When buying a house, primary costs include a down payment (typically 5-20% of the purchase price), closing fees (2-5% of the sale price), property taxes, insurance, and mortgage interest. Selling incurs agent commissions (5-6% of the sale price), prorated taxes, and potential repair costs. Inheriting a house may involve estate taxes (if exceeding $13.61 million in 2024), probate fees (1-3% of the estate value), and ongoing property taxes or mortgage payments.

The costs vary significantly by transaction type. For buying, a 20% down payment on a $400,000 home requires $80,000, while closing fees average $8,000-$20,000 (National Association of Realtors, 2023). Selling costs include agent commissions ($20,000-$24,000 for a $400,000 sale) and seller承担的 closing costs, which can total 8-10% of the sale price (, 2024). Inheriting a house triggers estate taxes above the federal exemption ($13.61 million in 2024), with state taxes adding 0-20% depending on location (IRS, 2024). Probate fees range from 1-3% of the estate value, varying by state (AARP, 2023). Ongoing costs like property taxes ($2,000-$5,000 annually) and maintenance (1-3% of home value yearly) persist post-purchase or inheritance. Market conditions also influence costs; for example, high-demand areas may raise agent commissions or repair expenses during sales. Inheriting a house can offer tax benefits if it’s a primary residence, as capital gains taxes may be avoided if sold within two years (IRS Publication 551, 2023). These factors collectively make buying, selling, and inheriting houses complex financial decisions requiring thorough cost analysis.