Buying a house is super exciting. You dream about the perfect place, maybe one of those amazing Londonderry houses for sale. You picture yourself relaxing in a big backyard or cozying up by a fireplace. But there’s something a lot of people don’t talk about—the hidden costs of homebuying. And trust me, they can sneak up on you if you’re not ready.

Most people think they just need a down payment and that’s it. Wrong! There’s a lot more to it. Let’s dive into the real stuff you need to know so you can walk into your new home smiling, not stressing.

What Are Hidden Costs of Homebuying?

Hidden costs of homebuying are all the extra things you have to pay for besides the house price. They aren’t always obvious upfront. And sometimes, they can be a real shocker.

You need to plan for them, especially if you’re looking at Southern NH houses for sale, where the market is hot and moving fast.

1. Home Inspections and Appraisals

Before you buy a home, you must get an inspection and an appraisal.

Home inspection costs usually run between $400 and $800 in New Hampshire.
It helps find big problems like roof leaks or bad wiring.

Appraisals tell the bank if the house is worth what you’re paying.
They cost about $400 to $700 around Southern NH.

➡ Hidden Tip: Always budget for both. Skipping them could cost you way more later.

2. Closing Costs

Closing costs are like the final “surprise party” of homebuying—but without the cake.

You’ll pay for things like:

• Title searches

• Legal fees

• Loan origination fees

• Recording fees

In New Hampshire, expect closing costs to be 2% to 5% of the home price. That’s thousands of dollars! On a $400,000 home, you’re looking at $8,000 to $20,000.

➡ Pro Tip: Some Southern NH houses for sale offer seller-paid closing costs. Always ask your REALTOR about it.

3. Property Taxes

Yup, property taxes are a real thing. And they stick around forever.

In New Hampshire, property taxes are higher than many states.
Cities like Londonderry, Derry, and Hudson have property taxes that could add $6,000 to $10,000 a year.

➡ Planning Tip: Always ask about annual taxes before you make an offer.

4. Homeowners Insurance

Banks won’t give you a mortgage without homeowners insurance. It protects you from fires, theft, and storms. Most policies in Southern NH cost $800 to $1,500 a year depending on the size and location of your home.

➡ Pro Tip: Bundle it with auto insurance to save some money.

5. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you’re putting down less than 20%, you’ll likely pay PMI.

PMI is an extra monthly cost that protects the bank, not you. It usually costs 0.5% to 1% of your loan amount per year. On a $300,000 loan, that could be $1,500 to $3,000 a year!

➡ Savings Tip: Save up for a 20% down payment if you can.

6. Utility Hookups and Bills

Moving into a house comes with the need for water, power, heat, and internet. Sometimes there are setup fees you don’t expect.

Think:

• Electricity setup

• Water and sewer connections

• Gas hook-ups

• Internet installation

➡ Budget Tip: Plan an extra $300 to $600 for setup charges.

7. Repairs and Upgrades

Even the best Londonderry houses for sale might need a little TLC. New homeowners often spend $5,000 to $15,000 on small repairs, painting, landscaping, or new appliances in the first year.

➡ Money Tip: Always keep a repair fund ready. You don’t want to stress every time something leaks.

8. HOA Fees

If you’re buying in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), expect monthly fees. Southern NH houses for sale in newer communities often have HOA fees from $100 to $500 a month.

They cover things like:

• Snow removal

• Landscaping

• Community pools and parks

➡ Reminder: HOA fees don’t go away, even after your mortgage is paid off!

9. Moving Costs

Getting all your stuff into your new home isn’t free either. Hiring movers in New Hampshire could cost $1,000 to $3,000 depending on how far you’re going.

➡ Savings Tip: Ask friends for help or rent a truck to save cash.

10. Furniture and Decor

A new house feels empty without furniture and some personal touches. New beds, couches, and curtains can add up fast. Homeowners often spend $5,000 to $15,000 furnishing a new home.

➡ Smart Tip: Buy slowly. You don’t have to fill every room right away!

11. Lawn Care and Maintenance

If you’re moving into a home with a yard, get ready for more work—and more bills.

You might need:

• A lawnmower ($200 to $600)

• Snowblower ($500 to $1,500)

• Landscaping services

Plus, you’ll need to replace things like air filters, smoke detectors, and maybe even a roof someday.

➡ Pro Tip: Set aside at least 1% of your home’s value every year for maintenance.

12. Emergency Fund

Bad things can happen—a burst pipe, a broken heater, or a big tree falling on your house. Homeowners should have an emergency fund with at least three months' worth of mortgage payments.

➡ Safety Tip: Better safe than sorry!

Why Knowing the Hidden Costs of Homebuying Matters

Knowing the hidden costs of homebuying helps you plan smarter and buy happier.

It’s easy to fall in love with Londonderry houses for sale or dream about Southern NH houses for sale. But being ready for real costs makes it a lot less stressful.

You'll move in feeling prepared, powerful, and ready to enjoy your dream home.

How a REALTOR Helps You With Hidden Costs of Homebuying

A good REALTOR is your secret weapon against hidden costs.

We help you:

• Estimate real expenses

• Negotiate closing costs

• Recommend trusted inspectors

• Find homes that fit your full budget

• Connect you with trusted local lenders

If you’re thinking about buying in Londonderry or anywhere in Southern NH, we’re here to help you avoid nasty surprises.

Don’t Let Hidden Costs Scare You

Buying a home should be exciting—not scary. By understanding the hidden costs of homebuying, you’ll be smarter, stronger, and way ahead of the game.

Whether you’re browsing Londonderry houses for sale or checking out beautiful Southern NH houses for sale, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Ready to find your dream home and avoid hidden costs? Let’s chat today and make your move the smartest one yet!

If you need more info on the hidden costs of home buying, or are ready to sell your house give us a call at (603) 883-8840. You can also sign up for your dream home search or reach out to Our Agents for more information. We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.