Beware! 13 Extra Costs
13 EXTRA COSTS TO BE AWARE OF BEFORE BUYING A HOME
Get FREE Instant Access by completing the form on this page.
Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchase price - that you must figure into your calculation of affordability. These extra fees, such as taxes and other additional costs, could surprise you with an unwanted financial nightmare on closing day if you're not informed and prepared.
Some of these costs are one-time fixed payments, while others represent an ongoing monthly or yearly commitment. While not all of these costs will apply in every situation, it's better to know about them ahead of time so you can budget properly.
Remember, buying a home is a major milestone, and whether it's your first, second or tenth, there are many small but important details, not to mention stress and excitement, to deal with during the process. The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations in the hours before you take possession of your new home.
To help homebuyers understand what these extra costs are, and in what situations they may apply, a free industry report has been prepared called "13 Extra Costs to Be Aware of Before Buying a Home".
Order this report NOW to make sure you're budgeting properly for your next move.
Testimonials
"
We were struggling to find a house because of credit but Melissa helped us immediately and encouraged us!
"
- Victoria Rodriguez
"
We have nothing but great things to say about our Realtor, Melissa Twitchell. We found Melissa through a referral and we were able to have a fast and mutual closing on our new home while selling our previous home. Melissa was incredible attentive to our needs, listened to our concerns, and promptly addressed any questions that we had or concerns that came up during the transactions for both homes. If you are looking for a Realtor that will provide top notch service and give sound fiscal and property advice for transactions, look no further!
"
- Charlotte Fawcett
"
Melissa helped my wife and I purchase a rental home at the end of May and we closed at the end of June. She was excellent putting our offer together without her experience we would have lost the home to another investor most likely. She worked hard and negotiated a good reduction in the purchase price after we received the home inspection. The home inspection identified some repairs and even in this hot market she was able to get find a way to get them to cover most of of the repairs. She always worked with focus. You can feel confident she’s working for you and your best interest in mind. If you are purchasing a home or a rental property as an investment I would personally recommend Melissa and her team. If you are in the hunt for your dream home or investment property and you truly need to know you did everything you could to get it and want no regrets get Melissa on you team before you head out. M Cole.
"
- L S
"
Melissa and the team were always available and responsive. We were doing our search from out of State and without her, not sure how we would have arrived to this point of purchasing our house in AZ She always followed up on her promises and delivered. She is knowledgeable and gets you the answers and data you need. We are so pleased that we found her.
"
- Rick Shupe
"
Melissa is very professional and knowledgeable, she worked for our best interest and communicated with us throughout the process.
"
- Holli Tuttle
"
Key player in purchasing a second home “sight unseen”. Wouldn’t have made purchase if Melissa wasn’t: thorough, detail oriented and knowledgeable!!
"
- Jeff Johnson
"
Melissa & Michelle were great to work with. In this crazy housing market I was in no rush to find the 'right' house. They never pressured me to put an offer on a house and they were both patient in helping me to find the perfect house for me. I'm hoping to stay where I'm at for a long time but would definitely use them again when the time comes and would highly recommend them.
"
- Jordan Lee
"
Before selecting Melissa Twitchell as my Real Estate Agent, I interviewed several others. Melissa was overwhelmingly the best choice. For other realtors, I hope you learn these things from Melissa. She helped me "stage" my home for the best results for showing (removing things that would distract the potential buyers); she hired a professional photographer that made my home look fantastic; and most of all, she believed in and loved my home as much as I did. Her positive attitude that it would sell immediately came true with 3 offers out of the first five - before it was even officially listed! Melissa guided and encouraged me throughout the process. She is the BEST!
"
- Sharon Orlins
"
What a great experience we had with Melissa and Lisa. Lisa started the process and Melissa jumped in when Lisa was as unable. Melissa helped us write a desirable offer which resulted in the purchase of our AZ home. We are so excited to experience winters without snow. Thanks Melissa and Lisa.
"
- Heidi Van Dusen
"
Melissa did an amazing job and was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. Can’t recommend her enough!
"
- ROBERTA CANDELA
"
Thank you Melissa for the invitation on your customer appreciation day to Thor Love an Thunder. We are very appreciative of your efforts , working with you acquiring our home in Sun City West . If we have friends needing assistance finding a home in the area will not hesitate to recommend .Again thank you
"
- Jerome Solam
"
Melissa always goes above and beyond. I am so grateful that she helped buy our home. She was kind, Patient and knowledgeable. She has does a big heart too. Thank you Melissa for your hard word and dedication.
"
- Anel Alvizo
"
If you are looking for a home in the Phoenix area, Melissa is the realtor for you! She’s a hard worker who is willing to do what it takes to find the home of your dreams! She goes above and beyond to help you find your home, put the deal together, and finish the job with you feeling good about the process. She is the best realtor we have ever worked with! Call her today! You will not be disappointed!
