Definition

Up-front costs are the expenses you must pay at the beginning of a transaction, such as closing costs and a down payment when buying a home.

Understanding Up-Front Costs

Up-front costs appear early in the mortgage process, often before finalizing the loan. They can include fees like appraisal costs and down payments. In simple terms, these are the expenses you pay out-of-pocket before moving into your new home. Example: If a house costs $200,000, a typical 3% down payment would be $6,000. It's not just about the down payment; other fees like inspection and application fees are also part of up-front costs. A common misconception is that these costs cover every expense before moving in. They don't include future payments like monthly mortgage installments.