Here’s a question most buyers don’t ask until it’s too late: What happens when the HVAC fails during a heat wave or the roof needs replacing? 🔥
Home maintenance now averages around $8,800 annually, with first-year homeowners often facing even higher costs. But here’s where buyers get caught off guard—major repairs aren’t possibilities, they’re certainties with varying timelines:
- HVAC replacement: $5,000-$10,000
- Roof replacement: $8,000-$15,000
- Water heater: $1,200-$2,500
- Foundation repairs: $4,000-$12,000
The traditional 1% rule is outdated. On a $350,000 home, that’s only $3,500 annually—barely enough to cover one major system failure. Experts now recommend planning for 2-3% of your home’s value annually.
Without liquid reserves, a single emergency can derail your finances entirely. That 15-year-old water heater or aging roof isn’t a deal-breaker—it’s a budget roadmap. Buyers who understand these timelines plan strategically instead of scrambling when systems fail.
đź’ˇ Create a dedicated House Repair Fund separate from emergency savings. Treat it like a non-negotiable monthly bill so your wealth-building asset doesn’t become a source of financial strain.
Read the full article:
The True Cost of Homeownership: What You Pay Beyond the Mortgage
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