Start with cash leaving
Use actual statements and bills, not a listing estimate.
For Bexar County property owners
What does this house really cost to keep each month?
Put the mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, repairs, and hidden work into one simple 12-month view.
Free No account or contact information Private on this device
Who made this site?
Bexar County Home Buyers, a private home-buying company. The tools are free and do not send us your answers. Discussing a possible purchase is a separate choice.
Start here
Which situation sounds most like yours?
You do not need to know the professional term. Choose the closest statement.
The basics
Do the right work in a clear order.
Convert annual bills
Divide taxes, insurance, and other yearly costs into a monthly amount.
Avoid double counting
Do not add tax or insurance twice when already included in a loan payment.
Set aside repair money
Use known system ages and condition rather than a universal percentage.
Count invisible costs
Include yard care, travel, management, vacancy, and time-sensitive upkeep.
Choose a time horizon
Compare three, six, and twelve months against your available cash and purpose.
Free tool
What does this house cost to keep?
Change the example amounts. Avoid counting taxes or insurance twice when they are included in the mortgage payment.
Next steps
One thing at a time.
What to do
- Open mortgage, tax, insurance, utility, HOA, and repair records.
- Mark each amount monthly or annual.
- List costs someone else currently absorbs.
What to do
- Change every example amount.
- Check for double counting.
- Review the 3-, 6-, and 12-month totals.
What to do
- Add known near-term repairs.
- Compare the forecast with reliable cash.
- Set a date to keep, rent, sell, or reassess.
Official sources
Go to the agency responsible.
Rules and accounts change. These links open the official source.
Safety comes first.
A missed payment, insurance lapse, active leak, unsafe condition, legal notice, tax deadline, or near-term cash shortfall deserves prompt attention from the responsible lender, insurer, agency, utility, or qualified professional.
Common questions
Clear answers to get started.
Confirm dates, rights, and requirements with the responsible agency or qualified professional.
Is the mortgage the full cost?
No. Add taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA, maintenance, repairs, travel, management, vacancy, and irregular bills.
Should I count principal?
Count it in cash required because it leaves your account, while recognizing that principal may reduce debt.
What repair reserve should I use?
Base it on condition, inspection findings, system ages, known scopes, and deductible—not a single rule.
What if taxes and insurance are escrowed?
Do not add them twice. Split the statement or enter the total payment and omit separately escrowed items.
Does this tell me whether to sell?
No. It makes the holding cost visible so you can compare purpose, capacity, alternatives, condition, and verified net proceeds.
Next step
See the whole monthly number. Then choose how long it still makes sense.
Use the free tool first. If you later want to discuss selling the property in its current condition, that conversation is optional and separate.