Helena Talbot's blog - Are You Ready For Home Ownership

We all have had a picture of perfection when it comes to purchasing our dream home; green grass surrounds a home on a hill and perhaps snow draped trees in the winter. But are you ready to pay for those picturesque moments?  Who will cut all that grass or trim those potentially hazardous branches?

It's hard enough preparing for the reality of paying a monthly home mortgage, but has anyone explained all the expenses that go with home ownership?

When you realize all the expenses that will be added to that new price tag, it can be a real shocker. The truth is, home ownership costs are bearable and people pay them every day. But you should be prepared for all the costs. You may even want to scale back the size of the home you're looking for in order to bring the whole package in line with your budget.

Some expenses are built right into the monthly mortgage like homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, homeowner’s association fees (HOA) however, have you thought about other monthly costs?

• Utilities. If you're moving from an apartment to a home for the first time, know that the increase in square footage (not to mention water for a newly sodded yard) can pack a whopping punch in the form of a huge utility bill. Plan to implement some energy conservation measures, like light-blocking blinds and compact fluorescent light bulbs, to offset the tab.

• Maintenance. This won't show up in your mortgage payment, but it's no less real an expense. Your gutters will need to be cleaned, grass will need to be cut; and if you’ve purchased a newly built home it will begin to settle within the first two years. Be sure you have some monthly budget set aside for repairs and upkeep, whether for small do-it-yourself things like replacing floodlight bulbs or the inevitably serious issues that crop up from time to time (sure, the fridge looks fine today, but all appliances have life spans).

• Repairs. Do you have an asphalt driveway? You’ll need to have it sealed, which will cost in the neighborhood of $225+

Costs will vary but the bottom line is, you will undoubtedly have additional expenses when it comes to owning a home. This could make a big difference when purchasing. Deciding what size home and the type of community you want to move to will play a big part in your decision when it comes to those additional expenses.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. 

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot