solid advice

Get pre-approved prior to looking at properties. It is the most important step to take when buying a home. It will allow you to make better decisions based on your current lifestyle and future goals. Good credit and lots of assets are not enough these days. Banks want to see the entire picture and review income documentation before extending a pre-approval letter. There is a difference between a "pre-qual" letter and a "pre-approval" letter. A pre-approval letter is much more thorough and most seller's these days will dismiss a buyer if they do not have a full pre-approval. Call me if you want a referral for a good solid reputable lender.