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So we are actually getting TWO pre-approval letters. The first one is for the amount we're going to initially offer. The second one is for about $5,000 more, to allow for bargaining room. This way if they counter-offer, we'll be ready and won't have to call the bank again. That is the strategy, anyway.

The house seems to be in pristine condition. It's only had one owner, a lovely elderly couple who have taken excellent care of it inside and out. It's has three bedrooms, one and three-quarter bathrooms (second bath has sink, toilet, and stand-up shower), a decently sized kitchen, and a two car garage with built-in storage. The window you see on the far left is the master bedroom, the second and third bedrooms are on the back side of the house. Most importantly, it's in a quiet neighborhood off a dead-end street and has a great back yard. They have a bird feeder near the kitchen window, and when we visited the house the second time, there were birds flying around in the back yard and eating from it.

I'm trying not to think of it as my own yet, since it certainly isn't... But it's hard not to start daydreaming about furniture placement, cooking breakfast for the boys, letting them go play in the back yard, or watching them ride their bikes on the sidewalk. Take a deep breath! Settle down!

We have an appointment with our (fabulous) agents today. They are a married couple who work together in a larger real estate office. The wife has showed us the houses, match-making is her strong suit (except this one, the first time we saw it she already had an appointment so her husband took us in). The husband will soon take over with the contract writing and negotiating process, as that is his strong suit. What a great idea.

At the appointment we'll be making the offer, and we'll be hearing back within two days of the seller's response. They could accept, turn it down, or counter-offer. We're expecting a counter offer, which is where the second (higher) pre-approval letter would come in!

Will update soon!