Your Planning Guide

If you already own a home — or you’re planning to someday — one of the most empowering things you can do is understand what homeownership actually costs beyond the mortgage.

Not to stress yourself out.
Not to make you second-guess your decision.
But to plan ahead so nothing catches you off guard.

This guide is a simple, realistic look at the first-year homeownership costs you can expect in Kyle and Dripping Springs — whether you already live here or you’re working toward becoming a homeowner in the future.

The goal isn’t to overwhelm you.
It’s to make homeownership feel predictable instead of stressful.

Why First-Year Costs Feel Bigger (and Why That’s Normal)

The first year of homeownership often feels more expensive than expected — not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because it’s the year where you’re learning how your home works.

You’re setting baselines:

• How your HVAC performs
• What routine maintenance looks like
• How utilities fluctuate by season
• What small repairs pop up

Once you understand those patterns, things tend to level out.

1. Maintenance & Minor Repairs (Plan, Don’t Panic)

Every home — new or old — needs upkeep.

In your first year, it’s smart to plan for:

• HVAC tune-ups
• Minor plumbing fixes
• Appliance servicing
• Small electrical or cosmetic repairs

A realistic planning range:
$1,500–$3,000 for the year

Some years you’ll use most of it.
Some years you won’t.
Either way, having a cushion turns surprises into inconveniences — not emergencies.

2. Utilities (Your First “Real” Year of Data)

Your first year gives you real insight into:

• Summer electric bills
• Winter heating needs
• Water usage
• Trash and recycling costs

Homes in Kyle and Dripping Springs can vary widely depending on:

• square footage
• insulation
• age of the home
• energy efficiency features

Expect utilities to fluctuate seasonally. The first year is about learning your normal.

3. Property Taxes (Especially If You’re Not Escrowed)

If your property taxes are escrowed, you may not notice this as much.
If they’re not, this is one of the most important planning items.

Texas property taxes are typically due by January 31 each year.

For homeowners who pay taxes directly:

• Set aside monthly instead of scrambling later
• Watch for exemptions (homestead matters here)

This isn’t a “surprise cost” — it’s a known one that just needs a plan.

4. Insurance Adjustments

Your homeowners insurance premium can change after year one based on:

• claims history
• rebuild cost adjustments
• market-wide rate changes

This doesn’t mean something went wrong — it’s part of how insurance works.

Review your policy annually so changes don’t feel unexpected.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare insurance rates after your first year.

5. HOA Dues (If Applicable)

Some neighborhoods include HOA fees that cover:

• common area maintenance
• amenities
• neighborhood management

HOA costs are predictable — just make sure they’re part of your monthly comfort number, not an afterthought.

6. The “Oh Crap” Fund (Peace of Mind Matters)

This is the fund that makes homeownership feel manageable.

It’s for things like:

• a water heater acting up
• a garage door repair
• a plumbing issue that can’t wait

Recommended cushion:
$2,000–$4,000

You may not need it.
But if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

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None of these costs mean:

• you bought the wrong house
• you weren’t ready
• you made a mistake

They mean you’re a homeowner — or planning to become one — and you’re learning how to plan confidently.

Homeownership isn’t about avoiding costs.
It’s about expecting them and staying in control.

Planning Is the Advantage

Whether you:

• already own a home in Kyle or Dripping Springs
• or are planning to buy in the future

Understanding first-year costs puts you ahead of the curve.

Clarity removes fear and planning creates confidence.

And that’s exactly how homeownership should feel.

Want Help Planning Ahead? If you want to talk through what these costs might look like specifically for you — now or in the future — I’m always happy to help you run the numbers and think through next steps.

No pressure. Just clarity. 💚