Here are the top 10 cost the home buyers may miss with calculating the cost of buying a new home. This list is provided by Fieldstone Family Homes

1.) Property Taxes and Assessments

Home buyers often need to set up an escrow account with the new mortgage lender. This means that they must pay a portion of taxes upfront. In some states, the seller has already paid the local taxes and this amount must be paid back to the seller at closing. Also, some counties have transfer taxes whenever a property changes hands.

2.) Insurance

Fire insurance or a homeowner’s insurance policy usually needs to be paid for up front. Although you may be able to get an insurance binder from your company on a payment plan, most mortgage companies require the first year paid during escrow or closing.

3.) Appraisal Fees

Mortgage lenders require appraisals to make sure your property covers your loan amount plus their investment risk. The buyer normally pays between $150-$450 to the appraiser.

4.) Survey Fees

Some lenders require a property survey. You may also want a survey if the property lines are in question. Survey fees vary from $600-$2,500, or more for large parcels.

5.) Septic System Certification

If your new property does not connect to public sewers, you may need a septic clearance for your lender. Often the home seller pays this cost, but you want to make sure you get no hidden charges or surprises.

6.) Water Quality Certification

The same holds true for properties with a well and not public water service. For your own piece of mind, you will want to check the water quality and have this clause as a condition in your purchase contract. Not only do you want to make sure the water quality passes, you want to make sure the well has plenty of flow so you don’t run out of water.

7.) Miscellaneous Origination and Loan Fees

Your mortgage lender adds fees for processing your loan, document preparation, underwriting, closing, funding, and sometimes “garbage fees.” Check your estimated costs statements and look for hidden fees. Before committing to a lender, shop for your best loan and compare lender’s costs.

8.) Association and Maintenance Fees

Most buyers understand that a condo comes with association fees. However, some housing developments also charge maintenance fees. Don’t assume that the fees will be nominal. Many condos in California have association fees over $400 per month. Some of these fees need to be paid annually, which means a home buyer needs to pay upfront.

9.) Utility Service Fees

Check your hook up and installation fees for water, gas, electricity, cable or satellite TV, phone, trash, sewer and other services. Sometimes the water department covers the sewer and trash service. These fees quickly add up and you don’t want any surprises like a $340 water deposit required by some companies.

10.) Moving Costs

Plan your move before committing to a purchase. Know whether you can move yourself or need to hire professional movers. You may be shocked to find out the costs involved. Ask for referrals of clients and check out moving companies. Prices for truck rental and moving companies vary.

Capital Remodeling, Inc. - Why is the window seal that insulates a double paned window so important?

Capital Remodeling, Inc. a leader in the window business since the 1980’s, says that one of the number reasons that double paned replacement windows fail is due to seal failure, which is why Capital Remodeling only uses one of the best seals in the industry.

Seal failure occurs when an inferior seal around the edge of an insulated glass unit, known as IGU in the industry, fails and allows moist air to flow between the two panes. (or three panes if triple paned glass).  Often the seal will fail because the temperature changes between hot and cold on both inside and outside makes the glass unit expand and contract.

Once the seal breaks, the air with moisture also carries dirt and grime and other particles that end up sticking to the inside of the glass.”  This clouds the window, and is impossible to wipe clean or get rid since the dirty film is located on the inside of the glass unit.”  The only answer for most homeowners is that they have to buy new windows all over again. This happens to thousands of homeowners that either bought cheap windows from a company or the windows were installed from a builder that did not put in the best quality sealed windows.

Another problem with seals breaking is the fact that argon gas can escape overtime.  Argon gas is a clear, odorless, safe gas that is denser then air and is put into windows to help give them a better energy value rating.  But guess what?  Most window seals allow the argon gas to escape, thereby overtime the replacement window no longer gives the homeowner the same energy savings that they paid for just a few years ago.

Capital Remodeling inc makes their windows using Duralite.  Unlike most other spacers that have some sort of metal support inside their spacer, Duralite uses a polycarbon similar to what someone would find in a nice par of sunglasses.  Because there is no metal in Capital Remodeling’s window seal, the seal is not as susceptible to expansion or conduction of heat and cold.  In fact, through three different tests, a German, U.S., and Canadian test, the Duralite seal used on Capital Remodeling’s windows showed that during a simulated 20 year period, that 98% of argon gas was retained. This Duralite seal gives one of the best energy value ratings on the market, prevents seal failure for a lifetime and will maintain the argon gas in the window. Capital Remodeling Inc. does provide free in-home estimates and can be reached at 1-800-939-0728.

Most families this summer are running a tight ship when in comes to summer activities. Vacations have been delayed, cut short or changed to a closer destination. Those not affected by the economic turndown directly are still altering their spending habits because the fear of losing their income is very real. When it comes to summer fun for the kids out of school you will need to be very creative. The best money saver is creating games, crafts, play days and backyard blast at home. Here is what we did last week and my kids thought they were at the biggest water park in America.

First my wife and I spent some time cleaning up the backyard. I cut the grass and we picked up anything left from the dog, branches, rocks and made sure it was safe for our 4 year old and 18 month old. Next we looked at what we currently had in the garage from previous years. Well we had the luxury of having a smaller bouncy house from a previous birthday party and a swing set with a decent sized slide. Ok so we have some key pieces to do something fun.