You saved enough money, and now you’re ready to buy a home. Congratulations. No more renting, no more giving money out to something you don’t own, but do you know about all the hidden costs? There are many advantages to being a homeowner, and one of them is that you own the place where you lay your head. Still, those costs that you didn’t figure will come back to bite you if you don’t plan. Below are tips and advice that will benefit you and hopefully get you prepared for any nasty surprises.

Real Estate Fees. If you decide to go the route of hiring an agent, beware of a few factors. Such as: how much are their fees, do they have conflicting interests, will that agent look out for your best interest? Make sure you know what exactly is in the contract you sign with an agent.

Your Homeowner Insurance. According to the National Association Insurance Commissioner, insurers paid a premium of 1,192 in 2016. However, that cost may be different in another state. Most people fail to factor in their homeowner’s insurance. The amount you pay in homeowner insurance depends on several factors, including the location, which could be considerably higher if you’re in a less than a desirable neighborhood. Remember when you purchase homeowner insurance, you’re also purchasing title insurance and probably flood insurance.

Closing Cost. Know that these fees can add up, and you’re responsible for them as soon as the seller accepts your offer. Not paying these fees on time, means that they will increase. Closing costs vary from 2 percent to 5 percent. Also, you’re paying the following: A credit report fee, attorney fee, loan processing fee, inspection fee, appraisal fee, escrow deposit fee, underwriting fee, recording fee. The good news is that you can negotiate with the seller to ease you of some of the burdens from closing costs.

Property Tax. The cost of your home’s property tax also depends on the area that your home’s located in. Beware that the property tax is not a fixed rate.

HOA Fees. The perks of living in an HOA community has its advantages. For example, they can provide a pool, gulf court, someone to keep the area looking clean. You never have to worry about mowing your lawn. However, the payment for those perks can be expensive. Plus, HOA fees will increase at any time that the board of directors over the fees decides to. Furthermore, if you fail to pay those fees on time, it can lead to losing your home, which is why factoring in the cost of how much the fees are should go into any decision that you make when deciding to buy a home that has HOA fees.

Necessary Items. Even If you’re buying a new home, you might find that you’re going to have to purchase a few items that are missing in your home including appliances.

Upgrades. Okay, you’ve fallen in love with all the upgrades because the one with the base price doesn’t compare. However, those upgrades can be expensive. We’re talking in the thousands. Plus, some builders may want to charge more for those upgrades if you make the purchase of your home with them. Some builders may not have all the upgrades that you envision for your home, and that will play a factor if you decide to sell down the road.

Setting a realistic plan with a budget will help to make sure that you don’t end up house poor.