Most Overlooked Items First-Time Homebuyers Need

The "Hidden Costs" of Buying in DC

Forget buying a ladder. Here is the budget you actually need for Year 1.

Most first-time buyer guides tell you to buy a flashlight and a toolkit. While those are helpful, they won't bankrupt you. What catches new DC homeowners off guard are the closing financials.

Before you make an offer, you need to budget for the "Unspoken Expenses" that don't appear on the Zillow listing price.

⚠️ The "Surprise" Expenses

Estimates based on a $600,000 condo purchase in Arlington/DC.

DC Recordation Tax ~$8,700 Unlike Virginia (which is lower), DC charges 1.45% of the sales price just to record the deed. This is a cash closing cost.

HOA Capital Contribution ~$1,200 Many condos require a "buy-in" fee equal to 2 months of HOA dues upfront to fund the building's reserve account.

Supplemental Tax Bill ~$2,500 If the previous owner had a tax exemption (like Homestead), it disappears when you buy. You may get a surprise bill for the difference.

The Toolkit You Actually Need

Okay, now that we've covered the money, here are the physical items you should have on Day 1 (that you might not have thought of):

1. Water Shut-Off Key: In older DC rowhomes, the main water valve is often at the street. If a pipe bursts, you need a "Curb Key" to turn it off. Cost: $15. Value: $50,000 in water damage.

2. HVAC Filters (The Right Size): Sellers rarely change them before leaving. Pull the old one out immediately to check the size, then buy a 4-pack.

3. Fire Extinguisher (Kitchen Grade): Do not buy a generic one. Buy a "Class B" extinguisher specifically designed for grease fires.

Maintenance: The "1% Rule"

A safe budget rule for DC homeowners is to set aside 1% of your home's value per year for maintenance.
Example: On a $700k rowhome, budget $7,000/year ($580/month). You might not spend it this year, but you will need it when the roof leaks or the 1920s plumbing fails.

Buy with Eyes Wide Open

The Keri Shull Team believes in "No Surprise" closings. We provide a full Closing Cost Worksheet before you even write an offer.

Get Your Cost Estimate

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Meet the Author - KS Team

Ranked as the Top Producing Real Estate Team in the DC Metro area, Keri Shull and her team have sold nearly $5 billion of local real estate. The team has helped thousands of families buy or sell their home in VA, DC, & MD. Keri offers her clients several GUARANTEE programs that eliminate the typical risks associated with buying or selling properties. Get in touch today for amazing results!

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