When to apply for a mortgage

[bigsmell]

Thanks to a bit of an inheritance, we have managed to pay off all of our credit card debt.
There was quite a lot, all in my name. My credit score has always been ok - never missed a payment on anything. It was just the thousands of pounds on cards that put us off applying for a mortgage before now.
Dh and I want to apply for a joint mortgage. We have about 17,000 deposit and earn about 55k between us. We've done some online calculators, but want to speak with the bank or a broker or both to find out roughly how much we can borrow before stating to look at houses.
Will we be ok stating to do that now, or is it better to wait a few months to be sure the payment will be reflected on my credit rating?
I have closed all cards, apart from one with a small limit. Is it good if I keep using it and paying off the balance every month?

Out rent is cheap, and we are able to save every month, so there is no massive rush. But it would be nice to start looking too.

You could make an appt with any High Street bank or Building society and ask those questions of them.
Or better still, do a couple of appts.
Once you know what you want to borrow / when you want to move / when you are serious buyers, then you'll probably get a better deal going to an independent broker or financial advisor, but your local High Street should be able to answer the questions now.