12 Surprising Things No One Tells You About Owning a Home

Experienced homeowners share the surprises they encountered, the things that made them happy, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way

Most homeowners will tell you how excited they were when they first bought their home. But after some time, they'll also share the surprises-both good and bad. From the joy of having their own space and making memories to the shock of hidden costs and never-ending maintenance, there's a lot more to homeownership than they expected.

We asked first-time homeowners on Facebook about “the unexpected things everyone should know about owning a home.” Over 4,600 people responded, offering helpful advice for anyone wanting a real look at what homeownership is really like.

What caught homeowners off guard after buying their first home?

1. How much upkeep is involved — especially with a single-family home

One of the biggest surprises for first-time homebuyers is the maintenance. The amount of work it takes to keep a home running, the costs involved, and how it feels like it never ends can catch people off guard.

"Everything breaks down," recalled homebuyer Dawn Alexander-Martin about her early days of homeownership. "The washing machine stopped working, water leaked through our sliding door when the snow melted, and the worst part? The driveway sank into a 3-foot hole."

Alison Miller, a real estate agent from Branchville, N.J., also pointed out that “things happen, even when the home is well-maintained.” These costs can add up quickly, especially if you have to hire professionals for repairs instead of handling them yourself.

The amount of maintenance required varies depending on the type of home. For instance, condos typically need less maintenance since homeowners associations manage common areas like the exterior, landscaping, and shared spaces. Condo owners are mostly responsible for maintaining appliances and the interior of their units.

Some things you'll quickly learn: how fast grass grows, why cleaning your gutters is crucial, and how to handle a clogged drain.

Homebuyer tip: Keep a cash reserve for emergencies. If your home’s appliances are old or major parts like the roof have been neglected, repair costs can be significant. Be realistic about your limits and what you’re willing to take on.

2. The rising and unpredictable costs of property taxes and homeowners insurance

When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you might assume your monthly payments will stay the same throughout the loan. However, those payments often include property taxes and homeowners insurance, which your mortgage servicer collects in an escrow account to pay on your behalf. These costs tend to rise over time.

"Taxes and insurance will go up," said Sandi Diana-Schultz from Lombard, Illinois. "It's inevitable. Be sure you can afford more than what you're approved for, because even with a fixed-rate mortgage, these expenses will increase — sometimes faster than expected."

Homebuyer tip: Keep an eye on your escrow statement, both at closing and as you make payments. This will show you how much of your mortgage payment goes toward taxes and insurance, not just the loan itself.

3. How much you can actually benefit from tax write-offs

Gilbert Arciniega recognized the cost and time commitment that comes with homeownership but pointed out that the absence of landlords and potential tax breaks are major advantages.

“The big benefit is being able to write off interest on your taxes," he said. "And, of course, freedom! No landlords dictating how you live, and you can do (almost) whatever you want with your house."

For information on the potential tax benefits of owning a home, read Tax Benefits For Homeowners.

4. How much your neighbors can impact your quality of life