Academy Homebuying GuideClosing & Beyond

MODULE 3 OF 3 — FINAL MODULE

Closing & Beyond

The finish line is in sight. This module covers what happens on closing day, the insurance you actually need, and how to set yourself up financially in your first year of ownership.

3 Lessons

~14 min total

Why This Module Matters

Closing costs catch most first-time buyers off guard — averaging $6,000–$12,000 on top of the down payment, due at closing.

Homeowners insurance gaps (no flood coverage, underinsured dwelling) are one of the most common and costly post-purchase mistakes.

The first year sets the tone — owners who establish a maintenance schedule and home emergency fund save thousands vs. those who react to problems.

Module Lessons

Lesson 1 · 5 min read

Closing Costs — What You'll Actually Pay

A full line-by-line breakdown of every fee on your Closing Disclosure, which ones are negotiable, and how to avoid getting surprised on closing day.

Loan origination feesTitle & escrowPrepaid itemsWhat's negotiable

Start Lesson

Lesson 2 · 4 min read

Homeowners Insurance Explained

What it covers, what it doesn't, how much you need, and the riders most first-time owners forget to add.

Coverage typesDwelling vs. liabilityFlood & earthquakeHow to shop

Start Lesson

Lesson 3 · 5 min read

Your First Year as a Homeowner

The maintenance schedule, tax benefits, emergency fund rules, and the financial moves to make in your first 12 months.

Maintenance calendarTax deductionsBuilding equity fasterHome emergency fund

Start Lesson

After This Module, You'll Know

Every line item on your Closing Disclosure and what's negotiable

How much to budget for closing costs before you go under contract

What homeowners insurance covers — and the gaps that catch people off guard

Whether you need flood or earthquake coverage for your area

The home maintenance tasks that prevent expensive emergency repairs

Which tax deductions homeowners can claim and how to track them

Previous ModuleModule 2: The Buying Process Start HereLesson 1: Closing Costs

Why This Module Matters

Closing costs catch most first-time buyers off guard — averaging $6,000–$12,000 on top of the down payment, due at closing.

Homeowners insurance gaps (no flood coverage, underinsured dwelling) are one of the most common and costly post-purchase mistakes.

The first year sets the tone — owners who establish a maintenance schedule and home emergency fund save thousands vs. those who react to problems.

Module Lessons

Lesson 1 · 5 min read

Closing Costs — What You'll Actually Pay

A full line-by-line breakdown of every fee on your Closing Disclosure, which ones are negotiable, and how to avoid getting surprised on closing day.

Loan origination feesTitle & escrowPrepaid itemsWhat's negotiable

Start Lesson

Lesson 2 · 4 min read

Homeowners Insurance Explained

What it covers, what it doesn't, how much you need, and the riders most first-time owners forget to add.

Coverage typesDwelling vs. liabilityFlood & earthquakeHow to shop

Start Lesson

Lesson 3 · 5 min read

Your First Year as a Homeowner

The maintenance schedule, tax benefits, emergency fund rules, and the financial moves to make in your first 12 months.

Maintenance calendarTax deductionsBuilding equity fasterHome emergency fund

Start Lesson

After This Module, You'll Know

Every line item on your Closing Disclosure and what's negotiable

How much to budget for closing costs before you go under contract

What homeowners insurance covers — and the gaps that catch people off guard

Whether you need flood or earthquake coverage for your area

The home maintenance tasks that prevent expensive emergency repairs

Which tax deductions homeowners can claim and how to track them