Becoming a first-time homeowner is an exciting milestone, whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, forties, or beyond.

But amid the thrill of the experience, there are inevitably many lessons to be learned and challenges to overcome along the way. As you take your next steps into homeownership, consider these five insights to help make the process easier.

It takes time to make a home

You might expect that you’ll be able to simply move in your belongings and have a house you’re happy with right from the start. However, transforming your new space into a home that truly reflects your personality takes time. You’ll most likely need more furniture and decor like rugs and pictures to enhance both aesthetics and functionality, and you won’t necessarily know how much or which ones you’ll have to acquire until after you move in. Resist the urge to go on a large shopping spree as soon as you’re in your new house. Instead, take the time to unpack all your items and live in your spaces so you can get a feel for what each one needs. Maybe it won’t look like your Pinterest board right away, but that’s OK—by being thoughtful and deliberate with your choices, you can better ensure that you create a home you’ll love for years to come.

DIY projects often look easier online

Many people love a good DIY project, at least until they’re halfway in and begin to question why they thought it was a good idea in the first place. While DIY renovations are a great way to save money and personalize your home, online tutorials don’t always portray the realities of what it’s like to redo your cabinets, flooring, or bathroom. These projects, especially large-scale ones, can be challenging, frustrating, and time-consuming—but also incredibly rewarding. The key is simply to be well informed about the process and mentally prepared for what it entails. Then, when the project is finally done, you can take a step back and say, “Yeah, I did that.”

Specific air filter sizes matter

It’s relatively common knowledge that air filters need to be changed regularly, at least once every two or three months. One thing that may catch you by surprise when buying new ones, though, is that these filters come in very specific sizes; that seemingly insignificant half an inch can make a huge difference on the efficiency of your HVAC system and the air quality in your home. Take the time to check the measurements on the filter currently installed before buying a replacement, and do yourself a favor by planning ahead: buy a multipack so you have extras on hand for the future. Just as important, be sure to write the replacement date on the filter so you don’t keep thinking you changed it two months ago when it’s really almost been a year.

Yard work isn’t always a breeze

Are you dreaming of a beautiful lawn that’s weed-free and the envy of the neighborhood? Don’t expect it to be a breeze; maintaining a lawn comes with a big learning curve if you’ve never done it before. Weeds can be stubborn, soil conditions are often temperamental, and weather is unpredictable. On top of that, yard work can simply be exhausting. (Take it from someone who spent a week manually dethatching her lawn in the heat of summer.) However, your efforts and hard work will be rewarded over time. Sure, you may not be able to get a perfectly sharp edge around your yard initially, but with more practice, you can improve your skills and create the yard of your dreams.

Your real estate agent is a valuable resource

Just because you closed on your home doesn’t mean your relationship with your real estate agent has to end. Beyond helping you find the perfect property, they offer a wealth of knowledge and resources you may want to tap into in the future. Need to upgrade your flooring? They likely know a reputable contractor. Considering an addition to your home? They can recommend a reliable builder. Agents understand what it takes to maintain a home or transform it into a dream space, so don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or referrals when you need assistance with repairs or renovations. They’re often more than happy to help.

Becoming a homeowner is a journey filled with numerous learning experiences, but it’s a thrilling one to embark on. Embrace the process, and you’ll enjoy every step of making your house a home.