We just signed our contract for the house we are buying and are set to close on 5 Sept. While we were looking our realtor said they had been only pulling up houses that started at a certain amount becuase that was the lower end of my budget. I had to let him know that my budget had no lower end; if I found a house I liked that was cheap that was a win/win. I also pushed the issue of being allowed in the house two weeks prior to closing to start cleaning and moving stuff in. He said we would have to compensate the sellers for rent and I told him I wouldn't buy the house if we couldn't get in early. His options were to either pay the two weeks himslef or lose the entire commission...we are moving in two weeks early. The big thing is to remember that the realtor works for you. Good luck and remember that it should be an exciting time, my wife and I have had argyments over all three of the houses we have bought. Discuss what you must have and want you want to have.