A year ago last month, I bought my condo. The biggest purchase of my life was one I could not have made on my own. I turned to trusted people to help me through the process. My parents provided guidance, having bought homes in the past. My mortgage banker, a work friend of my father, walked me through some of the steps in closing my first mortgage. Last, but certainly not least, my realtor, a family friend, helped me find my home and get the best price possible. Allegedly.