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TV shows and realtor advertisements do a great job of showing the last step of becoming a first-time homebuyer – smiling while you take possession of the keys on the front step. It’s no surprise that buying a house involves a lot of moving parts, but most first-time buyers never learn that they can take first steps – and ideally should – much earlier than they think. Like, years earlier.

Of course, first-time homebuyers by definition have no experience to draw from. So we asked some of our financial advisors for the best advice they give or wish they had a chance to give to people before they buy their first house, condo or other residence.