We'll say it again, get pre-approved before you "fall in love" with a home. By being pre-approved you get the sellers attention, because there are two main things a seller wants to know when getting offers.

1. How much is the offer?
2. Do they really have the money to purchase their home?
      When a homebuyer takes the time and the effort to get pre-approved for financing it does several things. It establishes exactly how much home you can afford, and it gives you the strongest possible negotiating position with that home seller.

      In most every case, a seller is more willing to negotiate on price or terms if the availability of the money is assured and they know you'll follow through on the offer.

2. Be Realistic About Wants and Needs
      If you’ve done your homework and are pre-approved, there is no reason that a home search should take months and months in a normal market. This only happens when the buyer has not come to terms with what they really need / want / or can afford to buy. Or if there don't happen to be any "similar" homes available at that moment. Sit and make a list of items that are a must, then a list of your wants. When we meet, we can discuss it realistically and map out a plan of action that will dial in the home that is perfect for you.