In addition to the property tax in the United States, what other expenses may occur?

In California, generally speaking, the annual housing insurance premium for a house of 300,000 to 500,000 yuan is usually between 600 and 900 dollars. In California, because there are many earthquake disasters, earthquake insurance is added separately.

Other States may have some natural disasters, such as tornadoes or floods. If you want your house to be guaranteed, you must buy home insurance. Many people don't buy insurance when they buy a house in China, and there is no concept of buying insurance. In fact, it is your choice whether to buy insurance or not, but if you want to borrow money, the bank will only lend you money if you buy insurance.

2. Courtyard maintenance

In California, for example, mowing grass costs $50 to $60 a month. However, in the United States, more than half of families own their own lawn mowers. A lawn mower costs 200 yuan to get to 300 yuan. They mow their own grass to maintain the yard, exercise and save money. Most American residents choose to do it by themselves, unless they are very busy at work or there are no young people at home.

3. Community expenses

When buying a house (townhouse) in the city, there will be a community fee (called property management fee in China), which is generally between 150 yuan and 350 yuan, depending on the number of public facilities in the community. Community fees usually include fire insurance, and each household does not have to buy it separately. Because houses are connected, if one family catches fire, others will be affected, so their fire risks are shared.

In the United States, when calculating whether you can afford this house, they will first calculate the real estate tax and community expenses of the house. Generally speaking, the expenses on your house include loans, utilities and community fees. It should not exceed one third of your salary, and it should not exceed half when the house price is the highest. If your salary is $6,000 a month, it is reasonable for you to pay the house loan and real estate tax between $2,000 and $2,500. In this way, if you own a house, you will not be like a house slave, and you can easily pay for other needs in your life.

Now give a practical example.

Last month, a buyer from China bought a detached house (villa) in Chinogon, California, with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 23 1 m2. The price is $540,000. Its real estate tax rate is about 1.26%, or $6,804 per year, which is paid in two installments every six months. Plus fire insurance, it is about 700 dollars a year, which is the holding cost of the house owned by this buyer. On average, it is about $625 a month.