First-Year Ownership Calculator

First-Year Ownership Calculator

Your mortgage payment is the cost of living there.
This is what keeps the house running.

$
$

This is the cushion you kept after closing — or what you've saved since. Most people have something. The question is whether it's enough.

1.0%
1% 2% 3%
Good for newer homes
New construction, recent renovations, or homes with updated systems and warranties.
Annual Budget Needed
$3,000
Monthly Set-Aside
$250
Your Current Reserve
You Have
$5,000
That Covers
20 months
That's a solid start. But here's the thing: your reserve doesn't change what the house will eventually need. A $5,000 cushion feels safe — until the HVAC dies and takes it all in one shot. The goal isn't just to have a cushion. It's to keep refilling it.
This is the number that keeps you from scrambling when the HVAC dies or the water heater goes.

1% is your starting point. But depending on your home, you might want to budget more:

• HVAC 10+ years old? Consider 2%+
• Roof 15+ years old? Consider 2-3%
• Water heater 8+ years old? Consider 2%+
• Original appliances 10+ years? Consider 2%+
• New construction with warranties? 1% is probably fine

The goal isn't to guess perfectly — it's to not be surprised.

Want help building this into your full homeownership budget?

Let's Talk Strategy

This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes.
Actual maintenance costs vary by home condition, location, and usage.