That first-time homebuyer class I took lied. I needed more than money for the down payment. Way more. Don’t get me wrong. The information was great, the teacher was extremely knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about getting started with the homebuying process.
But it’s going to take more than the down payment to purchase that home I saw on Zillow. And it’s going to take more than a credit score to move my furniture and set up Sugar’s chill corner.
I learned a lot throughout my first-time homebuyer journey. Before and after my closing date. So, in this blog post I’m here to tell the truth. My truth. I’m breaking down all the hidden homebuyer costs associated with purchasing my first home as a dog mom.
THE BIG 3 FINANCIAL RATIOS EVERY HOMEBUYER SHOULD KNOW
Full disclaimer. There isn’t a first-time homebuyers class invented that can teach you everything you need to know about being a new homeowner. So, I used this class to get started mapping out my finances.
The class mainly helped me get ready for my pre-approval. A pre-approval is a lender’s written estimate of how much you can borrow for a mortgage, based on a review of your income, credit, debts, and assets. In other words, it’s the maximum costs you can put in your custom settings while you’re scrolling homes on Zillow at 2:00 AM.
There are 3 main numbers that will get you to your pre-approval amount:
1.Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) – The percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying debts like credit cards, student loans, and car payments. Lenders use it to decide how much home you can afford, but it doesn’t always reflect how much you want to spend. The lower the ratio the better.
2. Credit Score – A three-digit number that shows how reliably you’ve managed debt and credit in the past. Your credit score comes from three major bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—and typically ranges from 300 to 850. Lenders often use your middle score to decide if you qualify for a mortgage and what interest rate you’ll receive, which can save or cost you thousands over time.
3. Cash Needed to Close – The total amount you need upfront on closing day, which includes your down payment, closing costs, and prepaid expenses like taxes or insurance. Some programs do offer down payment and closing cost assistance, but they often come with eligibility requirements such as income limits, credit minimums, or staying in the home for a set period.
Because I was extremely new to the homebuying process, I chose a realtor, lender, and attorney that specialized and worked with first-time homebuyers.
They all answered my questions from the first-time homebuyer’s perspective, explained the process step-by-step, and were knowledgeable about several programs that would help with the cash needed to close.
HIDDEN HOMEOWNER EXPENSES THE CLASS FORGOT TO MENTION
While my first-time homebuyer class served as a great base, the class forgot to mention that homeownership isn’t always cheaper than rent.
Yeah, girl. I was shocked too. However, the landlord is responsible for most of the utilities, maintenance, property upkeep, and other expenses when you’re renting. I’m learning that as a homeowner, that’s all me.
After all the ink dries on all that closing paperwork you gotta sign. And believe me. It’s A LOT of paperwork. There are more expenses coming your way. So, you might as well start planning for it now.
Expenses you may have to factor into your budget:
1.Property Taxes – An annual fee paid to your local government based on your home’s value; at closing you prepay a portion into escrow, and afterward the cost becomes part of your monthly mortgage payment (unless you opt to pay the tax bill directly)
2. Home Maintenance Reserve – Money set aside each year (typically 1–3% of your home’s value) to cover repairs and upkeep like roofs, HVAC systems, or plumbing.
3. Utilities per Square Foot – The ongoing cost of electricity, water, gas, and internet, which often climbs as you move into a larger home.
4. Furnishings & Move-In Costs – Expenses for furniture, appliances, curtains, and basic home setup that can add up quickly after closing.
5. Mortgage Insurance (PMI/MIP) – An extra monthly cost added to your mortgage if you put down less than 20%. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is for conventional loans and Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is for FHA loans. PMI can be canceled once you build enough equity, while MIP may last 11 years or even the life of the loan depending on your down payment.
6. HOA Fees & Special Assessments – Regular dues to a homeowners’ association plus occasional one-time charges for community projects or repairs.
7. Insurance Gaps – Extra policies not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance, such as flood, earthquake, or sewer backup protection.
8. Appliance Replacement Cushion – The likely cost of repairing or replacing big-ticket appliances within the first few years of ownership.
9. Pest Prevention & Control – Seasonal or emergency treatments to protect your home from termites, ants, rodents, or other infestations.
10. Window Treatments – The cost of blinds, curtains, and hardware, which are rarely included in a home purchase but essential for privacy and comfort.
THE PET PARENT COSTS: BUYING A HOUSE AS A DOG MOM
My first-time homebuyer’s class never even discussed real life examples like being a dog mom. Being a dog mom added a whole other financial twist to buying my first home.
And it was more than getting Sugar a cute new dog bed for her to lay in the sun. Even though that was on the furniture list. Here are some pet parent expenses that I had to consider when purchasing my first home.
