13 Extra Costs
"The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations
cropping up hours before you take possession of your new home."
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you're not informed and prepared.
Some of these costs are one-time fixed payments, while others represent an ongoing monthly or yearly commitment. Not all of these costs will apply in every situation, however it's better to know about them ahead of time so you can budget properly.
Buying a home is a major milestone. Whether it's your 1st, 2nd, or 10th, there are many key details to address during the process.
Review the following checklist to make sure you're budgeting properly for your next move.
1. Appraisal Fee
Your lending institution may request an appraisal of the property which would be your responsibility to pay for. Appraisals can vary in price, and can be hundreds of dollars.
2. Property Taxes
Depending on your down payment, your lending institution may decide to include your property taxes in your monthly mortgage payments. If your property taxes are not added to your monthly payments, your lending institution may require annual proof that your taxes have been paid.
3. Survey Fee
When the home you purchase is a resale, versus a new home, your lending institution may ask for an updated property survey. The cost for this survey could be $500 - $1,000, or more.
4. Property Insurance
Home insurance covers the replacement value of your home - structure and contents. Your lending institution will request proof that you are insured as it protects their investment on the loan.
5. Service Charges and Deposits
Any new utility that services your hook up, such as telephone or cable, may require an installation fee, or the gas or hydro companies may require a security deposit for your account.
6. Legal Fees
Even the simplest of home purchases should have a lawyer involved to review all paperwork. Shop around, as rates vary greatly depending on the complexity of the issues and the experience of the lawyer.
7. Mortgage Loan Insurance Fee
Depending upon the equity in your home, some mortgages require mortgage loan insurance. This type of insurance will typically cost you between 1.5% - 4.0% of the total amount of the mortgage. Usually, payments are made monthly in addition to the mortgage and taxes.
8. Mortgage Brokers Fee
A mortgage broker is entitled to charge a fee in order to source a lender and organize the financing. However, it pays to shop around since many mortgage brokers will provide their services free of charge by having the lending institution absorb the cost.
9. Moving Costs
You could move on your own with the help of family and friends who have the proper vehicles. However, you might need to rent a truck for a day or two, which is now a cost to you.
Also, you may wish to hire a moving company to aid your move instead of packing yourself. In that case, make sure to get at least two quotes in writing from reputable companies, including applicable taxes. Ask about insurance coverage, long distance rates, and a full explanation of what their service provides, e.g.; setting up of beds, packing of garage material, etc.
10. Maintenance Fees
Condos charge monthly fees for common area maintenance such as grounds keeping and carpet cleaning in hallways. Costs will vary depending on the building.
11. Water Quality and Quality Certification
If the home you purchased is serviced by a well, you should consider having your water checked by your local experts. Where you live determines whether or not a fee is charged to certify the quantity and quality of the water.
12. Local Improvements
If the town you live in has made local improvements - such as the addition of sewers or sidewalks, it could impact a property's taxes by thousands of dollars.
13. Land Transfer Tax
This tax is applied whenever property changes hands and the amount that is applied can vary. The tax is based on the purchase price of the home.