At an age when most 22-year-old students are concerned mainly with academics and the party scene, Apmann juggles the demands of school, friends and home ownership. Apmann is among the growing segment of students who own their houses while still in college. Each year, more and more students are turning to an alternative option'buying a property for their own use or renting out a property during their college years.

Apmann resides at a house on Irving Avenue in the city of Oakwood, literally across from the university. A two-and-a-half-year resident of Oakwood, she moved there in the spring of 2005 for several reasons, but primarily to escape a tense roommate situation. With the UD housing lottery impending and her unpleasant living situation occurring, her mother decided to look for alternatives to university housing. According to Apmann, her mother found the house on the market by sheer chance and made an offer soon after. In hindsight, Apmann described the result as the 'best outcome for the situation.'

'It was more of my parents' doing,' she said.

Jim Luckett, a real estate agent at a Dayton Coldwell Banker office, has experienced this trend firsthand.

'There is a growing trend'more realtors have sold to UD students,' he said.

Luckett also said that he believes that the buyers' market contributed to the growth of this movement toward home ownership.

'When the market was very good, [parents] could have their son or daughter live in a house and save money,' Luckett said.

Clintonville agent Katie McCann agrees.

'It's a relatively new trend,' she said. 'It seems to be getting more popular.'

McCann said tax benefits, privacy and equity are the advantages to home ownership.

Seconding the agents' opinions about student-owned housing, Apmann also said she enjoys the cleanliness and safety the neighborhood offers.

'I can have my own time and go out when I want to,' she said.

Although she is now a seasoned home owner, Apmann admitted that she, like many UD students, was ignorant of the reality of student home ownership until she became interested in the property.

Now as a home owner, she is responsible for the maintenance and utilities associated with home ownership, such as old plumbing and heating. Furthermore, she must obey Oakwood's strict codes. In regard to routine demands, Apmann advises new student home owners to 'expect little things' and to 'be realistic.'

She advises students to do their research before choosing a real estate agent. And although her experience has been pleasant, the overall satisfaction can vary, she said.

'It depends on the house you move into,' she said.

The investment may not always be as glamorous as it seems, but Apmann said she has no regrets about tackling this venture.

'It worked out perfectly,' she said. 'I'd recommend it.'