One-Time Expenses Ongoing Expenses

Appliances - Will the appliances in the home need upgrading—now or in the near future? Don’t forget to check out the water heater and HVAC.

Furniture - Moving from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house often means you’ll need more furniture. Evaluate furniture needs and costs for your new home.

Remodeling - Before purchasing a home that needs remodeling, ask a contractor to give you an estimate. Homeowners often underestimate the costs.

Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI)  - If you have a fixed rate mortgage, the payment will remain the same for the life of the loan. Taxes and insurance may increase.

Homeowner Association Fees - Fees or assessments for a condo, townhouse or single-family home with an association can increase yearly. Compare fees of similar properties line-by-line. Check what the fee includes; for example, utilities gas, electricity, garbage pickup, and water. Watch out for special assessments for capital repairs and improvements to common areas.

Exterior maintenance - Replacing the roof, painting the siding or trim, sealing the driveway, sealing the deck, replacing windows, gutter cleaning or repair, septic and well maintenance are just some of the additional exterior maintenance costs in owning a home. Some jobs you can do yourself, but others require professionals. Don’t forget the tools that go along with home maintenance: power washers, compressors, heavy- duty ladders, and power tools.

Interior maintenance  - If you’ve been renting, your landlord probably picked up the tab for repairs and general maintenance. Once you own your home you’ll be footing the bill. You will need to maintain
appliances, plumbing and electrical systems, carpets, fl oor and wall coverings, and so on.

Utilities - If you are renting, you’re probably used to budgeting for utilities. But the cost of heating a one-bedroom apartment can pale in comparison with the bills for an entire house. A real estate professional can help you fi nd out about the current occupant’s costs but family size and usage impacts those numbers.

Yard care - and snow removal Plan on buying a lawnmower and other landscaping tools or budget for a professional lawn service. Include a snow shovel or snow blower if you live in a cold climate.

Pest control - Depending on location, be sure to schedule a termite inspection before you purchase a home. Purchasing a termite infestation bond may be in order. Even if there is no infestation at the time of the inspection, that’s no guarantee these or other pests won’t show up.

Transportation Costs - Don’t forget to calculate transportation costs whether by public transportation or your own vehicle. Budget for gas, oil, insurance, tires, and regular maintenance. Will you need to purchase another car to take care of all of the family’s transportation needs?

Laura Bolieu Austin
ABR, CDPE, CDRS, CSSBR, CHMS,
CSP, GRI, SFR, SRES, TAHS,
Certified New Home Buyers Representative
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty - Conroe
936-321-2977 Direct
281-798-2911 Cell
866-347-2911 Fax
Laura@RealtyTx.net
www.RealtyTx.net
www.StopForeclosuresInTX.com
www.AvoidForeclosureInConroe.com