09/04/2026
Getting the keys feels like the finish line — but a few costs show up right after that catch new homeowners off guard. Your first mortgage payment usually isn't due right away; most lenders give you 30 to 60 days after closing before that first bill arrives. Your property taxes and insurance also get rolled into an escrow account, and that amount can adjust later based on actual costs, sometimes changing your monthly payment. On top of that, moving costs, utility setup, and small repairs have a way of adding up fast in those first few weeks. If you don't already have one, a home warranty can help soften the blow of any unexpected repairs early on.
Closing day isn't really the end of the process — it's the start of a new one.
