Are you ready to become a homeowner? Becoming a homcowner is significant for many pcople, but that docsn't mean it's the right step at every stage in a person's life. Here arc a few key indications that somcone is ready to take this important step Is now the time for more responsibility? It's casy to look around at fricnds and family who are homcowners and assume it's time to buy a home. In reality, owning a home comes with a large amount of responsibility that isn't for evervone. This includes home maintenance and repairs, staying current on payments, and committing to living in one place for several ycars. This sizcable responsibility should not be taken lightly Is there a steady source of income? Balancing a stable income is the first step for anyone interested in buying a home. In addition to maintaining a steady houschold income, to gct approved for a mortgage, applicants must also maintain a satisfactory credit score or complete credit counseling to get on the right track. Becoming a first-time homcowner is a pro- cess. Here's a quote from a recent Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County financial literacy course graduate: "Listening to the seminar was encouraging because we as a family went through the barriers and found success." Are the monthly fees affordable? Home buyers should also account for all monthly expenses, such as water and trash col lection fees, weather-proofing and winterizing a home, and other utilties that may have previous ly been covered by one's landlord For more information about housing programs here in Bucks County and how to give back to the community, read more at Habitat for Hu- manity of Bucks County or call 215.822.2812 today. Prospective applicants can complete a homcownership inquiry form online at habitat bucks.org/homeownership Is it time to decide on a permanent loca tion? Unlike paying rent, purchasing a home is a long-term investment. For this reason, before purchasing a home or looking into housing programs in a specific arca, t's important to feel confident that one wants to live in the area for at least several years if not the rest of one's life. Habitat for Humanity ReStore