The Hidden Cost of Buying a Home

In many circles on to be considered while the mostsuddenly the real overall cost is a whole lot more.
important investments in individual make in their lifetime.There are actually many costs that are associated
There are many reasons why a home is such a greatwith taking out a large loan on as large a scale as
investment. One of these reasons is that they eachpurchasing a home or real estate. Some of the more
come with a high purchasing price and carry theirup front and personal costs are usually associated, or
value. Homes are such a solid commodity, they tend toare made a reality during closing process with closing
historically increase in value over time, and notcosts.
depreciate like many items consumers purchase. ForWhen a home is closing, the associated costs with
the same reason that a home is a great investment, itsclosing on the home are called "closing costs." Closing
high cost and historically high values makes them acosts are usually associated with two forms of costs:
very expensive investment. Homes also prove to beone of those being costs associated with the bank
one of the most expensive investments an investorand the new loan origination. The other costs usually
will make in their lifetime, and therefore most investors,coming from appraisals and home inspections. Usually
or consumers will not have the needed capital toonly in a strong buyers market will the seller offer to
purchase a home up front. In fact, almost 90% orpay for all or some of the closing costs. With respect
more of the home buyers will not have the neededto the housing markets, historically the market does not
funds to purchase a home using cash. Because ofbelong to the buyer, but to the seller. Therefore the
their lack of funds, investors will have they will need toclosing costs are usually paid for by the buyer. Closing
borrow the funds from a lending institution or somecosts may cost anywhere from two to eight percent
other form of lender.of the cost of the entire house so one needs to
Again, because individuals or investors or consumersprepare for the high costs of closing.
do not have the capital to purchase a home, they willThe reason closing costs are called the hidden cost of
take out a mortgage, or home loan from a lendingreal estate is because rarely do first time buyers take
institution. This lender who will be giving the buyer ainto account how much will need to be spent at the
loan will charge the buyer or the borrower a fee fortime of closing in order to settle the house in the name
the use of their funds. The charge for the funds willof the buyer. It is wise for a buyer to plan on staying in
come in the form of interest. Interest is simply the feetheir home for a number of years in order to build
the lender charges for the use of their money. Withenough equity both from principle payments on the
the understanding that home owners or buyers rarelyloan to be made and from the increase in home
have the needed capitol up front to buy a home,values.