For real

I have an appointment early next week to meet with my very own realtor. I'm excited. Nervous, of course, but excited. Hopefully at this meeting I'll get pre-approved for a loan (a local lender is also invited), so I'll have a clearer idea of what I can afford. I am not totally decided on whether I want a condo/townhome or a house ... but I'm leaning toward a house. Extra work be damned! (Sure, I say that now.) I know I'm opening myself up to countless potential headaches, and stress, and expenses galore ... but hot damn, you guys. By the end of this year, I might be living in a place I actually own. (Well, except for the 80% or so that's owned by the bank.)