Thinking of buying your first home or trading up to a larger one?

Well yes, there are those huge up front costs that confront everyone: the down payment and the loan.

Currently in San Francisco, a "strong" offer consists of a down payment with 20(+)% and a first from a reputable lender. Days of 100% financing are far and few between.

But there are other expenses that buyers need to budget when looking at buying a home.

Here is a short list to tease the mind:

1. Appraisal Fees
2. Property Taxes
3. Contractors Inspection
4. Pest/Structural Inspections
5. Other "as needed" Inspections
6. Property Insurance
7. Transfer Tax - depending on region
8. Mortgage Insurance
9. Mortgage Brokerage Fees
10. Condo HOA Fees
11. Moving Expenses
12. Improvement Costs

Now don't get freaked out. Not all costs are applicable to each transaction and some are an election on the part of the buyer but at least you now have an overview of what some possibilities are given the current market conditions.

If you need further details or estimates please send me an email at: kglidewell@pacunion.com or visit my website at: www.KenGlidewell.com .