Should I talk with a bank before looking at homes?
The answer to the question is YES! First and foremost, talking with a bank before looking at homes can help you understand exactly how much you can afford. There is no reason to look at homes that are listed outside your budget! It also helps to put your best foot forward - they may ask you to pay down some debt or work on improving your credit before you qualify and if these steps are required but aren't taken that results heartbreak when the bank says no. So START with talking to the bank.
Usually your REALTOR has a refined list of lenders that they can refer to you - you always want to work with a lender (Mobile Mortgage Advisor or Mortgage Broker) that you can trust since the work that they do will ultimately decide whether you get your approval or not. So a trusted lender is IMPORTANT!