Repairs, Inspections & Hidden Costs: What Homebuyers Should Expect

One of the biggest surprises for buyers isn’t the purchase price—it’s what comes after you move in. Homeownership comes with ongoing upkeep, a few upfront costs, and the occasional unexpected repair—so planning ahead matters.

How much should you budget?

A common rule of thumb is 1–3% of the home’s value per year for maintenance and repairs.
If you’re unsure what that looks like for your price range, try pricing out a few neighborhoods first by browsing homes for sale to compare typical home condition at different price points.

Why the inspection matters

A general home inspection is recommended on any property you purchase, and it helps you understand the home’s condition before you’re fully committed.
Inspectors often review major components like the roof and systems such as heating and cooling, and may recommend additional specialty inspections depending on what they find.
If you want to see where inspections fall in the full timeline, explore our homebuying process for a step-by-step breakdown.

If issues come up, what are your options?

Depending on the situation, you can usually:

Request repairs

Negotiate a credit

Move forward as-is (common when the home is priced for its condition)

If you’re actively touring homes, check homes available in your area and pay attention to listing notes like “new roof,” “recent HVAC,” or “sold as-is”—those details can impact your budget quickly.

The takeaway

Preparation is the difference between surprises and confidence. If you’d like help interpreting an inspection report or negotiating repairs, connect with our team for a free homebuying consultation.

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Written by LIVgreat Real Estate, your trusted Washtenaw County real estate experts.
Email: hello@livgreatrealestate.com
Website: https://livgreatrealestate.com

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Repairs, Inspections & Hidden Costs—What Should You Expect?

Repairs, Inspections & Hidden Costs: What Homebuyers Should Expect

How much should you budget?

Why the inspection matters

If issues come up, what are your options?

The takeaway

Erin Galinac

| LIVGreat Real Estate | Good Company | PLACE