What fees are involved with owning real estate?
The thing that is great about real estate is everything is up for negotiation.
In general in a purchase you can expect to incur fees for
Title insurance
Appraisal
Loan Fees
Inspection Fees
As a general rule most of the conventional deals I work on come out to about 3% of the purchase price in closing fees. You can always ask the seller to credit you, finance your fees or do other creative things to avoid this.
Once you close you will pay Taxes, Insurance, Mortgage if applicable and any maintenance if you are renting the property.
You can find out what is going on with financing at my blog linked below.
On top of the purchase amount, all real property is lawfully required to pay property taxes. Property tax amounts are dependent on geographical location. Some properties within communities will have monthly homeowner's association (HOA) dues, which can range from $50-$900/month, depending on the community and amenities included. Mello Roos, or special property tax/assessment, in addition to the normal taxes, can be imposed on those within certain community facilities districts.
Well - the way I read the OP question it is about "owning" VS "buying" real estate.
Fees associated with owning real estate
taxes, insurance, lawn/landscaping, snow removal, garbage, gas, electric, water, sewer, rehab, upkeep, gas driving to and from, your time, stamps, mortgage, home owner assiciation
If your renting it some of those may be put on the renter in the lease - some may come out of your cash flow....
Tons more I am sure all I can think of right now.
Holding costs are often overlooked :)
When you own a property, obligations does not stop there, you are still need to pay some fees like property tax, the insurance, repair and maintenance cost.
Everything Scott mentioned are fees associated with owning a real estate property. However, if do your math right (i.e. doing your calculation prior to buying) the tenant always pays for everything in the end, whether directly or indirectly. Otherwise you wouldn't call it a business... :wink:
One other expense that is incurred when purchasing real estate, depending on location, is Real Estate Transfer Taxes.