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In the flurry of excitement associated with buying or selling a home, the extra costs associated with both transactions can be overlooked. Importantly, the purchase price of a home is by no means the only financial factor to be considered if you are deciding whether you can afford to buy a home. Unfortunately, sometimes a representative fails to ensure their client is informed about the extra costs.
 My goal is to make sure that you are as informed as possible about all aspects of the home buying and selling process. To help ensure that you fully understand the financial aspect of these important transactions, I have prepared a report that outlines these hidden costs. This report will point to many onetime fees as well as other additional costs which may have an ongoing monthly or yearly cost.
It is my hope that with the information found below, in my report titled, "Buying a Home? Be Aware of These 13 Extra Costs", you can adequately prepare for the larger financial picture. I want you to buy the home of your dreams well within your means!
Buying a Home? Be Aware of These 13 Extra Costs
Added to the purchase price of your home, whether it is your first or fiftieth, are many additional costs. It is imperative that you understand these costs and factor them into your decision of how much you can afford. If you are not informed about, and financially prepared for, these costs: the additional fees, such as taxes, etc., could negatively impact your financial health on closing day.
Of the additional costs discussed below, some are fixed payments that will only affect you once during the purchase of your home, while others are monthly or yearly ongoing commitments. Importantly, not all of these extra costs will affect you. However, it is essential that you review this list and carefully consider which will apply to you, so that you can budget accordingly.
Never forget that the purchase of a home marks a major milestone. Even if you are a seasoned home buyer, during the process you will discover many important details to address. Ignoring these details can result in an over extended budget, crippling your financial stability.
It is strongly recommended that you review the following checklist to ensure that you have properly budgeted for your home purchase.
- Fee for Appraisal
It is possible that your lending institution may require that your property be appraised. If this is the case, you will be responsible for paying for this appraisal. An appraisal could cost you approximately $175-$300.
- Property Taxes
Your lending institution may or may not include your property taxes in your monthly mortgage payment. This decision is largely based on the size of your down payment. If your property taxes are not included in your monthly payment, you will have to pay for them separately and may need to prove to your lending institution that these taxes have been paid.
- Survey Fee
If the home you intend to purchase is not a new home, and thus referred to as a "resale," your lending institution may require an up to date property survey. The cost for this kind of survey can be approximately $700-$1,000.
- Home Insurance
Your lending institution will require proof that you have acquired home insurance. Home insurance protects you, as it covers the replacement value of your home (the structure) and also its contents, but it also protects your lending institution because it protects their investment on the loan.
- Service Charges
To acquire utilities, such as cable or telephone, you will likely be required to pay an installation fee.
- Legal Fees
Regardless of the simplicity of the home purchase, it is advised that you enlist the services of a lawyer to review the necessary paperwork. Rates for this service will vary greatly and are often dependent on the complexity of the home purchase and also the skills and experience of the lawyer. It is recommended that you shop around to find the lawyer who best suits your needs and budget.
- Mortgage Loan Insurance Fee
Some mortgages require mortgage loan insurance. This decision is dependent upon the equity in your home. Mortgage insurance will cost you between 0.5%-3.5% of the total amount of your mortgage. Typically this mortgage insurance is paid monthly and is added to your monthly mortgage payment.
- Mortgage Broker Fees
A mortgage broker can, and typically will, charge you a fee for finding a lending institution and organizing the financing. Importantly, some mortgage brokers will not charge you for this service as they orchestrate the transaction so that the lending institution absorbs the fee.
- Moving Costs
If you are considering hiring a professional moving company, it will likely cost you between $50-$100 per hour for one van and three professional movers. Expect to pay 10-20% higher than this estimated cost during peak seasons.
- Maintenance Fees
If you choose a condominium as your next home, be aware that condos charge monthly fees for the maintenance of common areas, such as the grounds and hallways. The cost of these monthly maintenance fees will vary greatly depending on the building.
- Water Quality and Quality Certification
If your new home has a well it is recommended that you have your well water checked by a local expert. A water quality expert can certify both the quantity and quality of your well water. This service may or may not cost you money, depending on where you live.
- Local Improvements
If improvements have been made by your town, such as new or improved sewers or sidewalks, your property taxes could be impacted by thousands of dollars.
- Land Transfer Tax
A land transfer tax is applied when a property changes hands. The amount of this land transfer tax varies from property to property.
If you have any questions about extra costs to be aware of before purchasing a home, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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