Millions of people pay rent, cutting a check to their landlord in exchange for permission to have somewhere to rest their head at night. While there’s nothing wrong with renting, many renters eventually make the jump into homeownership, choosing to reap the fruits of their labor in a more personal and long-term way.

Maybe you’re one of the former: toiling away at an office, factory, or restaurant, only to sign your hard-earned check over to some strange guy with wispy hair and an attitude problem. But maybe you’re thinking of becoming the latter, and leaving behind the days of tossing your money away to become a homeowner in your own right.

And if you’re still not quite sure which way to go, here are ten signs that it might be time to stop renting and become a homeowner:

1. You desperately want to customize your place

   Flooring, light fixtures, PAAAAAIIIINT. Heck, why not a whole wall mural?! Just imagine the possibilities…

   IWant Like ABig Huge Something Decorating GIF from Iwantlikeabighugesomething GIFs

2. You’ve scrimped and saved and have enough for a downpayment

   And if you add what’s in the swear jar, you might even have enough for new furniture.

   Piggy Bank Uzo Aduba GIF from Piggybank GIFs

3. The landlord keeps raising the rent

   The square footage hasn’t changed, so why does the rent keep going up?

   The Rent Is Too Damn High Tent GIF from Therentistoodamnhigh GIFs

4. All of your friends are homeowners except you

   We know, we know: “If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?” But this is DIFFERENT. We’re talking real estate here!

   Rachel Happy GIF from Rachel GIFs

5. You believe your pet deserves a place to call their own

   Fluffy deserves comfort and safety, and her own backyard.

   Monkey Walking GIF from Monkey GIFs

6. You’re sick of paying the landlord’s mortgage for them

   What’s next, paying their kid’s college tuition!?

   Paying Rent Like GIF from Rent GIFs

7. Mortgage rates are lower than you’ve ever seen them

   Wait a second… is that a TWO!?

   Never Seen That First Time GIF from Neverseenthat GIFs

8. You just got a nice promotion at work

   Maybe your boss wants you to buy a house… you never know.

   Please Promotion GIF from Please GIFs

9. You’ve found a neighborhood you’re truly in love with

   Beautiful trees, a quaint little coffee shop, OMG is that a Thai restaurant?

   Driving Car GIF from Driving GIFs

10. You’re ready for something that truly belongs to you

    It’s time to find your forever (or at least for-a-long-time) home.

    There’s No Place Like Home GIF from Aliceinwonderland GIFs

    If any of these signs seem familiar, the only other signs you need to look for are these…

    For Sale GIF from Forsale GIFs