To continue enjoying all the features of Navy Federal Online, please use a compatible browser. You can confirm your browser capability here.

Bottom Line Up Front

  • Beyond selling price, homebuyers can expect to pay several additional costs at closing.
  • In addition to mortgage payment, there are several monthly ownership costs to consider. 
  • Ongoing home maintenance comes with a variety of variable and unknown costs.

Time to Read

5 minutes

August 3, 2022

For many of us, the idea of buying a home brings to mind pictures of fun times with family and friends, decorating and making it our own—or maybe just having more space. As you start your search, it will be important to know the true cost of homeownership, so you can pick the right one. 

Here’s a look at some of the costs you can expect to pay beyond the selling price, to achieve your vision of homeownership.

Up-Front Costs: Prepare to Pay These Before You Move In

Down payment. A down payment is the amount you contribute toward a home’s purchase price. Although it’s not required for all mortgages, depending on the lender or loan type, it can range from 0% to 20% of a home’s sale price. 

Home inspection. Even if your lender doesn’t require it, a home inspection may be a wise investment. It can detect existing problems with the home and, depending on the results, might give you an opportunity to renegotiate the price, ask for repairs or even back out of the offer. According to HomeAdvisor, home inspection costs typically range between $281 and $403.

Closing costs. Before you can finalize the sale, you’ll be responsible for several fees. Your lender should provide you with a closing cost estimate of how much you can expect to pay in closing costs, but they typically range between 3% and 6% of the loan. So, on a $350,000 loan, you could expect to pay between $7,000 and $17,500. These are some of the closing costs you may be required to pay:

  • Appraisal fee. Required by lenders, an appraiser provides you and your lender an independent, estimated value of the property. 
  • Taxes. Depending on when you close and when property taxes are due, you could owe several months’ worth of property taxes at closing. They’re calculated based on your state/localities' rates.
  • Homeowners insurance. Most people expect to pay homeowners insurance, but many don’t realize they may have to prepay an entire year at closing. See what special member savings you could get when you secure homeowners insurance with Liberty Mutual. These deals are available to our members through the TruStage™ Auto & Home Insurance Program.1 2
  • Private mortgage insurance. If your lender requires private mortgage insurance (PMI), you may have to pay the first premium at closing. 
  • Attorney fees. Some states require you to have an attorney manage the closing. 
  • Processing fees. These fees cover the lender’s costs to prepare the loan. They could include loan origination or credit report fees and the cost of the application. 
  • Other costs. Additional costs could include survey fees (to determine the property boundaries), title insurance and recording charges (the cost for state and local governments to record your deed, mortgage and loan documents). 

Moving costs. Whether you rent a truck to move yourself or hire a moving service, don’t forget to add those costs to your budget. 

Ongoing Costs: Prepare for the Long-Term Costs of Homeownership 

Mortgage payment. Once you’ve negotiated a purchase price and know your mortgage rate, your loan officer can tell you what your monthly loan payment will be. If you select a fixed-rate loan, your principal and interest payment won’t change over time; adjustable-rate loan payments may change as the loan’s rate adjusts. 

Taxes. Your yearly taxes are based on the value of the property and your state/localities’ rates. Home sellers must give you the current property tax assessment, and the seller’s real estate agent can provide the amount of tax paid the previous year. 

Insurance. In addition to homeowners insurance, you also may be required to carry flood or other hazard insurance, depending on the home’s location. And, if your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount, you may have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). Navy Federal has mortgage options that don’t require PMI. 

Homeowners Association Fees. If your home is in a development governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA), you’ll probably have to pay fees. Most listing services like Realtor.com and Zillow.com include the HOA fees in their property listings. It’s a good idea to find out if the fees are increased periodically and, if so, how often and by how much.

Upkeep Costs: Prepare to Keep Your Home Current and in Good Shape 

Decorating and Home improvements. If you bought a fixer-upper (or even if you didn’t), you’ll probably have a list of home projects that you hope to do. Before diving in, price out their cost and, if you aren’t planning to do them yourself, get an estimate from more than one person. If your savings won’t cover your projects, once you’ve made payments for a while, you may be able to use your home’s equity to finance improvements.

Maintenance. Keeping the lawn trimmed, lights on and the house comfortable are ongoing expenses. Appliances, windows, the heating and cooling system, the roof, and other components will age and may need to be repaired or replaced periodically. Asking the seller for details such as the age of the components in the house may give you an idea of the remaining life expectancy of the items. Having an emergency fund can help you cope with the cost of unexpected repairs.

Be a Savvy Homebuyer

Want to know more about homeownership and the home-buying process? Check out our Home-Buying Journey page. We have tips and explanations on what to expect throughout your home-buying journey. There’s even a payment calculator to show you at a glance what you can afford!

Key Takeaways Key Takeaways

Disclosures

1

Liberty Mutual Insurance is made available to Navy Federal Credit Union members through TruStage™. Auto and Home Insurance Products are issued by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 USA. © 2023 Liberty Mutual Insurance. In Texas, coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty County Mutual Insurance Company, 7900 Windrose Avenue, Plano, TX 75024. All statements made are subject to provisions, exclusions, conditions, and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Coverages and features not available in all states. Discounts are not available in all states and discounts vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify. A consumer report from a consumer reporting agency and/or motor vehicle report will be obtained on all drivers listed on your policy where state laws and regulations allow. Please consult your policy for specific coverages and limitations. The insurance offered is not a deposit, and is not federally insured, sold or guaranteed by Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal Credit Union is in no way responsible for any products or services provided by or through TruStage , Liberty Mutual or their affiliates, subsidiaries, and insurance company partners. Navy Federal Credit Union enables this insurance program to be offered and is entitled to compensation from TruStage Insurance Agency, LLC. © TruStage AUT-6030829.1-1023-1125

2

Discounts and savings are not available in all states, and discounts vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.

This content is intended to provide general information and shouldn't be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.