshot?FundId=0770&FundIntExt=INT

You can invest directly without the broker if you'd prefer.

I think that Vanguard is best for index funds, and the costs of market index funds is alot lower then any managed funds. So that is certainly a smart move.

https://personal.vanguard.com/VGApp/hnw/FundsSnapshot?FundId=0085&FundIntExt=INT

https://personal.vanguard.com/VGApp/hnw/FundsSnapshot?FundId=0113&FundIntExt=INT

Those might be good places to start.

Tim
www.college-investor.com

I am somewhat surprised that the selection of a mutual fund is soley based on its low fees, without regard to its performance, manager and or length of time that a fund has been in existance. These funds have not been stellar performers for the past 10 years and yes they have done well over the past 5 years but so have alot of other funds and over the 10 yr. period many have done considerably better. I have not examined in depth all of the Index funds but my comment is more of a general one based on my observations as there are many funds that have perfromed better even though the fees might have been slightly higher.
In this market I'm not sure what a smart move is anymore given the market fluctuations, but a funds track record can be of some help in fund selection versus selection by the cheapest fund with little track record and or one that has not done great over the past 10 years.

For an overseas fund I like Dodge and Cox International. Symbol DODFX. Low cost with great return history and a strong family for funds.