Home-Buying Costs Quadruple Buyer Expectations

Surveyed buyers spent ~$31.5K upfront, ~4x their ~$8.1K expectation, excluding down payments.
Typical upfront costs: moving ~$3K, closing ~$5.7K, seller concessions ~$7.7K, first-yr repairs ~$15.1K.
Biggest surprises: repairs/renovations (18%), closing costs (16%), and property taxes (14%), survey respondents said.
After buying, ~75% said costs hit finances; ~72% reported regrets, often wishing they negotiated more.
First-time buyers spent ~$36.5K vs ~$28.3K repeat buyers; 41% felt uninformed before offering.