If you’ve been browsing homes in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, or surrounding areas, you’ve probably seen the term “special assessments” pop up. For many homebuyers, it can spark concern or even cause them to dismiss an otherwise perfect home. But here’s the truth: specials don’t have to be scary. With the right knowledge, you can navigate them confidently and avoid any confusion.

What Are Specials?

Special assessments, or “specials,” are fees charged by the city to cover public improvements like streets, sidewalks, streetlights, water mains, sewer systems, and more. Instead of paying for all of these upfront, the cost is spread over time (often 20 years) and added to your property taxes.

Think of them as an investment in your neighborhood’s infrastructure, the things that make your community functional, safe, and appealing.

Why Specials Can be Misunderstood

Special assessments sometimes get a bad rap, but in most cases, it’s simply because buyers aren’t familiar with how they work. Without a clear explanation, it’s easy to assume they’re just an added expense. Specials are a structured way to fund valuable neighborhood improvements, and when you know how to find the details, they’re much less intimidating.

How to Look Up Specials in Fargo & West Fargo

Before you rule out a home, check the facts. Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo have easy-to-use tools to look up special assessments:

By looking up the property address, you can see exactly what’s owed, the purpose of the specials, and how many years remain on the assessment.

When Specials Can Be a Good Thing

Newer Infrastructure: Homes with specials often come with newer streets, utilities, and amenities, meaning fewer surprise repairs.

Spread-Out Costs: Instead of a large upfront development fee, specials let you pay for improvements over time.

Neighborhood Appeal: Well-developed communities with quality infrastructure tend to hold their value better.

Predictable Investment: Paying special assessments on a brand-new home can be far more manageable than facing large, unexpected repair bills for aging systems or infrastructure in an older property.

Tips for Buyers Concerned About Special Assessments

Do the Math: Factor the specials into your monthly budget and compare it to the cost of homes without specials but with older infrastructure.
Ask Questions: Your realtor or lender can help you understand the purpose and remaining balance of specials.
Think Long-Term: A home with specials in a growing neighborhood may appreciate faster than an older home with no specials but outdated systems.

Empower Your Home Search

Specials don’t have to be deal-breakers! They’re simply part of the picture when buying in newer communities. By understanding what they are, how to look them up, and how they fit into your budget, you can make informed, confident decisions about your next home.

Thinking about building new or buying a new construction model home? View our Special Offers to see how Jordahl Custom Homes can make your next move even more affordable, sometimes with incentives that offset specials in newer neighborhoods!

From Confusion to Confidence with Housing Specials