While it seems that the whole country is talking about the earthquake that happened in Virginia today (yes, I felt it while in my office), the big news for me was that I got my mortgage pre-approval from the bank so now I know exactly how much I can spend on a house. I was approved for more than I want to spend, but I guess that’s not a bad thing. After all, they could have approved me for less than I was looking to spend. I guess it goes to show that the Total Money Makeover baby steps that I started on three years ago are working.

With a solid maximum amount that I can spend my search criteria for a house has gotten better, but I’m pretty frustrated that there have only really been two houses that I’ve come across that I want to check out further, and after a closer look at the second one I found, I’m not even sure about that one. It may have pink shutters, which I can always repaint, but I didn’t see what was behind it when I drove by and that may be a deal breaker for me, not to mention the taxes that are considerably higher than the house that I like better anyway.

As I get out and drive around looking at houses I am getting a better feel for what kinds of houses and areas I’d like to look in, even if they didn’t have many “For Sale” signs up. Another thing I’m getting better at is picking out what houses are in my price range, and there are more than I thought. I’m still trying to keep my mind open about different styles of houses, but while I initially thought that I might want to look into Cape Cod style houses, all of the ones I’ve come across in my price range are tiny. I know I’m only one person, but I’m now convinced that I really need at least 1000 square feet.

I have an appointment to meet with my Realtor on Thursday afternoon to take a look at some houses and to set up an automated notification of houses that fit my criteria. Hopefully after looking at houses that I like she can help me find ones that I’d like that I’m not able to find on my own. That is pretty much one of the main reasons why you work with a Realtor, isn’t it?