Purchasing Jacksonville Fl homes or Northeast Fl homes involves more than having the funds to purchase the real estate. There is an important element that should be taken into consideration when estimating what a Jacksonville homebuyer can afford. Figuring in the cost of maintenance should not be neglected. Just because you can afford a mortgage payment does not mean you will necessarily be able to handle the expenses involved in purchasing a home. In general, you should allot at least 1 percent of the purchase price of your home on repairs. Remember, however, that there may be more costs involved than you anticipated originally. If you are moving into a newer home, you will experience fewer maintenance costs than a more mature home. Then again, the quality of maintenance over the years will also impact your expenses. Knowing as much as possible about the condition of the home before you buy is key in knowing how much money you will spend on maintenance and estimating home maintenance costs.