First-Time Home Buyer – The Real Costs
Beyond the mortgage payment
This 9-part series provides comprehensive coverage of Rent Vs Buy The 5 Percent Rule. Topics include Rent Vs Buy The 5 Percent Rule, Hidden Closing Costs, Pmi Myths, The Inspection Contingency, Property Tax Appeals, Home Warranty Vs Emergency Fund, Condo Townhouse Single Family, Buying With Friends Or Partner, New Construction Pitfalls.
Articles in this series
Rent vs. Buy: The 5% Rule (Ben Felix Style)
Rent vs. Buy: The 5% Rule (Ben Felix Style) ============================================ The cultural narrative around homeownership is nearly unassailable. Buying a home is framed as the...
Hidden Closing Costs: Title, Escrow, and Points
Hidden Closing Costs: Title, Escrow, and Points ================================================ You've been pre-approved for a mortgage and found a home at $420,000. You have $84,000 saved—a 20%...
PMI Myths: How to Drop It Early
PMI Myths: How to Drop It Early ================================ Private mortgage insurance is one of the most consistently misunderstood costs in homeownership. Some buyers avoid homes they can...
The Inspection Contingency: 10 Deal-Breaker Findings
The Inspection Contingency: 10 Deal-Breaker Findings ==================================================== A home inspection is three hours and $400 to $600 that could save you $50,000—or an entire...
Property Tax Appeals: When and How to Fight Assessment
Property Tax Appeals: When and How to Fight Your Assessment =========================================================== Property taxes are the largest recurring cost many homeowners pay after the...
Home Warranty vs. Emergency Fund: Which Saves Money?
Home Warranty vs. Emergency Fund: Which Saves More Money? ========================================================= Home warranties are marketed aggressively to new buyers, often by the seller as...
Condo vs. Townhouse vs. Single-Family: HOA Tradeoffs
Condo vs. Townhouse vs. Single-Family: HOA Tradeoffs ===================================================== The housing type you choose shapes not just your living experience but your financial...
Buying with Friends or Partner: Legal Co-ownership Agreement
Buying with Friends or a Partner: Legal Co-Ownership Agreements =============================================================== Two people agree to buy a home together. They split the down...
New Construction Pitfalls: Upgrades and Delayed Closings
New Construction Pitfalls: Upgrades and Delayed Closings ========================================================= New construction carries an appeal that resale homes can't match: everything is...