3 First-Time Homebuyer Expenses to Start Saving for Now

by Janie Schriewer 12/19/2021


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Buying a home for the first time is often a stressful yet rewarding time. It’s a complicated process involving many variables and many costs. One question that many first-time homebuyers have is about preparation: how much should you save before buying a house? Here we will go over the 3 most important costs to save up for so that you’re financially prepared to make the big move.

Down Payment

The down payment on a home is the amount of money required up-front when you sign up for a mortgage. It will be equal to a percentage of the total purchase price. The amount will differ from one mortgage to the next, so it’s a very important thing to discuss with your lender. Some mortgages aimed at new homebuyers who have good credit and require a relatively small down payment to help you get started more quickly. Even small down payment amounts are multiple thousands of dollars, however, so planning as much as possible will make the process even easier. To figure out what kind of mortgage terms you should try for before you speak to a lender, try using an online mortgage calculator and see what your possible down payments and monthly costs will be.

Closing Costs

Closing costs are an expense you’ll encounter as part of the home buying process. The cost is equal to the amount of money required to complete the real estate transaction (besides the actual purchase price). This can include a lot of different fees, including but not limited to title fees and insurance, taxes and credit report charges. Closing costs can be trickier to budget for compared to down payments because the buyer or seller can pay them. According to Investopedia, the amount you have to pay as a buyer is usually 2% to 5% of the total purchase price. Your state or lenders requiring specific types of inspections that go above and beyond a normal home inspection can also affect closing costs. Luckily, mortgage lenders can provide you an estimate on closing costs so that you have a number to work into your budget and planning.

Moving Expenses

You might have saved up for the cost of hiring movers or renting a vehicle to transport your belongings, but moving expenses include even more than the literal moving. Moving expenses can also include anything that will allow you to live comfortably in the home. In many cases, this means purchasing new appliances. It’s important to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting from the seller in the transaction otherwise you might be unpleasantly surprised that appliances like laundry machines or even light fixtures are missing when you move in. To save up and plan for this cost, get all the information from the seller about what you will need to replace. Then, do some research to find good prices for the things you need most. You might even save money by purchasing appliances ahead of time. Regardless, having this cushion in your savings will make the move-in process more comfortable and cut down on potential confusion.

These are just a few things to plan for when saving money for a new home. Carefully managing the financial aspect of the transaction will help you feel confident in your decisions and make your experience as a new homebuyer the best it can be.

About the Author
Author

Janie Schriewer

Welcome to the Janie Schriewer & Associates at RE/MAX Results. Janie just wrapped up her 30th year in the business & over that time has been adapting to the always-evolving Real Estate industry. In recent years she has added 2 members: Her Son Derek—Licensed Buyer & Technology Specialist, and Buyers' associate Melissa Kelley. We are all full-service REALTORS who can assist with selling your home and/or finding you your next home. The added professionals mean potential Clients have more convenience for showings & direct communication with Franklin County areas real estate Leaders. 

Communication is crucial in Real Estate & Janie leads by example for our team as she prides herself on availability to her clients. Whether you prefer texting, phone calls, emails, or instant messaging, Janie Schriewer & Associates can accommodate. Whenever you want to talk to us or work with a REALTOR, the Schriewer’s have the experience & care to offer the right advice for your situation. We know the intricacies of negotiating a deal from the original offer to the signatures at closing as well as alleviating all of the hurdles that may arise in between. We treat you just like family. We care about you and what is best for you. Call Us today. Thank you as always for friends, past clients and customers we love referrals. Talk to you soon.