Purchasing a home is arguably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don’t forget there will be costs associated with your purchase other than the price of the Ventura home. Here are five hidden fees to keep in mind as you begin to budget.
Hidden Fees to Be Aware of When Purchasing a Ventura Home
Home Inspection
This is a crucial step in the home buying process. The findings that come from the inspection can help you negotiate price and repairs. Generally, you can expect to pay between $300 to $500 depending on the home and the location. Manta reports that Ventura home buyers pay between $237 and $535 for a home inspection, depending on the size and location of the property.
Title Services
Title services encompass the transfer of the title from the seller and a thorough search of the property’s records to ensure to no one will pop up with a claim to the property. Additionally, you may need to buy title insurance which will protect the lender or your investment in the home.
Appraisal Fee
This brings us to the next one of the hidden fees you find yourself paying when buying a Ventura home: the appraisal fee. Before getting a loan, you will likely be required to get an appraisal of the home to determine its estimated value. This will be conducted by a third-party company. According to Manta, Ventura homebuyers pay between $274 and $465, depending on the size of the home. You can shop around for an appraiser if you wish. Also, your real estate agent can offer up suggestions based on experience with whom they’ve worked with in the past.
HOA Fees
Many communities have a homeowners’ association that enforces monthly fees. This money is used for general maintenance and updates to areas like pools, parks, and more. Typical HOA fees are around $200 to $300 per month.
Taxes
Finally, the taxes each buyer pays at the closing table differ. But it is not uncommon for it to be up to two months’ worth of county and city property taxes. Additionally, there may be taxes for the transfer of the home title.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists
