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Stop Paying Rent!

How to Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home

 

Don’t pay another cent in rent to your landlord! 

 

It’s a dream we all have – to own our own home and stop paying rent.  But if you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn’t feel like yours.  How could it when you’re not even permitted to bang in a nail or two without a hassle?  You feel like you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with no way of rising up out of it and owning your own home

Well, don’t feel trapped anymore!  It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been renting, or how insurmountable your financial situation may seem.  The truth is, there are some little known facts that can help you get over the hump, and transfer your status from renter to homeowner.  With this information, you will begin to see how you really can:

– save for a down payment

– stop lining your landlord’s pockets, and
– stop wasting thousands of dollars on rent.

 

6 Little Known Facts That Can Help You Buy Your First Home

 

The problem that most renters face isn’t your ability to meet a monthly payment. Goodness knows you must meet this monthly obligation every 30 days already. The problem is accumulating enough capital to make a down payment on something more permanent.

But saving for this lump sum doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think.  Consider the following 6 important points:

You can buy a home with much less down than you think.

There are some local or federal government programs (such as 1st time buyer programs) to help people get into the housing market.  You can qualify as a first time buyer even if your spouse has  owned a home before as long as your name was not registered.  Ensure your real estate agent is informed and knowledgeable in this important area and can offer programs to help you with your options.

You may be able to get your lender to help you with your down payment and closing costs.

Even if you do not have enough cash for a down-payment, if you are debt-free, and own an asset free and clear (such as a car, for example), your lending institution may be able to lend you the down-payment for your home by securing it against this asset.

 

You may be able to find a seller to help you buy and finance your home.

Some sellers may be willing to hold a second mortgage for you as a “seller take-back.”  In this case, the seller becomes your lending institution.  Instead of paying this seller a lump-sum full amount for his or her home, you would pay monthly mortgage installments.

 

You may be able to create a cash down payment without actually going into debt.

By borrowing money for certain investments to a specified level, you may be able to generate a significant tax refund for yourself that you can use as a down-payment.  While the money borrowed for these investments is technically a loan, the monthly amount paid can be small, and the money invested in both home and investment will be yours in the end.

You can buy a home even if you have problems with your credit rating.

If you can come up with more than the minimum down-payment, or can secure the loan with other equity, many lending institutions will consider you for a mortgage.  Alternatively, a seller take-back mortgage could also help you in this situation.

 

You can, and should, get preapproved for a home loan before you go looking for a home.

Preapproval is easy, and can give you complete peace-of-mind when shopping for your home. Mortgage experts can obtain written preapproval for you at no cost and no obligation, and it can all be done quite easily over-the-phone.  More than just a verbal approval from your lending institution, a written preapproval is as good as money in the bank.  It entails a completed credit application, and a certificate which guarantees you a mortgage to the specified level when you find the home you’re looking for.

 

 

Consider dealing only with a professional who specializes in mortgages.  Enlisting their services can make the difference between obtaining a mortgage, and being stuck in the renter’s rut forever. Typically there is no cost or obligation to enquire.

To sum up, there are many important issues you should be aware of that affect you as a renter.  Why on earth would you continue to lose thousands by throwing it away on rent when with your agent you could take a few minutes to discuss your specific needs so that you can stop renting and start owning?

This conversation costs you nothing. And, of course, you shouldn’t have to feel obligated to buy a home at the time you review this.  But by taking the time to explore your options, and learn about the ways you can afford to buy a home, think how prepared and relaxed you’ll be when you are ready to make this important step.

How to Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home

 

Don’t pay another cent in rent to your landlord! 

 

It’s a dream we all have – to own our own home and stop paying rent.  But if you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn’t feel like yours.  How could it when you’re not even permitted to bang in a nail or two without a hassle?  You feel like you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with no way of rising up out of it and owning your own home

Well, don’t feel trapped anymore!  It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been renting, or how insurmountable your financial situation may seem.  The truth is, there are some little known facts that can help you get over the hump, and transfer your status from renter to homeowner.  With this information, you will begin to see how you really can:

– save for a down payment

– stop lining your landlord’s pockets, and
– stop wasting thousands of dollars on rent.

 

6 Little Known Facts That Can Help You Buy Your First Home

 

The problem that most renters face isn’t your ability to meet a monthly payment. Goodness knows you must meet this monthly obligation every 30 days already. The problem is accumulating enough capital to make a down payment on something more permanent.

But saving for this lump sum doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think.  Consider the following 6 important points:

You can buy a home with much less down than you think.

