Let's get real about the true cost of homeownership in our Charlotte metro area. The mortgage payment is just the beginning – there's a whole bunch of other costs that can sneak up on you if you're not prepared, especially in areas like Fort Mill and Waxhaw where property values have been climbing. Property taxes are going to be one of your biggest ongoing expenses. In Union County (that's Fort Mill, Waxhaw, Indian Land), you're looking at roughly 0.6-0.8% of your home's assessed value annually. So on a $400K house in Fort Mill, expect around $2,400-3,200 per year in property taxes

Mecklenburg County (Ballantyne, Pineville, parts of Charlotte) runs a bit higher, closer to 0.9-1.1%. These usually get escrowed into your monthly mortgage payment, but it's good to know what you're dealing with. Homeowners insurance is another big one, especially with our fun Carolina weather – think hail storms and the occasional hurricane scare. Budget around $800-1,500 annually for insurance on a typical home in Weddington or Marvin, more if you're in a flood zone or have a higher-value home. If you're putting down less than 20%, add PMI (private mortgage insurance) to the mix, which could be another $100-300 monthly depending on your loan amount and credit score

Then there's the stuff nobody likes to think about – maintenance and repairs. I tell all my clients in Indian Land and Ballantyne to budget 1-2% of your home's value annually for maintenance. New construction might be on the lower end, older homes definitely on the higher end. Don't forget about HOA fees if you're in one of those newer communities – they can range from $50-400 monthly. Utilities are another wildcard; our hot summers mean high electric bills, especially in larger homes. Budget $150-350 monthly for electric, plus water, sewer, gas, internet, and trash

It all adds up, so make sure you can handle the total monthly outlay, not just the mortgage payment.