Navigating Home Costs in Murrieta, Temecula Valley, and the Inland Empire: Affordability Insights
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Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or upgrading to a larger home in Murrieta, Temecula Valley, or the Inland Empire, understanding the full scope of costs beyond the purchase price is vital for affordability calculations. Unforeseen expenses, such as taxes and additional costs, can turn closing day into a financial challenge without proper information and preparation.
Considerations for Affordability
Some costs are one-time fixed payments, while others become ongoing monthly or yearly commitments. While not all costs apply universally, being aware of them in advance allows for proper budgeting. Purchasing a home, regardless of whether it’s your first or tenth, involves crucial details. The goal is to avoid unexpected financial obligations arising just before taking possession of your new home.
Budgeting Checklist
Review the following checklist to ensure you’re budgeting effectively for your upcoming move in Murrieta, Temecula Valley, and the Inland Empire.
- Appraisal Fee
Your lending institution may request an appraisal of the property which would be your responsibility to pay for. Appraisals can vary in price from approximately $175 – $300. - Property Taxes
Depending on your downpayment, your lending institution may decide to include your property taxes in your monthly mortgage payments. If your property taxes are not added to your monthly payments, your lending institution may require annual proof that your taxes have been paid. - Survey Fee
When the home you purchase is a resale (vs a new home), your lending institution may ask for an updated property survey. The cost for this survey can vary between $700-$1,000. - Property Insurance
Home insurance covers the replacement value of your home (structure and contents). Your lending institution will request proof that you are insured as it protects their investment on the loan. - Service Charges
Any new utility that services your hook up, such as telephone or cable, may require an installation fee. - Legal Fees
Even the simplest of home purchases should have a lawyer involved to review all paperwork. Shop around, as rates vary greatly depending on the complexity of the issues and the experience of the lawyer. - Mortgage Loan Insurance Fee
Depending upon the equity in your home, some mortgages require mortgage loan insurance. This type of insurance will cost you between 0.5% – 3.5% of the total amount of the mortgage. Usually payments are made monthly in addition to your mortgage and tax payment. - Mortgage Brokers Fee
A mortgage broker is entitled to charge you a fee in order to source a lender and organize the financing. However, it pays to shop around because many mortgage brokers will provide their services free to you by having the lending institution absorb the cost. - Moving Costs
The cost for a professional mover can cost you in
the range of:
- $50-$100/hour for a van and 3 movers, and
- 10-20% higher during peak demand seasons.
10. Maintenance Fees
Condos charge monthly fees for common area maintenance such as groundskeeping and carpet cleaning in hallways. Costs will vary depending on the building.
11. Water Quality and Quality Certification
If the home you purchased is serviced by a well, you should consider having your water checked by your local experts. Depending upon where you live, determines whether or not a fee is charged, to certify the quantity and quality of the water.
12. Local Improvements
If the town you live in has made local improvements (such as the addition of sewers or sidewalks), this could impact a property’s taxes by thousands of dollars.
13. Land Transfer Tax
This tax is applied whenever property changes hands and the amount that is applied can vary.
To Discuss Your Home Sale or Purchase, Call or Text Today and Start Packing!
