On average, homebuyers can expect to spend around $40,000 in one-time fees on the typical U.S. home, according to a recent report from Zillow and Thumbtack [1]. This includes not only the down payment, but also the closing costs and additional move-in projects.
"Buying a home, especially for the first time, is an exciting but stressful experience," said Justin LaJoie, RealEstate.com General Manager. "Some of that stress can be eased by making sure you know all of the costs that come with buying and owning a home, so you can budget appropriately and not get caught off guard well into the buying process."
The average down payment for a first time homebuyer is 15 percent, or $32,700 for the typical U.S. home, worth $218,000 in July. Additional closing costs can add up to about $6,250, including an origination fee, appraisal, transfer taxes, the first year of homeowners insurance, title insurance.
Additional costs can be added on before move-in from general maintenance and installation fees, such as moving companies, new locks, and cleaning. According to thumbtack, these additional fees can add around $1,130 on average.
"It's imperative first-time homebuyers do their research around unexpected homeownership costs, including projects that help them prepare for the big move," said Thumbtack Lead Economist Lucas Puente. "While there may be some initial sticker shock, these projects can help get a house move-in ready."
According to Zillow, these one time costs are highest in the San Francisco Bay area. In San Jose, for example, with a median home value of $1,292,600 buyers may be expected to pay $203,000 on average in one-time payments alone, more than the median home value of 11 major markets. In San Francisco, one time costs are $152,059 on average.
While in most cities, including San Jose and San Francisco, the closing costs and moving costs stay in the $6,000 and $7,000 range, closing costs are $11,232 on average in New York City. Additionally, New York homebuyers can be expected to pay $64,455 in down payments.