Our most important tip for homebuyers

One thing we won't stop telling new homeowners?

Budget for repairs and replacements.

Taking this advice early in homeownership can be a lifesaver down the road. Here are some notes we’ve shared with our buyers — we’ve updated it with life span estimates, 2024 replacement costs, and monthly savings goals.

Roof 
Life span: 20 years 
Average replacement cost: $9,353
Savings plan: Save $20 - $40/month

HVAC/Furnace 
Life span: 15-20 years
Average replacement cost: $7,500 (replace both at once to save)
Savings plan: Save $10 - $30/month

Smoke Detectors 
Life span: 8 years
Average replacement cost: $20 - $50 each 
Savings plans: Replace one detector each year.

Wood Deck 
Life span: 10-15 years
Average replacement cost: $4,100 - $11,700
Savings plan: Save $20 - $50/month

Washer and Dryer 
Life span: 10-15 years
Average replacement cost: $1,000 to $2,300 per set
Savings plan: Save $10 - $50/month per appliance

Stashing funds away in a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) each month can give your savings an extra interest boost. Plus, platforms like Ally let you set up 'buckets' for each savings goal. Even if you can’t save for all of these at once, start a general home repair fund. 

Plus, we've created a tracker that will help you manage it all. Just shoot us a message, and we’ll send over my Homeowner Maintenance Tracker.