Buying a home can help you gain more flexibility in pursuing your longterm financial goals—as long as you’re not straining your budget. Having a clear view of the true costs of owning a home—beyond just your monthly mortgage payment—will allow you to understand how the purchase impacts your budget. Then, you can save accordingly to set yourself up for long-term success and enjoy your home.
Here are where the most-common surprise costs hide:
Buying a home will always come with a certain amount of financial risk, but if you’re prepared for the hidden costs of buying a house, your purchase and ownership experience will be on a strong foundation. A little research and budgeting, combined with personalized numbers from a tool like TIAA’s home affordability calculator , can help you make an offer with more confidence—so you can enjoy the lifestyle and sense of accomplishment that owning a home provides.