For that eager buyer who’s ready to jump into the housing market, first-time homebuyers Tom and Jen Lovell offer some personal advice based on their own purchasing experience.

Many homebuyers are focused on the purchase price of their homes, down payments and other major money requirements when purchasing a home. What might be left unnoticed until it’s too late are the other things that need some funds thrown at them: Utility hookup, furniture, appliances, appliance hookup, etc.

The Lovells faced such expenses when they bought their home.

Tom, who works as a weapons specialist for the military, and Jen, who runs an in-home day-care service, moved to San Antonio in December 2004. Their two-story, decade-old home on the Northwest Side is described by the Lovell’s as “a perfect starter home.”

Getting into their starter home, however, was a journey of trial and error filled with unforeseen expenses and nonstop decision-making.

“On a positive note, the sense of owning something that will shelter your family outweighs every other purchase in your life. A car is cool, but (buying) a house is a big deal,” Tom said.

To help make the journey to the final signature easier, here are some tips from them and other homebuyers about what to expect:
 

Appliances/appliance hookup. If the home is new of or if the previous owners took their stuff with them, you could end up having to buy a fridge, washer and dryer, even a stove. Not lucky enough to have a plumber in your family? You’ll need someone to actually hook up these modern conveniences for you, and that can cost some dough.

Window treatments. If you’ve never had to buy these, you wouldn’t believe how expensive they are. Blinds and curtains (especially custom ones), along with rods and everything else that goes along with them easily can set you back a couple of hundred bucks. Unless you want your new neighbors to know you like to make Saturday breakfast in the buff, it’s a good investment.

Utilities. Ask the previous homeowner to give you an estimate on how much it costs to run the air conditioner or other utilities. “It was a huge hit for us,” Jen said.

Furnishings. “There is a big difference from furnishing an 800-square-foot place and a 3,000 ..... Our house was pretty empty when we first moved in,” Jen said.

Extended warranties. There are home warranties for three-to-five years, but you can keep adding onto them. “Our warranty paid for four major appliances that broke and saved us about $2,000,” Tom said.

Homeowners’ association fees. “It can add up to $200 (or more) on top of the mortgage. We didn’t expect that when we bought our home,” Jen said.

Lawn care. “If the home has a lot of trees, remember that you will probably have to trim those once a year. Things like that can get expensive.” Tom said. Also, don’t forget the equipment. Maybe you’ve lived in an apartment up until now and suddenly, you have a lawn. That would mean buying a mower, rakes, shovels, hoes and anything else you might need.

General maintenance. It’s the little things that add up. Don’t forget air-conditioning inspection and cleaning, pest control and carpet cleaning.

Jenina Hernandez | 210SA contributor