Do you dream of no longer paying rent and being at the mercy of a landlord? Then, you might be ready to own your home. Or rather, you might think that you’re ready to be a homeowner. There are all kinds of things you need to take care of own a house. Here are four responsibilities of owning a house to be aware of:

Mortgage

If you don’t like paying rent, don’t look at being a homeowner as a way out. Paying mortgage is just like paying rent but to the bank. There are also severe consequences for not paying. Just like how your landlord can evict you for not paying rent, the bank can foreclose on your home. Make sure you are up-to-date with your mortgage payments. You should also have money put aside for the down payment and a high credit score before you start house-hunting.

Repairs

You might be used to calling up your landlord whenever something goes wrong with your apartment. That was a gift that you might’ve not realized was a gift until after you moved out. Now, you’ll have to fix things yourself or calling professionals. This could range from your sink being clogged up to needing your garage roller door opener fixed. Don’t try to fix anything that could be dangerous without proper training, such as your electrical grid.

Safety

You need to do all you can to make sure you are as safe as possible. If you think you need a home alarm or other security system, it’s up to you to install it. Look for ones that will suit your home and won’t be compromised by intruders. You should also largely consider the neighborhood. Check for crime statistics for things like break-ins. If they are high, you should be looking elsewhere.

Building Code

Should there be any issues with the physical integrity of your house, it might be violating code. These violations could result in serious legal consequences for you. They’re also very expensive to deal with. However, it’s crucial you deal with them as soon as possible. Make sure you get a proper inspection done before you agree to buy a house.

Owning a home is a greatly satisfying experience. However, it’s not something you can do passively. You need to be as involved with your home as possible. If you’re able to handle all these responsibilities, both fiscally and personally, you’re ready.