Calculating home ownership costs in Franklin TN is an important introductory step for all home buyers and should be completed prior to seeing homes for sale. This saves time and minimizes heartbreak. There are several calculations to consider including loan payments, property taxes, insurance, property fees, and maintenance expenses.

Loan Payments

Loan Payments may be fixed for the life of a mortgage or may change at specific time frames. This is determined by the type of mortgage you receive. Generally, loan payments include funds towards the mortgage principal and interest. Thus, it is dependent on your specific interest rate, which may not be set until you determine the closing date. Your loan consultant will prepare an estimate based on the current rate and a particular value, but note that such calculations are not exact since each property will be different.

Property Taxes

Most mortgage companies will require that you set aside funds into an escrow account for upcoming property insurance. The service provider then remits the payments from that account directly to the tax collector. This is their way of ensuring that you have sufficient money to pay taxes due and that payments are not missed. Taxes vary depending on the location and assessment amounts. Larger properties or homes with more acreage usually have higher taxes. Rates may also change on a yearly basis.

Property Insurance

Property insurance is another cost for which you might be asked to escrow funds. Payments are due yearly and can be altered by your provider. You have the option of selecting your insurance company, although certain coverages will be required by your mortgage company.

Other Fees

There are other regular amounts that you should think about. If your loan to value ratio is high, mortgage insurance may be included in your monthly payment until your balance is lowered to a certain amount. Properties in certain communities or condominium complexes may include monthly or yearly dues. This will differ with each property, so ask your real estate agent about what applies to homes you are considering.

Repair Costs

Homeowners sometimes forget to account for repair costs. Whether you are buying a condo or single family property, there are both predictable and unpredictable issues that arise. Be sure to account for repairs and estimate larger amounts for older homes or those in areas where weather may play a role in exterior maintenance.

Calculating Home Ownership Costs In Franklin TN

Calculating home ownership costs in Franklin TN is an important starting point in the real estate buying process. Price sensitive consumers should stay educated on moving interest rates and the impact that it can have on monthly payments. Home buyers should also understand what recurring amounts will remain unchanged versus those that will adjust over the future. Some costs, such as repairs, can be entirely unpredictable but should nevertheless be accounted for. Only by performing a detailed calculation of all figures involved in a real estate purchase and ownership can buyers make an educated decision on price range.

For more information, contact Jim Eaton at Blueprint Realty, Inc.