True Cost of Homeownership
Principal + Interest buys the mortgage. It doesn't buy the house.
Your mortgage payment is not the cost of homeownership. This is.
CLUSTER 1
The transaction
Your locked numbers: Purchase price. Down payment. Rate. Term. Zip code
Skip the loan fields if there's no mortgage on this purchase.
Current 30-year fixed rate.
CLUSTER 2
The bill that shows up before you get the keys
Two costs. Both due before you take ownership.
National average is 2–5% of purchase price. Source: Freddie Mac (May 2024). Your lender's Loan Estimate has the exact number.
National average local move is $1,250–$1,600. Source: American Moving & Storage Association (2024). Long-distance moves range $5,000–$15,000.
CLUSTER 3
Monthly carrying costs
Every dollar you'll spend to hold this house — every month, forever.
Auto-filled from your ZIP's median. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Your county assessor's site has your exact number.
State average shown. Source: Insurance Information Institute. Your quote will vary based on home value, deductible, and coverage.
Homeowners Association dues. Check the listing. Default $0 if unknown.
State average. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Ask the seller for 12 months of bills for your actual number.
This state has no residential natural gas service.
Regional average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Municipal rates vary widely — check your city's utility site for exact rates.
CLUSTER 4
CapEx reserves
Costs beyond your mortgage. Five CapEx systems to monitor closely.
New = under 10 years. Mid = 10–20 years. End-of-life = 20+ years or visible wear. Source: InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart.
New = under 10 years. Mid = 10–20 years. End-of-life = 20+ years or major repairs in past 2 years. Source: U.S. Department of Energy.
New = under 8 years. Mid = 8–15 years. End-of-life = 15+ years or major repairs in past 2 years. Source: ACCA + Energy Star.
New = under 6 years. Mid = 6–10 years. End-of-life = 10+ years or rust/leaks. Source: U.S. Department of Energy.
New = under 5 years. Mid = 5–10 years. End-of-life = 10+ years or original to home. Source: Consumer Reports appliance lifespan data.