Buying a home in Westchester County involves more than just the purchase price. Even well-prepared buyers are often surprised by how many additional costs show up between contract and closing — and how significant some of them can be.
Understanding these expenses upfront helps buyers plan realistically, avoid stress, and make smarter decisions throughout the process.
Here are the biggest cost surprises Westchester home buyers frequently underestimate.
1. Closing Costs Add Up Quickly
Many buyers assume closing costs are minimal compared to the down payment. In Westchester real estate transactions, that’s rarely the case.
Typical buyer closing costs can include:
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Attorney fees
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Title insurance
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Lender fees
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Recording fees
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Prepaid interest and escrow items
Depending on the purchase price and loan structure, closing costs can easily total 2%–4% of the purchase price.
2. Property Taxes Vary More Than Buyers Expect
Property taxes in Westchester County are highly localized and can vary dramatically — even between neighboring streets.
Two homes with similar prices may have:
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Different school district tax rates
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Village vs. town tax differences
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Reassessments that haven’t yet caught up to market value
Buyers who don’t fully understand the tax picture can end up stretching their monthly budget without realizing it.
3. Home Insurance Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Insurance costs are often underestimated, especially for older homes or properties with:
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Historic features
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Large replacement costs
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Pools, generators, or specialty materials
Premiums can vary widely depending on construction, location, and coverage requirements tied to the mortgage.
4. Maintenance Starts on Day One
Even move-in-ready homes come with immediate expenses:
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Oil or propane fills
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HVAC servicing
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Chimney inspections
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Lawn care, snow removal, or septic maintenance
These aren’t long-term renovation projects — they’re ownership costs that start the moment you take possession.
5. Municipal and Local Requirements
Westchester buyers are often surprised by town-specific or village-specific requirements such as:
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Smoke and carbon monoxide compliance
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Sewer, septic, or well inspections
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Permit sign-offs for prior work
These costs are rarely headline items, but they can delay closings or add unexpected expense if not addressed early.
6. The Cost of Being Unprepared
One of the most expensive mistakes buyers make isn’t a line item on a closing statement — it’s entering the process without a clear financial strategy.
Buyers who don’t fully understand:
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Total cash required at closing
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Monthly ownership costs beyond the mortgage
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How to structure an offer competitively
often find themselves either overextended or missing out on the right home.
Final Thought
The most successful Westchester home buyers aren’t just focused on price — they understand the full cost of ownership.
With the right guidance and preparation, these costs aren’t surprises at all. They’re simply part of buying smart.
