Published December 17, 2025
The Hidden Costs of Homeownership (What Buyers Often Overlook)
Buying a home is exciting but one thing that often catches new homeowners off guard is how many small expenses pop up after closing.
Your mortgage is just one piece of the picture. Ongoing costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees (if applicable) are expected, but there are also the smaller, easy-to-forget expenses like air filters, lawn care, gutter cleaning, pest control, and routine maintenance.
Over time, those costs add up. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about 1% of your home’s value each year for repairs and upkeep. Having that cushion can make unexpected repairs feel manageable instead of stressful.
That’s also why it’s so important to pay attention to big-ticket items when buying, things like the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Knowing their condition upfront helps you plan and budget with confidence.
At Francis Home Group, our goal isn’t just to get you into a home, it’s to help you feel prepared for sustainable, long-term ownership here in the Kansas City market.
If you’re starting your home search and want a clearer picture of what homeownership really looks like, we’re here to help you plan ahead.
