Understand the real costs of owning a home

Homeownership has lots of “hidden” costs beyond the purchase price. This site breaks them down in plain language, with practical checklists you can use before you buy, when you renew a mortgage, or when you plan renovations.

Plain-language explanations Checklists & planning Budgeting & risk management

1) Learn the big cost categories

Closing costs, taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, and surprise fees — all in one place.

Browse cost topics Get checklists

2) Plan for “cost shocks”

Rate changes, insurance increases, and major repairs can hit fast. Learn how to stress-test a budget.

Mortgage & rate changes Renovation overruns

3) Avoid common surprises

Understand exclusions, fine print, and what “maintenance” usually means in policies and warranties.

Insurance exclusions Warranty denials

4) Quick answers

If you’re in a hurry, start with FAQs and the first-week checklist after you take possession.

Read FAQs First-week checklist

Note: This site is educational and does not replace legal, financial, tax, or engineering advice. See the disclaimer.

Quick start

If you want one path that covers most people:

Closing costs Property taxes Utilities Repairs & maintenance Condo fees Selling costs

Want a printable plan? See Tools & Checklists.