Whether you're trading up your buying your first home, the last thing you want are unbudgeted costs just before moving. Here's a short list of some of the items to keep in mind as you prepare to move into your new home.
1 - Appraisal fee - usually required by your lender, could run from about $250 - $425
2 - Survey fee - lender may require a new survey, which could run from about $300-$700
3 - Property insurance - cost depends on multiple factors including home value
4 - Service charges - for new utility hookups, cable, etc.
5 - Mortgage broker's fee - some will have this absorbed into the lending costs
6 - Moving costs - depends upon amount of stuff, distance and how much you're willing to do yourself
7 - Homeowner association fees
8 - Hotel, eating out, storage - if you are moving into your new home after you're leaving your old place
9 - Last minute cleaning/landscaping for your old place
10 - Changing the locks on your new place once you move in
11 - New furniture and home accessories - even if you're keeping your old stuff, there's always a shower curtain, set of drapes, garden hose or some detail needed
12 - Budget for the unexpected, b/c something always comes up!
Tom,
Nice idea for a post. Also, condo assoc. fee's, additional maintenance fee's, pool service fee's, flood insurance if you're living in a hurricane or flood zone...