9 hidden costs that come with buying a home

Buying a home isn't just a 20% down payment and a monthly check for the mortgage.

There are a mountain of hidden costs — from closing fees to taxes — that can add up to more than $9,000 each year, real estate marketplace Zillow estimates — and that number will only jump if you live in a major US city.

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Business Insider spoke to Zillow's chief economist, Svenja Gudell, about the three big unavoidable costs — homeowners' insurance, property taxes, and utilities — and other common costs that are often overlooked.

If you're considering buying a home, be mindful of these expenses when establishing your budget, Gudell says:

Dylan Roach/Business Insider

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