13 Extra Costs When Buying a Home
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13 Extra Costs When Buying a Home
“The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations cropping up hours before you take
possession of your new home.”
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs – on top of the purchase price – that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you’re not informed and prepared.
Some of these costs are one-time fixed payments, while others represent an ongoing monthly or yearly commitment. Not all of these costs will apply in every situation, however, it’s better to know about them ahead of time so you can budget properly.
Remember, buying a home is a major milestone. Whether it’s your first, second or tenth home, there are many important details to address, during the process. The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations cropping up hours before you take possession of your new home.
Read through the following checklist to make sure you’re budgeting properly for your next move.
1. 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.
2. Property Taxes
Depending on your equity in the property, 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.
3. 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 $500- $1,000. These days most lenders will accept Title Insurance Certificate ordered by your lawyer. Cost around $150. Doesn’t apply when purchasing a strata property.
4. 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. It will be one of the lender’s condition to provide the mortgage on completion date. Make sure you make arrangements for an insurance policy before completion date. Your personal belongings insurance is a good piece of mind but not mandatory. When buying a condo, “third liability” or “condominium insurance” is highly recommended. It will cover the deductible amount in the strata insurance in case the damage was caused by you or your tenants.
5. Service Charges
Any new utility that services your hook up, such as telephone or cable, may require an installation fee.
6. 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. $800 to $1,500
7. Mortgage Loan Insurance Fee
Depending upon the amount of your down payment when buying a home, CMHC requires mortgage loan insurance. This type of insurance will cost you between 1.8% and 4.00% of the total amount of the mortgage. It is a one-time payment and is added to the total amount of your mortgage.
8. Mortgage Brokers Fee
A mortgage broker might be entitled to charge you a fee in order to source a lender and organize a special financing like a second mortgage or a private lender 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.
9. Moving Costs
The cost for a professional mover can cost you in the range of:
• $100-$150/hour for a truck and 3 movers, and
• 10-20% higher during peak demand seasons.
10. Maintenance Fees
Condos charge monthly fees for common area maintenance such as grounds keeping and carpet cleaning in hallways. Costs will vary depending on the building and the size of your property.
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. 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), it could impact a property’s taxes by hundreds of dollars.
13. Land Transfer Tax
This tax is applied whenever a property changes hands. The amount for BC is:
1% on the first $200,000,
2% on the portion of the purchase price greater than $200,000 and up to and including $2,000,000, and
3% on the portion of the purchase price greater than $2,000,000.
For example, if the fair market value of a property is $450,000, the tax paid is $7,000.
If you’re a foreign entity or taxable trustee and the purchased property is located in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, you also pay the 15% additional property transfer tax on the property’s purchase price.
If you want to learn about more extra costs when buying a home, fill and submit the form on this page. In the “Notes” box include a code “buyers guaranteed programs”
VIP Buyers Guaranteed Programs
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2. If we don’t SAVE you at least 1% on your home purchase price, on completion date we’ll pay you back 10% of our net commission* (Conditions apply)
3. Our services are COST FREE for you. Our commissions are paid by the sellers.
To find out how you benefit from our Buyers FREE Real Estate services, go to FREE Buyers Services
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