15 guides
Homeowner budgeting guides
Plain-English guides to the costs of owning a home. General education, not financial or tax advice. We aren't a lender, insurer or agent, and nobody pays us to mention them.
The cost of owning
The true monthly cost, property taxes, insurance, escrow and HOA fees.
- What owning a home really costs each month
The mortgage payment is only the start.
- Property taxes: how they work
Assessed value, tax rates, exemptions and due dates.
- Homeowners insurance: what to check every year
Dwelling coverage, deductibles and what isn't covered.
- Escrow accounts explained
Why your mortgage payment changes even with a fixed rate.
- HOA and condo fees
What they cover, why they rise and special assessments.
Saving for the house
Maintenance reserves, replacement funds and emergency savings.
- How much to set aside for maintenance
Rules of thumb, and how to adjust them for your home.
- Saving for big replacements
Roof, HVAC, water heater: save before they fail.
- An emergency fund for homeowners
Separate from your maintenance reserve, and why it matters.
Lowering the costs
Utilities, tax appeals, preventive maintenance and refinancing math.
- Lower your home utility bills
Heating, cooling and hot water first.
- Appealing your property tax assessment
When it's worth it, and how to prepare.
- Cheap maintenance that prevents expensive repairs
Small jobs that protect the big systems.
- Refinancing: the basic math
Closing costs, break-even and what to ask.
Big projects
Paying for renovations, getting quotes and judging value.
- Paying for renovations and big repairs
Cash, home equity, personal loans and cards compared.
- Get three quotes for big jobs
Compare the same scope, not just the bottom line.
- Will a renovation pay for itself?
Most projects don't recover their full cost at sale.