i wasn't planning on reading the whole thing but i did lol and yes i am already pre-approved. as far as the earnest money goes, my agent told me that its basically just 1% of what they're asking for, correct? ive lost a deal on my first house that i bid for so im moving forward...thanks for the help and examples. its my first house and searching and i did what you just said not to by letting him do the negotiation but he told me first though lol