How do I estimate the full monthly cost, not just principal and interest?

The full monthly cost of owning a home adds property taxes, homeowners insurance, any HOA dues and private mortgage insurance if it applies, on top of principal and interest, and in coastal Lowcountry towns flood insurance often belongs on that list too. Skipping any of those lines is the most common reason a buyer's real budget surprises them after closing. Brian Beatty and a local lender build that full monthly number together before a buyer starts touring homes.