Frustrations of house hunting

It's that perfect time of the year where, if you don't already own and you live in warm states this might not apply to you but you may remember these days, your lease is up and you've got to decide between renewing or moving while the weather is decent. Unfortunately, this year after 5 years, we have decided to move this summer before the kids go to school. Let the headache begin.

We have a fairly large family with three kids and pets, so finding a place was going to be a challenge to start. First it's making sure that the house is big enough, next is seeing if it's in a good school district and lastly if we can comfortably afford it. Finding a 3 bedroom house that allows my dogs has been hard enough and then in a great area, impossible. BUT!!! I didn't find not one, not two, or three but several townhouses that allows our pets and is in a great neighborhood. We decided to show up to the open house and filled out an application. As we're talking to the home owner who is renting the properties, other potential tenants are entering the house. Now, I'm sure we've all been there... in the position where we are fighting for that last space. I stood there smiling with the owner, imagining where i planned on putting the couch in the living room, as i'm trying to not yell "get out, this is my house." I was so protective of getting this house that my momma bear came out and i kept thinking about how happy my kids would be living there. Part of me felt bad because standing with one of the potential tenants was a small boy and i wondered how he would like the place as well. Then again, I have a family to look out for of my own and if sending a dozen emails to the rental company inquiring about the property for rent is going to help make them see we really want this house then so be it. We will go to every open house for the properties we applied for, even for the ones we know are already taken because we're that damned determined.