Ana: Not to knock Trulia (after all, they are putting up this site) but, nevertheless, Trulia is just a rough cut at things going on in the real estate world. First, you need to shop for a mortgage to figure out where you might get the best deal. After you align yourself with a mortgage company, they will be glad to start telling you of the expenses to purchase and monthly payment thereafter.

Next, you need to establish a relationship with a Realtor. That person will then give you up-to-date information on price and availability of houses in the areas where you want to look. The monthly tax burden can easily be calculated from information readily available to Realtors. It's a simple matter of dividing the annual taxes (honest to god, real taxes) by the number 12. The mortgage company will be able to give you a good faith estimate on your monthly principal.

There you go! All done (except for homeowner's insurance). Reasonably accurately, too. The closing expenses will also be estimated by several different entities. These are only so-so, in terms of accuracy, because expenses will keep coming in until closing day and earlier estimates may be off.

The whole process can best be understood by getting a Realtor to advise. All the stuff on the web is just fine but, as you have discovered, it can be far from reality.

Best wishes

Bill Holt
Licensed in NJ and Pennsylvania.

A mortgage calculator is intended to provide general information based on the date is has available. More reliable information may be obtained through your mortgage agent.

Contact a mortgage broker who can determine exact payment best resource any other information is only draft figures .

National Featured Realtor and Consultant, Mortgage Loan Officer, Credit Repair Lecturer
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Lynn911

Well.... it is obvious that the calculator is only estimating the taxes. I have no clue where they get these numbers. Here's a web tax guide for Bucks County municipalities so that you can you can use the actual millage rates. It's over 3 MB, so be patient if you have slower loading.

http://www.bcedc.com/documents/TAXGUIDE052609.pdf

Hope that helps,


Terrence Charest, e-Pro®
REALTOR®
Century 21 Associates
905 Easton Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Cell (Preferred): 877.614.1494
Office: 215.659.5250
Fax: 215.659.5550
http://www.HomesForFreedom.com
tcharest@HomesForFreedom.com
“Giving to Those Who Gave”

You are correct. I'm not sure where the "estimate" numbers came from, but if you
simply take the actual tax amount and divide it by twelve, that is the number you will add
to the "mortgage" P&I (Principle and Interest).
Don't forget to add the property insurance in the same fashion.
The mortgage company will require the property is insured and will also permit
this to be added to the escrow fund.
Call me if you have any further questions.
Have a great day.

Charles Allan Dick

Hi Ana,

Without knowing what property your referring to, at $166 mo is $1992 per year, quite a big difference! I would always trust what the listing says more than Trulia's estimate. Trulia estimtes the taxes based on surrounding properties, square footatge & other factors. What listing are you referring to as I didn't see the lionk with your question?

Thanks,
Brian Hicks`
215-350-7179