Can You Really Afford That House? Preparing for the Hidden Costs of Homeownership in DFW

You’ve run the numbers. You’ve gotten pre-approved. Maybe you’ve even found “the one.” But before you make the leap, it’s time to ask a different kind of question:

Can you really afford that house—not just to buy it, but to own it?

In today’s market, it’s not just about the list price. Rising insurance premiums, ongoing maintenance costs, and surprise repairs can add up quickly. But don’t worry—when you understand what to expect, you can make smarter decisions and protect your peace of mind.

Here’s what every DFW buyer should know.

Insurance Premiums Are Climbing—and They’re Tied to the Home’s Condition

Across North Texas, homeowners insurance rates are on the rise. Increased risk from hailstorms, wind damage, and even wild weather patterns have insurance companies tightening their guidelines and charging more for coverage.

If a home hasn’t had recent updates—like a new roof, modern electrical, or HVAC upgrades—it could affect your ability to get insured affordably.

What can you do?

• Use your home inspection report to ask better questions when shopping for insurance.
• Be proactive about needed updates—some can help you lower your premium.
• Know that what’s hiding under the surface can cost you more long after the closing table.

Maintenance Isn’t Optional—and It’s Not Always Predictable

Every home needs regular care, and that’s especially true in Texas where heat, shifting clay soil, and storms can all take a toll.

Common maintenance needs include:

• HVAC servicing (usually twice a year)
• Roof inspections and minor repairs
• Drainage and grading checks
• Foundation monitoring
• Plumbing and electrical upkeep

When maintenance is ignored, small issues can turn into expensive repairs. But when you catch them early, you stay in control.

After You Buy: Consider Annual Home Maintenance Inspections

At Semper Fi Home Inspections, we offer Annual Home Maintenance Inspections designed for homeowners who want to stay ahead of problems.

These inspections:

• Give you a yearly health check on your home
• Catch small issues before they become big ones
• Offer peace of mind that your home is still in good shape—even years after you move in

It’s one of the smartest things you can do to protect your investment.

Inspections Help You Understand More Than Just the Big Stuff

When buying a home, your inspection is more than a checklist—it’s a roadmap.

A detailed inspection report helps you:

• Understand the full condition of the home
• Separate cosmetic issues from structural concerns
• Prepare for what’s coming up (like an aging water heater or a roof with 5 years left)

What About After Repairs?

If you’ve negotiated repairs during the buying process, we always recommend a repair verification reinspection before closing. This ensures the agreed-upon work was actually completed—and completed properly. This isn’t a full inspection and also doesn’t come with the full cost; we only reinspect those pieces that you requested to be fixed by the sellers.

There’s nothing worse than walking into your new home and realizing corners were cut. A reinspection gives you the confidence that nothing was missed and you’re starting your ownership on solid ground.

Affordability Means Planning Beyond the Closing Table

True affordability includes more than just your monthly mortgage. It includes:

• Insurance premiums
• Repair and maintenance reserves
• Utility efficiency
• Unexpected events

By understanding the condition of the home and planning ahead, you can avoid surprises—and costly regrets.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge = Peace of Mind

At Semper Fi Home Inspections, our goal is simple: to give you the clearest picture possible of your future home—so you can move forward with confidence, not stress.

Every full inspection includes a complimentary warranty, and we offer the option to upgrade to a 14-month home warranty—two full months longer than the standard—so your peace of mind doesn’t end on move-in day.

Buying a home is a big step. Let’s make sure it’s one you can afford with your eyes wide open.