Many of the younger generations believe that being able to own their own house is an impossible dream. With how the economy is today, it’s getting harder and harder to purchase your own home. Despite this, they still have made this one of their goals in life. The only difference is that millennials are doing it at a much later age.

Owning your home doesn’t have to be just a fantasy. The road is hard, but there are things you can do to make it possible. For all the aspiring homeowners out there, here’s what you can do to make that dream a reality.

Choose smaller houses.

Gone are the days of large, extravagant homes. The housing trend for millennials now is smaller and cheaper. Most of them are looking for homes that are only roughly 1,694 square feet. That is usually a four-bedroom house.

Finances are the main reason for this, as most of them are stuck with huge amounts of student loans and debt. Aside from that, this generation also wants fewer children and more minimalist homes. Smaller homes are generally easier to manage, too, while some are even more energy-efficient. These preferences are made to help them reduce the long term costs of being a homeowner.

If you’re looking around for a home, look through different properties for sale. The real estate agent may try to sell you a huge house, but don’t be pressured to say yes to the first property you see. Some will show you some smaller but nicer looking homes that could meet your budget.

Consider the hidden fees.

Surveys said that 63 percent of millennials regretted buying a house because they failed to consider all the fees that came with it. That includes property tax, insurance, and all those other fees involved when processing your new ownership.

Make sure that you don’t make the same mistake and educate yourself beforehand. Research all the additional fees you will need to pay and include it in your budget for saving up for a house. Another thing that you need to consider is the repair and maintenance charges. You will need to add inspections and other upkeep charges to your annual budget.

Don’t be influenced by the opinions of others.

A decade ago, people considered 20 and 30-year olds who still lived with their parents as disappointing. Now, the stigma behind it is lessening. Some people are starting to see this as a way for them to save more for later.

In a census done by the United States last 2016, one in four individuals aged between 24 and 26 are still living with their parents. That is a result of the increasing number of people in student debt and the rise in housing prices. The purchasing power of people today isn’t what it used to be.

What a lot of people do is extend their stay in their parents’ house until they are in a financial position to move out. Some were even forced to come back home after losing their jobs or experiencing some financial disaster. That has allowed them to save money on food and sometimes even rent, depending on the situation.

While we may prefer to have a place of our own, it’s also essential to consider the best way of saving without jeopardizing our mental and physical health. If you can find other means to save, such as getting a roommate, then it’s worth enduring to get that lovely home you’ve been eyeing. You may also need to forego some luxuries or consider cheaper alternatives to reduce your expenses.

Talk about finances more.

Before, discussions about money used to be considered taboo. People didn’t talk about salaries between coworkers; partners weren’t informed of each others’ debts and incomes. Avoiding finance talk can be awkward, but it’s a necessary step in building enough funds to buy a home.

If you consider buying a house with a spouse or partner, you need to have the money talk beforehand. The last thing you want is signing the lease to your home and finding out that you can’t afford to pay the mortgage.

A survey found that 75 percent of millennial Americans talk about finances at least once a week. Not only is it good in terms of saving, but this can also build healthier and stronger relationships.

“The more open and honest you are, the more empowered you feel to be able to make financial decisions and choices that are important to you,” says Dr. Jane Greer, a psychotherapist and relationship expert. “Rather than winding up feeling controlled or resentful of your partner.”

Getting your first home is a huge milestone, and you’ll feel incredibly proud of yourself for having done it. All you need to do is go against past notions about money and finances. It doesn’t matter what people think is okay or not if you’re making an honest living. In everything that you do, make sure that you make smart financial decisions!