Buying a house is one of those major grown-up milestones that's half financial goal and half emotional leap. For over a decade as the host of the podcast "So Money," I've heard from countless listeners each year who share their dreams of finding the perfect home. In a span of 25 years, I purchased three homes. I went through the experience in my 20s, 30s, and 40s, under a variety of different life circumstances and housing markets. Always remember to take your own personal situation into