Your mortgage payment is only part of the story. 🏡
Most homebuyers focus exclusively on their monthly mortgage payment when calculating affordability. But here’s the reality: that payment typically represents only 70-80% of what homeownership actually costs each month.
The average cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., excluding the mortgage, is estimated at around $21,400 in 2025—roughly $1,800 per month. When you factor in these costs, a $2,500 monthly mortgage can grow to over $4,000 in total housing costs.
💡 Key takeaways:
– Nearly 45% of homeowners report post-purchase regrets, most commonly due to higher-than-expected maintenance and hidden costs
– Insurance and property taxes continue rising annually—sometimes jumping $200-300/month in a single year
– Home maintenance now averages around $8,800 annually, with first-year owners often facing higher costs
– The solution? Budget for mortgage PLUS approximately $1,800 monthly in carrying costs
True affordability isn’t what a lender approves—it’s what lets you sleep well at night when the water heater fails or insurance premiums spike.
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