Thoughts after First Houseviewing Sunday

Irwin and I looked at 7 open houses yesterday, which was a great way to check out a range of available places in our neighborhood (Clinton Hill/Fort Greene/Prospect Heights). Some thoughts I am left with after yesterday:

1. Exploring neighborhoods. We only looked in the neighborhoods that we live close to currently and that we are familiar with. These are great neighborhoods and if we can stay around here, that would be ideal. I am also curious about other areas, though, especially because prices are much lower in places like Sunset Park, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Greenwood Heights. I would like to invest some time in exploring those neighborhoods and looking at houses there.
2. Hidden costs. I began to notice little things that aren't always immediately noticeable. For example, the maintenance fees for co-ops vary greatly, as low as $150 to as high as $800. If we have to pay maintenance on top of mortgage, we need to pay attention to that as well. ALSO, heating sources. The apartment I rent in Clinton Hill has central building heat. The radiators are always on -- in fact I have them turned OFF because the building is so well heated. But Irwin's apt. can get very cold, and the heat is generated by electric heaters along the floors. Since they are electric, and each unit controls their own heat, the electricity bills can be quite high. Another hidden cost.
3. Our price range. After meeting with Roosevelt at Chase Bank, it seems we pre-qualify for pre-approval for up to a $740K mortgage. Which is great and everything. But what that means is basically having to pay a crazy amount of money to the bank every month. And I don't want us to be worried about money all the time, for 30 years! I mean, as much as possible. So I think we're going to look for what's available in the $500K range.

Also, in looking at different places, it becomes clear what is important to us, and not surprisingly I think Irwin and I both respond to the same things -- like a great kitchen (meaning, good appliances, plenty of counter space, open layout so that the cooking and eating can be part of the same process) makes a place SO attractive. And decor. Even though we are buying the space, and not the contents of the apartment, the decor really speaks so much about the feeling and energy of the place. I personally don't want to spend tons and tons of time re-decorating, or refinishing the space (I've spent already too much time in my life tearing down walls, tearing up floors, sanding down and varnishing wood) so the closer to being a real livable space for us, the better.