Free PDF guide
First-Year Move-In Budget Worksheet: Beyond the Mortgage
The other 40 line items, from prepaid interest to lawn gear, most buyers forget to budget for.
What's inside
- ✓A three-part budget — one-time closing costs, first-year setup costs, and annual recurring costs — with real dollar ranges on every line
- ✓The 1% rule explained in actual dollars, not just percentage, on a $400,000 home
- ✓25+ line items most buyers forget to budget for, from prepaid interest to lawn equipment
3 key takeaways
How much do first-time buyers typically underestimate their true first-year cost by?
$15,000–$25,000. This worksheet exists so that gap doesn't hit as a surprise.
What's the 1% rule, in real dollars?
Set aside 1% of your home's purchase price per year for maintenance — not per month. On a $400,000 home, that's $333/month, automated the day your mortgage payment clears.
What costs hit in the first 90 days that most buyers forget?
Immediate repairs from the inspection report ($2,000–$8,000), lock rekeying ($200–$500), and specialist inspections like sewer scope or radon ($150–$500 each).
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