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The first year of homeownership is more expensive in Seattle

by Emily Marek

Homeownership is an expensive endeavor, no matter a buyer’s price range or location. However, some places in the country have distinctly higher costs associated with the first year of homeownership, according to Point2Homes.

The real estate site analyzed the largest cities in the U.S. to determine which offer the cheapest — or most expensive — first year of homeownership. This includes expenses like down payments and closing costs, as well as annual costs like mortgage payments, homeowners’ insurance and property taxes.

Seattle ranked as the 10th-most expensive city on the list, with the typical homebuyer in the area needing to spend $232,530 during the first year of homeownership, assuming a 20% down payment.

It would take the average Seattleite over a decade to be able to afford these hefty upfront costs. Even renters diligently setting aside 20% of their income to save for homeownership need 11.3 years in order to save up enough cash for a 20% down payment and closing costs. It takes even longer — over 15 years — to save enough money for the expenses of the entire first year.

The first year of homeownership costs over $100,000 in one-third of the biggest U.S. cities. Conversely, it costs under $80,000 in just 16 big cities, nearly all of which are located in the Midwest.

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