Zillow Raises Red Flag: Hidden Homeownership Costs Near $16,000 As Mortgage Rates Hold Around 6.3%
The American dream of owning a home just got more expensive. As of Sunday, November 16, 2025, new data from Zillow and Thumbtack show that the “hidden” costs of homeownership now average $15,979 per year nationwide — about $1,325 a month on top of the mortgage payment, rising faster than household incomes. Zillow Group Investors+2PR Newswire+2 At the same time, 30‑year fixed mortgage rates are hovering around 6.28% today, barely budging over the past week, keeping affordability under pressure for buyers already stretched by taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Bankrate+2Freddie Mac+2 And for first‑time buyers, a fresh November feature on GOBankingRates warns that many new owners are blindsided by five