4 COSTS TO REMEMBER FOR HOME BUYERS
Posted by Kimberly Dixon
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- Property Taxes - As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying annual taxes on the property you own. Often, these taxes are bundled into your monthly mortgage payment and held in an escrow account, and the mortgage company pays them for you each year. If you choose to pay taxes this way, be prepared for your mortgage payment to be a little higher each month to cover taxes.
- Home Insurance - As a renter, you may have purchased renters insurance to cover the cost of your belongings inside the home, but as a homeowner, you must pay to insure your entire home from fire or other damages. If you live near water, you may be required to pay extra for flood insurance. This expense is also frequently included in your monthly mortgage payment and held in escrow until annual premiums are due.
- Ongoing Maintenance - When a homeowner wakes up to a broken water heater and a cold shower, you can't call the landlord or the maintenance department for help. You must find a plumber, pay the bill, and purchase a new water heater or parts or whatever is needed. As a homeowner, it's important to have a cash fund available for emergencies - you never know when you may need to fix a leaky faucet, a broken lawn mower or buy a new dishwasher.
- Utility Bills - Some landlords cover water and sewer bills, and others include cable or Internet access with a lease agreement. As a homeowner, you won't benefit from any such perks; you'll be responsible for paying all the monthly bills, including some that you might not even think of as a new homeowner:
º Electricity
º Gas or oil
º Water
º Sewer
º Trash pickup
º Landscaping and/or snow removal
Article Courtesy of:: Nancy Mann Jackson
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the HRIS.
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