Not all mortgage products require a 20% down payment. In return, however, you will have to pay what is known as private mortgage insurance. This protects the lender in the event that the borrower defaults on their loan. The cost of this depends on the amount of a down payment you were able to pay and your credit score. On average, it usually hovers around 0.3% and 1.50% of the mortgage.
Depending on the size of the home, your home inspection fee could vary anywhere from $200 to $400. Home inspections are an important part of the home buying process and shouldn’t be skimped on. It’s better to pay the few hundred dollars upfront then come across an unexpected problem down the road that costs thousands.
When you finish the mortgage process, you will have to pay some closing fees; these include lender fees, appraisal fees, title fees, and escrow fees. For this expense, you should plan on spending anywhere from 2% to 7% of the home’s value.
The American Moving & Storage Association says the average cost of an in-state movie is about $2,300. To move out of the state, that cost could increase to about $4,300. Even if you are planning on doing most of the heavy lifting yourself, you will still have to buy moving supplies and perhaps rent a truck.
Even if you purchase a brand new home, repairs and maintenance are still a part of being a home owner. When creating your budget, you should set aside money each month that is specifically for taking care of your home. Remember to take into consideration that paying a little more money upfront for repairs & maintenance could save you money in the long run.