Hello JIHP, how's this one coming along?  Your reasoning for being motivated to achieve this goal is certainly sound.  As you're thinking of possibly starting a family, I can understand why this is on your list too.  Is it possible to look for other houses you like in the area you prefer seeing as the bank is taking a long time to get back to you?  Maybe go to open house viewings in the neighbourhood where you'll want to live and walking through them might help keep your eye on the goal.  Hope you'll update us on this one too.