Make sure you really sit down and and come up with a budget for yourself. Banks will pre approve you for a mortgage based on credit requirements that are the bare minimums for you to be approved. Your credit and debt to income ratio are a major factor.
Some lenders will still approve you for a mortgage even if it pushes that ratio up to 43%. So basically, they are only looking at items reporting on your credit to make this calculation. NONE of your other living expenses will be calculated in this. Keep that in mind.
Also, if you lender offers an escrow account, it could save you some headache. But that means your monthly mortgage payment could increase or decrease year over year based on property taxes and home owners insurance if its included.
I recommend taking a first time home buyer class if you can. It could also qualify your for better rates.
I work in this field and my father in law is a realtor. Good luck brother