You need to be pre-approved for a loan, therefore a realtor knows how to effectively work with you.

I have seen some GREAT Dallas foreclosures in that area you might want to consider that are below market value.

I am a Dallas real estate agent, Dallas home mortgage loan officer.

I agree that pre-qualification is a must in order to ascertain the various scenarios in which you might be able to afford a new home. I would suggest you look into what they call the L-Streets in Lake Highlands. You can still find a nice home with hopefully not too much updating necessary. Lakewood might be a little pricey, unless you go condo, in which you can still get something nice in the the Oaks of Lakewood in that range or perhaps something in the Bois Du Lac on Richmond.

Anne,

It is going to be contingent upon how much debt you have or don't have. If you manage your finances well, it is a good possibility. But as Bruce said earlier, getting prequalified first is the correct first step. This way you know just exactly how much your able to purchase, and you do not end up wasting alot of your time looking at product that is not within reach. If you have financing questions please feel free to email: Al@yourdreamloan.com Al Hewitt will be more than happy to help.

Anne,
What we need to do is get you prequalified for a loan first. It's really not how much you make, but your total financial picture that we need to evaluate. Lakewood might be a little pricy, but I think you can potentially buy on the edges. If you need a referral to a great lender please let me know. He will prequalify you at no charge to you.