Is it time for you to get out of the rent race and buy a home of your own? There are plenty of advantages to homeownership. And while buying isn’t right for every person or for every life stage or circumstance, there are several perks of homeownership that tend to stay stable over time. These include building long-term equity, the comfort and pride that can be associated with owning your own home and, of course, lower overall monthly cost.

You’re buying your first house! No more fighting over parking spaces, unexpected rent increases or putting up with noisy neighbors. If you’re planning to make a move this year, here are five tips that can set you on a path that leads to your very own front door.