Jonathan Ernst | ReutersWith record-high home prices and soaring mortgage interest rates, homeownership has become increasingly unaffordable — and hidden costs can surprise first-time buyers, experts say. Here are three of the most common surprise homeownership expenses and how to prepare for each one, according to experts. Property taxesAs a first-time homebuyer, it's easy to overlook property taxes since you've never paid those levies directly. Home maintenanceThe cost of home repairs and maintenance can also be a hidden expense for first-time homebuyers. As a first-time homebuyer, you need to make sure you have a sufficient cushion for surprises — I'd argue 5% of the home's purchase price at least.

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Persons: Jonathan Ernst, homeownership, Vince Darling, you've, Richard Auxier, Kevin Brady, — I'd, Nicole Sullivan Organizations: Reuters, Stonebridge, Urban, Brookings Tax, Wealthspire Advisors, Prism Planning Locations: Alexandria , Virginia, Zillow, Forest Lake , Minnesota, New York