A home is one of the most rewarding purchases you can make, but it definitely comes with its share of unpredictable expenses. As much as possible, you want to avoid being caught by surprise as a house is a large investment. So, before you proceed to purchase a house, make sure you have an idea of what you’re getting into and whether you can afford it. You don’t want to fall in love with a home only to find out that the cost of living there will overextend you. To help you take into account all of the expenses involved, Keith Uthe Demystifying Mortgages has created a Beginner’s Guide to the top five cost surprises for first-time homebuyers. We’ve also included other items you should be considering, so you’re not shocked when the bills start arriving.