"
- Connie O'Rourke
"
It’s not often that I write reviews for those in the sales industry. This time I’m making an exception. Just a quick backstory my daughter was trying to purchase a home in the larger Arizona market of Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria & Goodyear area. After four months of shaking the trees and getting outbidded by multiple different buyers she all but gave up and decided to no longer use that agent. My daughter was ready to exit the market and deciding just to rent. I told her let’s try just one more time with a new agent. And from this point on I will no longer call them agents or sales people because they quickly became like family to my daughter and me. I believe if you look up customer service on the Internet they should post their photos. I have purchased over nine homes myself over the last 20 years so I am a seasoned veteran buyer. It really is hard to put into words or to articulate with grace how incredibly and professionally this team was in this transaction to assist my daughter in finding the perfect house for her. In this market agents have to move fast, they need to be creative and think outside the box, so they truly broke the mold on that idea. I won’t go too far down the road as to how they worked outside the box to find a solution for my daughter but they did amazing, stellar work. I can tell you without a doubt if you’re new to home-buying, or a seasoned buyer or your current agent is not hitting the mark, talk to this team. If you have any questions regarding our experience feel free to reach out. I’m happy to endorse them 110% Mark V Cerney
"
- E equals mc2
"
Melissa helped us sell and purchase a house simultaneously. She was very helpful and knowledgeable with our sell and purchase. she is very easy to communicate with answering all our questions and always kept us informed on the status. She made the process smooth and easy for us. Definitely recommend her and will use her again if we are ever in need of a great realtor.
"
- Brad Watanabe
"
I had a wonderful experience with Melissa Twitchell.. She was actually my neighbor and I was in the market to sell my home...What perfect situation She lived in the neighborhood and had her finger on the pulse of what was selling and for how much... We worked out a plan and she and her team made it happen they were there every step of the way answering all questions solving all problems.. Melissa went above and beyond to help me because during the sell of my home I was out of state...She got the price I asked for plus more...I appreciate all her hard work and consider her a friend...A great company! Ask for Melissa Twitchell and her team they won't steer you wrong you can count on them..
"
- erika vaeth
"
a month ago
At the time we were struggling because of our credit. We had a previous realtor who didn’t really help. We spoke to Melissa and she stepped up immediately and helped us. She even supported my wife who was having medical issues at the time. She was the best and we appreciate her very much.
"
- Estevan Rodriguez
"
Even this crazy market didn't stop Melissa from finding us a home. This is my 2nd home purchase using her team and both times I had a pleasant experience.
"
- Zach Stahl
"
Melissa went above and beyond her duties. She was patient and helpful throughout the course of the process of finding and closing of my condo. I couldn't thank her enough. I will recommend her anyone that is searching for a new home. Thank you Melissa Twitchell.
"
- Lance Mistler
"
As a first time buyer I was super nervous and didn’t know a thing about buying property. Melissa and Michelle helped me the whole way and led me to find the most amazing condo for my first buy!! They were patient, knowledgeable, responsive and went above and beyond for me!!
"
- Megan Uhlig
"
Melissa and her team made our move to Arizona a reality for our family. She was so patient and informative with me as we narrowed our search. Her friendly demeanor made what seemed to be a daunting process possible. She is very responsive and knowledgeable on all aspects of a home. She walked us through the entire process and I could not be more pleased with our beautiful home! Thank you Melissa and team!
"
- Cara Price
"
I happened to cross paths with Melissa, when I was pretty determined not to commit to any real estate agent. So of the 20 that called, it worked out (because of how she played it) that I migrated towards her service, and I'm glad, I did. She did a terrific job along the whole journey and is a spit fire agent that gets things done. I Dont think there was anything that I wanted, that she didnt make happen for me, and was extremely helpful in so many other ways, with our family move!. She rose against her competitors and I feel strong in my recommendation for anyone that wants top notch, no nonsense, getter done type gal...be smart and call Melissa. Great job!! Thank you.
"
- Jimmy Spieldenner
"
I recently closed on my first home sale. Melissa made this process beyond simple. From helping me get the house ready to the close, she answered every question I threw at her! She then followed that up with helping me close on my next home. Needless to say, if you want an agent who will work their tail off for you, turn to Melissa.
"
- Brandon Stokes
"
Melissa is a Pit Bull. She was always on the ball. When I was having issues with my health she step in and took care of things for me. I have NEVER gotten this type of respect from any team. We did have an other team before we went with Melissa and I’m so glad we got her and her team. I gave her 5 if I could she is a 10 star all around.
"
- Angela Rodriguez
"
Melissa did a fantastic job throughout the entire home purchase process. 10/10 would recommend. …More
"
- Sean C
"
It was wonderful to work with Melissa and her team to sell several of my investment properties. Melissa took the time to understand my needs and the unique attributes of the properties and general areas. She was able to put together amazing listings and manage the process from end to end. I would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the Valley and would love to use her again in future transactions.
Like
"
- David Marshall
"
Melissa and her team are the best in the west!! She has helped us with our last two purchase/sells which were super successful and easy! I have referred friends and family, everyone is always very impressed and pleased! Great job team!!
"
- KariAnn Reece
"
We have worked for the second time with Melissa Twitchell. She is a very kind and knowledgeable agent. She responds quickly to her clients and explains in detail any questions you might have. I will use her again if needed and recommend her highly.
"
- Ann Rau
© 2026 Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved. All information should be verified by the recipient and none is guaranteed as accurate by ARMLS. Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items. Only IDX residential listings are displayed on this site. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose
