If you’re holding on to a property in Lawton and you’re not entirely sure why… it’s time for a heart-to-house talk. Every single day you keep that property, you’re spending money on it — often more than you realize. Between taxes, utilities, insurance, and the dreaded “surprise maintenance,” the hidden costs can quietly drain your wallet.
So before you go another day clutching the keys to a house that isn’t doing anything for you, let’s walk through what it really costs to hold onto a home — and whether now might be the time to finally sell.
Not Using It? It’s Using You.
Ask any seasoned property flipper or investor and they’ll tell you: the longer you hold, the more it costs. Real estate isn’t like a bottle of fine wine — it doesn’t get better just because it’s been sitting around. In fact, holding too long is one of the most common mistakes sellers make.
Now, we get it. Maybe this property has sentimental value. Or you’ve been telling yourself, “I might turn it into a rental… someday.” Or “It’ll be a great weekend place once I get around to fixing the plumbing.” But if that day hasn’t come yet — and it’s costing you money in the meantime — your house isn’t working for you. It’s working against you.
Honestly, your property should be doing one of three things:
- Giving you a roof over your head (your primary home),
- Putting money in your pocket (as a rental), or
- Serving an actual, intentional purpose (vacation spot, family legacy, etc).
If it’s not checking at least one of those boxes… it might be time to make a change.
The Real Costs of Holding Property in Lawton
Let’s break it down. Here’s what you’re paying for every month that you hold onto that house:
1. Property Taxes
Taxes are the classic “invisible” expense. You don’t feel them until they hit, and when they do — ouch. Depending on the area and your home’s value, Lawton property taxes can run into the thousands annually. And with recent tax code changes, you may not be able to deduct them like before. Once you sell, though? Boom — that tax bill disappears.
2. Utilities
Whether you’re living there or not, basic utilities usually have to stay on — especially if you’re showing the property. Buyers don’t want to tour a dark, sweaty house without water, A/C, or lights. And if the place is older, those systems might be guzzling more energy than you think.
Fun fact: simple upgrades and smart design elements can help homes sell faster and reduce holding costs. But if you’re not planning to renovate… utilities will keep draining your budget every month.
3. Maintenance & Repairs
Even if the house is sitting still, things still break. Gutters clog. HVAC filters clog. Pipes leak. Paint peels. Welcome to homeownership!
Most pros use the 1% Rule — plan to spend about 1% of the home’s purchase price per year just on maintenance. So if you bought it for $250,000, expect at least $2,500 in annual upkeep. And that’s before you talk about major repairs like roofs or foundations.
If your house has become a money pit, it might be time to sell an unwanted house fast and stop throwing good money after bad.
4. Homeowners Insurance
Insurance isn’t optional — especially if there’s a mortgage involved. And unfortunately, homeowners insurance pitfalls are common. If the property is vacant or used as a rental, you might even be paying a higher premium or need a special policy.
Average costs can be north of $1,000 annually in Lawton, depending on coverage and neighborhood. Multiply that over months or years, and it adds up fast.
5. Mortgage Payments
This one’s obvious, but still worth saying: if you’re making monthly mortgage payments on a property you don’t need, you’re likely tying up thousands that could be used elsewhere. In some cases, people are stuck making payments out of pocket while waiting for a house to sell.
Even if the home is paid off, you’re still paying for taxes, insurance, and maintenance — without a return. At some point, the numbers just don’t make sense anymore.
Opportunity Costs: The Hidden Expense
This is the big one nobody talks about enough.
What could you be doing with the money tied up in that house? Maybe:
- Buying a better rental that cash flows from day one,
- Moving into a downsized home that fits your current lifestyle, or
- Exploring innovative housing solutions for investors in Lawton?
If your current home isn’t producing income or bringing joy — and something better is out there — hanging onto the old one means missing out.
Also, don’t forget about time. Every weekend spent mowing that lawn or repairing a fence is time you could be spending with family, traveling, or building your next big project.
When Holding Hurts More Than It Helps
Here’s the truth: even the best properties can become burdens when life changes. Maybe you inherited the house, or maybe your plans shifted after a job relocation or divorce. That’s okay. But if it’s become a financial strain, it’s time to act — not wait.
The good news? You have options. In fact, more and more investors are buying in Lawton because they recognize hidden potential in homes just like yours.
Whether you sell on the open market or go with a direct buyer like DHS Realty Group, you’ll want to explore your choices — and know what you’re truly paying every month.
Bottom Line: Run the Numbers
Keeping a house you’re not using feels safe… until you realize how much it’s costing you.
Between taxes, utilities, insurance, upkeep, and the opportunity cost of not using your money elsewhere, you could be bleeding hundreds — even thousands — each month. Run the numbers. Look at the big picture.
And if your property just isn’t pulling its weight? Maybe it’s time to lighten your load.
Want Out Without the Headache?
At DHS Realty Group, we make it easy to sell as-is, on your timeline — no cleaning, no repairs, no waiting. You choose the day, and we’ll handle the rest.
👉 Have questions about your holding costs?
👉 Curious what kind of offer you could get?
Reach out today or give us a call at 940-249-5752. We’re here to help.