Lauren Peters-Collaer

Congratulations on the purchase of your first home! Unfortunately, buying a home doesn’t mean the end of significant cash outlays. How well would you be prepared for the routine expenses (and unpleasant surprises) that come with homeownership? Let’s imagine you’re under contract on a $450,000, three-bedroom home in Coppell, Texas, a family-friendly suburb northwest of Dallas. It has a red brick exterior, real wood floors, a working fireplace, and a backyard with lots of potential. What’s next?

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You made a 10 percent down payment, secured a mortgage, and now it’s time for closing costs. How much are they likely to total?

$5,000 to $8,000

$12,000 to $20,000

$25,000 to $35,000

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Lauren Peters-Collaer

It’s almost time to move in. Your new home is only 20 miles from your old two-bedroom apartment, but you’ve decided to hire professional movers. What will that cost?

$400 to $600

$1,200 to $1,800

$4,000

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Good news: No more trips to the laundromat because your new home came with an old washer/dryer set (and a vintage refrigerator, to boot). The bad news is that they work but are outdated. How much would it cost to replace all three with new basic models?

$2,600 to $3,600

$3,000 to $4,500

$4,000 to $6,000

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Lauren Peters-Collaer

Wait! Before you move in, you want to get the interior repainted. The new house is 1,800 sq. ft. and the walls are in pretty good shape. The cost of professional painters varies but you should expect …

to pay at least $1,800

$6,000, which is reasonable

it to cost as much at $12,000

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As the movers are bringing in your furniture, a bookcase falls over and puts a hole in the drywall. Ugh! Hopefully, your movers’ insurance covers the repair, but if not, having an experienced maintenance person fix it will run you at least:

$25 an hour

$35 an hour

$75 an hour

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Spring comes, your flowers bloom, and your trees leaf out — except for one. If it’s dead, how much will it cost to remove it?

$1,000

$3,000

$6,000

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Lauren Peters-Collaer

The new house is so cozy, even mice find it irresistible — you saw a couple of them in the kitchen. How much will the exterminator cost?

$300

$650

$2,500

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After the mouse episode, you could use a little help to bring back the good vibes. Which of these are real professionals one can hire?

Digital handyman

Feng shui consultant

A baby-proofing expert

Ghost nanny

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Lauren Peters-Collaer

Summer was scorching, and it would be so great to have a pool to cool off in next year. Let’s dream — what will it cost to have one put in?

Minimum $35,000

Minimum $10,000

Minimum $75,000

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Speaking of temperature, autumn brings cooler weather and vibrant colors to the trees in your yard, but when their leaves fall they can clog your gutters. What is the cost of getting them cleaned and serviced?

$400

$800

$1,500

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Pumpkin-spice lattes are back on the menu in the fall, but just when the cold weather makes a hot bath sound nice, your water heater goes out. How much will a new one cost?

$700

$1,200

$2,500

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How lovely, your home has a fireplace! But the previous owners hadn’t used it in years, so before you light up, have it inspected and get any necessary repairs done. The cost?

$100

$1,000

$5,000