Hidden Costs of Buying a Home | Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin Video

Buying a home? Welcome to the most expensive game of "you’ll never see that money again"

I'm talking about the sneaky, sunk costs of homeownership.. the ones that don’t build equity but do drain your wallet

Come for me in the comments with your tax write-offs, but here’s what you need to know:

🏡 Closing Costs
These are all the little fees bundled into finalizing your mortgage — loan origination, appraisal, title search, credit reports, and more. Usually 2 to 5 percent of your home price, paid up front

🏡 Mortgage Interest
Most of your early payments go to interest, not equity. It’s a long-term hit that can add up to six figures over the life of your loan

🏡 Property Taxes
These fund your community, not your home’s value. They vary by location and often increase over time

🏡 Homeowner’s Insurance
Required by your lender and necessary for peace of mind, but it doesn’t increase your property’s worth

🏡 PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
Put down less than 20 percent? You’re likely paying PMI, which protects your lender — not you

🏡 Loan Origination Fees
Charged by lenders to process your mortgage — includes underwriting, admin, and document prep

🏡 Appraisal and Inspection Fees
Out-of-pocket costs to check the home’s value and condition. Crucial, but not recoverable

🏡 Maintenance and Repairs
Not part of the closing process, but these costs never stop. And not all repairs will boost your resale value

Drop your real estate horror stories or hot takes in the comments 💬

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