Costs to Keep in Mind when Buying a Home in Encinitas

• Real Estate Tips
• encinitas real estate, Moving, Moving Costs, real estate tips
• May 13, 2014

You’ve scoured the market and finally found your dream home in Encinitas without going over budget. But before you break out the champagne and celebrate, you may want to make sure you’ve considered all of the costs that go into buying a new home. There are a number of additional expenses that may come up, and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard. Realtor.com has published a list of common costs that often go unlooked when buying a new home in Encinitas.

Buying Costs

Even though your mortgage has been pre-approved, there may be some additional up-front costs. Remember to prepare for your buyer’s agent fee, as well as any appraisal and inspection fees your new home may need. You may also want a real estate attorney to review the contracts before making a final commitment.

Moving Costs

As I mentioned in a previous blog entry, moving can be a difficult experience. It can also be a costly one. The cost of packing, storing, and transporting your belongings can add up quickly. Inter-state moves can easily cost over $1000, and even local moves can be extremely pricey. Planning ahead and budgeting the cost of movers, equipment, and transportation could help you to avoid souring your new move with a massive expense.

New Furnishings

You may find that all of your belongings won’t make it to your new home. Some items may not be worth the cost or effort to move, such as old furniture or appliances. Think ahead about what items are destined for the thrift shop, and add the cost of replacing them to your moving budget.

Maintenance and Renovations

Once you’re in your new home, it’s a good idea to set some money aside specifically in case renovations or maintenance is required. Realtor.com recommends budgeting at least 1% of the home’s purchase price toward home maintenance each year. This way, if your roof, gutters, or other parts of your home require work, you’ll be ready for it.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity, in order to cover your home and belongings in case of disaster. As I mentioned in my renter’s insurance blog post, not all policies cover natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, or earthquakes. Additional insurance in areas prone to these events is highly recommended, and should be taken into account when planning for your move.

By Linda Moore