The Costs of Buying a Home You’re Probably Forgetting to Budget For

Purchasing a home is a daunting financial decision, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. And we’re not even talking about a mortgage. There are seemingly endless other line items to add to your budget, from closing costs to inspection fees. In a recent video, Realtor.com outlined all the costs to keep an eye out for. While some you’ve likely planned for already, these three might surprise you. 

Homeowners Association Fees

If you’re moving into a housing development, co-op, or historic area, there will most likely be a mandatory HOA—homeowners association—fee. The money can go toward a number of items like neighborhood lawn care or building amenities. Plan on budgeting anywhere from $200 to $600 per month, depending on where in the country you live. 

Mortgage Processing Fees

If you’ve received a home loan from the bank, you’ve probably accounted for the monthly payments, but don’t forget about the additional processing cost. Anywhere from 1 to 3 percent of the mortgage is charged up front in order to “process” it, aka paying the lender to gather all the necessary paperwork. 

Utility Bills

Unless you’re downsizing, moving often comes with a square footage increase…which means extra utility costs. Adjust your monthly budget to account for the increased electricity and water usage or else you’ll be stuck taking minute-long showers.