Congratulations on getting your preapproval! Now you need to make a list of your "wants" and "needs". "Wants" being those things you would like your new home to have if possible. "Needs" being those things that are must haves.
An example of a need comes from a personal experience I had with a client years ago. A lovely growing family that needed more space and had an idea of living in the Toledo suburbs of Maumee, Perrysburg or Waterville. We looked at lots and lots of houses, each one being just perfect with the exception of where to put Grandmother's furniture. It finally occured to me to ask just what Grandmother's furniture was...a beautiful dining room set that had been in storage for many years due to lack of space. While the buyer had insisted they did not need a dining room, it wasn't until one day I said "will you be continuing to keep Grandmother's furniture in storage when you move?" A resounding "OH NO" was the answer. We then knew that a dining room was a "need" not a want. The workshop for Dad had been reduced to a "want" when upon further discussion it was realized that Dad didn't really NEED a workshop because he wasn't very handy, but that he had dreamed of possibly doing some woodcrafts.
You don't want to make your wants and needs list totally set in stone either. You may need 2 full baths, but in making that a set in stone need, you may miss out on a perfect property that has the potential for a second bath to be added.
When looking for a Realtor, it will be helpful for them to know your wants and needs. This will alleviate the aimless shopping, which becomes frustrating and tiring in short order with most buyers. One of the most frequent complaints I hear from buyers is that their Realtor didn't show them what they were looking for. Realtors do not have crystal balls, nor are they mindreaders...help your Realtor to help you.
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