HOOK
Thinking your monthly mortgage is the full cost of buying a home? That’s where a lot of buyers get surprised.
[Show a couple looking at a house price tag, then a stack of bills appearing beside it.]
KEY POINT 1: Closing Costs
First: closing costs. These are the fees due when you finalize the purchase—things like lender fees, title charges, appraisal, and escrow. They can add up fast, so ask your lender for a loan estimate early.
[Overlay a simple checklist labeled “loan estimate,” “title,” “appraisal,” “escrow.”]
KEY POINT 2: Move-In and Setup Expenses
Second: move-in costs. New paint, cleaning, repairs, appliance hookups, and maybe furniture you didn’t expect to replace right away. Even a “move-in ready” home usually needs a little money on day one.
[B-roll of boxes, a paint roller, and a toolbox in an empty room.]
KEY POINT 3: Ongoing Ownership Costs
Third: the monthly costs beyond your mortgage. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues if there are any, plus maintenance. A good rule: don’t budget to the last dollar—leave room for the roof, water heater, or HVAC repair you’ll eventually need.
[Show a monthly budget graphic with “taxes,” “insurance,” “HOA,” and “maintenance.”]
CTA
If you’re house hunting, build these costs into your budget before you fall in love with a listing. Want a simple homebuying checklist? Follow for more practical real estate advice.
[End on a calm shot of a buyer reviewing a budget on a laptop.]