Expert tips for lowering your monthly housing costs — including utilities, taxes, and insurance

As a homeowner, you know the financial hurdles aren't just about the mortgage payment. Owning a home also comes with nearly $16,000 in annual housing costs, on average, including homeowners' insurance, taxes, and maintenance. That equates to an additional $1,325 a month in homeownership costs — on top of the mortgage payment — according to a Zillow and Thumbtack analysis. Maintenance was the highest annual cost: Maintenance: $10,946 Property tax: $3,030 Homeowners insurance: $2,003 Of course, the ...