Pet Parent Expenses to Consider:
Pet Deposit, Fees, or HOA Rules – Even as an owner, some condos, townhomes, or HOAs require one-time pet deposits, monthly pet fees, or compliance costs (like extra insurance).
Dog Licensing Fees – Moving into a new city or county usually means re-registering your dog under local laws, which often requires an annual fee.
Yard or Outdoor Setup Costs – Whether it’s fencing, turf, mulch, or pet-safe landscaping, creating a safe outdoor space often comes with upfront expenses.
Flooring and Carpet Cleaning – Dogs bring wear-and-tear—new homeowners often pay more for deep cleans, repairs, or replacements to protect flooring value.
Increased Home Insurance (Pet Clauses) – Some insurers raise premiums or require additional coverage depending on your dog’s breed, age, or size.
Boarding or Pet-Sitting in Your New Zip Code – Relocation changes your access to services—boarding or sitter costs can be higher (or harder to find) in your new area.
City or County Fines for Non-Compliance – If your dog isn’t licensed, vaccinated, or contained properly (like leash laws in your new neighborhood), local fines can add up quickly.
HOA/Community Compliance Costs – Some HOAs require things like waste stations, leash rules, or pet DNA registration programs (yes, those exist) that come with fees.
Landscaping or Yard Repair – Dogs can wear down grass, dig holes, or create muddy spots—landscaping costs for reseeding or repairs often fall on the homeowner.
Fence/Barrier Maintenance – Even if a fence is already in place, homeowners are responsible for repairing broken boards, gates, or dog-specific barriers.
Extra Utilities – If you’re home more because you now have a backyard or a dedicated dog space, you may run higher heating, cooling, or water bills (think baths and cleaning).
Increased Cleaning Supplies/Professional Services – Owning more square footage means more upkeep, and dog hair, paw prints, and accidents can drive up costs for vacuum bags, carpet treatments, or cleaning crews.
HOW DOG MOM MATH RULE #4 GUIDED MY HOME BUYING PROCESS
Dog Mom Math is about making thoughtful, intentional money decisions that balance your dog’s needs with achieving your goals, turning everyday choices into financial wins. I created to help me get my money in check after I got laid off.
Dog Mom Math Rule #4: Big Purchases Pay for Themselves Over Time guided a lot of my financial decisions during the home purchase process. Here are a few examples.
Example 1: Choosing Stain-Resistant Furniture and Decor
When I started shopping for furniture, I knew Sugar would be adjusting to the new house—meaning accidents and paw prints were inevitable. Stain-resistant fabrics and rugs cost more upfront, but:
- They last longer, which reduces the need to replace decor or to spend money to professionally clean pieces
- They decrease the risk of floor and wall stains if Sugar decides to “bless” some random corner in our new home.
- They allowed me to train Sugar without feeling like every mistake came with a price tag.
Example 2: Paying for a Quality Mattress (Regular expense)
I found the perfect mattress…until the saleswoman told me it cost $4,000. So, I set my sites on a new comfortable mattress that was more in my price range.
Purchasing a new mattress felt like a huge splurge to me. Especially, when I’m dealing with all the other new moving expenses that come with buying a home. However, Dog Mom Math Rule #4 helped me reframe my thinking about making the right decision by thinking about it as an investment.
- A good mattress impacts sleep, and better rest affects everything from my energy to my focus at work.
- I broke the price tag down as “cost per night” over 10 years—it came out to just a few dollars a night.
- The return on investment was improved health, productivity, and daily quality of life.
And no. I still didn’t get that $4,000 mattress. But I got one that fit in my price range and gave me the comfort I needed.
Example 3: Upgrading Storage and Organization Systems
Another area I didn’t want to skimp on was organization. Things like closet systems, shelving, and storage bins can feel boring compared to furniture shopping, but I viewed them through Rule #4:
- A strong storage system helps maintain order long-term, reducing the temptation to buy duplicates or lose track of what I already own.
- It protects other purchases (clothes, shoes, keepsakes) by keeping them in better condition.
- The upfront investment in organization paid for itself by reducing clutter, saving time, and making my daily routine smoother.
BUYING A HOME TAKES PATIENCE
I learned a lot during my first-time home buying journey. However, the biggest lesson is that buying a home takes patience. It took me 3 years of saving, budgeting, planning, searching, and “dog mom mathing” to finally achieve my goal of purchasing my first home.
Throughout my journey, I laughed, cried, baked, snuggled with Sugar, and at times questioned my decision to start the process. But here we are. I finally fulfilled my dream.
So, yes. It’s true. I needed more than money for the down payment to purchase that home I saw on Zillow. But if I knew that I probably never would’ve started the process in the first place. Sometimes we have to step out on faith, start from scratch, and know that we will learn this shift as we go.
Now, we’d also love to hear from you. What do you wish you knew before you purchased your first home? Or what would you like to know before you start the process?
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