Renovations by NL&B Construction

Budget 4% Annually for Repair Costs

Buying a new house is more challenging now than it was just a few years ago. Some experts suggest a set of new budgeting rules for first-time home buyers, including a realistic amount set aside for regular repairs.

Some tried-and-true advice got left behind in the housing bubble that burst several years ago. One of those recommendations is to have a 20 percent down payment to start with. You should also assess the real estate taxes in your area, and how much a first-time home buyer mortgage might cost.

However, let’s assume that you’ve got all of that figured out and you are already a proud home-owner. Rather than allowing your home to gradually deteriorate over time, thinking that all you need to do is Read more