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Healthy Finances, Extra Expenses

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with dba Deb Beran Properties

Finding a perfect home for your family at Smith Mountain Lake is easy. But the responsibilities of home ownership will be more of a burden than a blessing if home buyers aren’t properly prepared. Popular financial consultant Dave Ramsey provides a helpful list of tips meant to prepare home buyers for everything involved in owning real estate so that the responsibility doesn’t become a hardship. 

 

One of Ramsey’s tips is to consider the extra costs involved in home ownership as you’re figuring out your budget. Additional expenses may include property taxes, utilities, insurance and HOA dues. These are regular costs to incorporate in the monthly budget. First-time home buyers will also need to be prepared for upkeep and maintenance costs such as lawn care, handyman needs, air filter and light bulb replacements, carpet cleaning and unexpected repairs. 

 

Make sure you meet with a financial consultant and follow the tips on Dave Ramsey’s site to get your finances in order before getting your heart set on a property that will only add stress and pressure to your life over the long run. And when you do have healthy finances and are ready for a Smith Mountain Lake property, your best bet is to contact us at Deb Beran Properties to secure the finest realtor at Smith Mountain Lake.

Tonya Jones
Solid Source Realty, Inc. - Lithonia, GA
REALTOR®

Good post, Deborah Beran.  I think this is why there are so many first time home buyer workshops these days.  Buyers need to be prepared for the lifestyle change and learn to budget accordingly. 

Dec 01, 2014 10:11 AM
Michael Dagner
Brokers Guild Classic - Denver, CO
Your Denver Homes Realty Expert

Deborah, Dave Ramsey sure has a lot of wise advice for buyers.  He gets a little testy at times, but has the best intentions.

Dec 01, 2014 12:46 PM
Anonymous
Deborah Beran

Dave Ramsey advice is often spot on sometimes a little more strict then some folks want to go but worth trying to see some of those bills go away!

Dec 01, 2014 11:58 PM
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