There are some local or federal government programs (such as 1st time buyer programs) to help people get into the housing market.  You can qualify as a first time buyer even if your spouse has  owned a home before as long as your name was not registered.  Ensure your real estate agent is informed and knowledgeable in this important area and can offer programs to help you with your options.

You may be able to get your lender to help you with your down payment and closing costs.

Even if you do not have enough cash for a down-payment, if you are debt-free, and own an asset free and clear (such as a car, for example), your lending institution may be able to lend you the down-payment for your home by securing it against this asset.

 

You may be able to find a seller to help you buy and finance your home.

Some sellers may be willing to hold a second mortgage for you as a “seller take-back.”  In this case, the seller becomes your lending institution.  Instead of paying this seller a lump-sum full amount for his or her home, you would pay monthly mortgage installments.

 

You may be able to create a cash down payment without actually going into debt.

By borrowing money for certain investments to a specified level, you may be able to generate a significant tax refund for yourself that you can use as a down-payment.  While the money borrowed for these investments is technically a loan, the monthly amount paid can be small, and the money invested in both home and investment will be yours in the end.

You can buy a home even if you have problems with your credit rating.

If you can come up with more than the minimum down-payment, or can secure the loan with other equity, many lending institutions will consider you for a mortgage.  Alternatively, a seller take-back mortgage could also help you in this situation.

 

You can, and should, get preapproved for a home loan before you go looking for a home.

Preapproval is easy, and can give you complete peace-of-mind when shopping for your home. Mortgage experts can obtain written preapproval for you at no cost and no obligation, and it can all be done quite easily over-the-phone.  More than just a verbal approval from your lending institution, a written preapproval is as good as money in the bank.  It entails a completed credit application, and a certificate which guarantees you a mortgage to the specified level when you find the home you’re looking for.

 

 

Consider dealing only with a professional who specializes in mortgages.  Enlisting their services can make the difference between obtaining a mortgage, and being stuck in the renter’s rut forever. Typically there is no cost or obligation to enquire.

To sum up, there are many important issues you should be aware of that affect you as a renter.  Why on earth would you continue to lose thousands by throwing it away on rent when with your agent you could take a few minutes to discuss your specific needs so that you can stop renting and start owning?

This conversation costs you nothing. And, of course, you shouldn’t have to feel obligated to buy a home at the time you review this.  But by taking the time to explore your options, and learn about the ways you can afford to buy a home, think how prepared and relaxed you’ll be when you are ready to make this important step.

9 Buyer Traps & How to Avoid Them

No matter which way you look at it, buying a home is a major investment.  But for many home buyers, it can be an even more expensive process than it needs to be because many fall prey to at least a few of the many common and costly mistakes which trap them into either:

* paying too much for the home they want, or
* losing their dream home to another buyer or,
* (worse) buying the wrong home for their needs.

A systemized approach to the home buying process can help you steer clear of these common traps, allowing you to not only cut costs, but also secure the home that’s best for you.

This important article discusses the 9 most common and costly of these homebuyer traps, how to identify them, and what you can do to avoid them.

 

The 9 Buyer Traps

Bidding Blind

What price should you offer when you bid on a home?  Is the seller’s asking price too high, or does it represent a great deal?  If you fail to research the market in order to understand what comparable homes are selling for, making your offer would be like bdding blind.  Without this knowledge of market value, you could easily bid too much, or fail to make a competitive offer at all on an excellent value.

 

Buying the Wrong Home.

 

What are you looking for in a home?  A simple enough question, but the answer can be quite complex.  More than one buyer has been swept up in the emotion and excitement of the buying process only to find themselves the owner of a home that is either too big or too small.  Maybe they’re stuck with a longer than desired commute to work, or a dozen more fix-ups than they really want to deal with now that the excitement has died down.  Take the time upfront to clearly define your wants and needs.  Put it in writing and then use it as a yard stick with which to measure every home you look at.

Unclear Title.

 

Make sure very early on in the negotiation that you will own your new home free and clear by having a title search completed.  The last thing you want to discover when you’re in the back stretch of a transaction is that there are encumbrances on the property such as tax liens, undisclosed owners, easements, leases or the like.

Inaccurate Survey.

As part of your offer to purchase, make sure you request an updated property survey which clearly marks your boundaries.  If the survey is not current, you may find that there are structural changes that are not shown (e.g. additions to the house, a new swimming pool, a neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.).  Be very clear on these issues.

Undisclosed Fix-ups.

 

Don’t expect every seller to own up to every physical detail that will need to be attended to.  Both you and the seller are out to maximize your investment.  Ensure that you conduct a thorough inspection of the home early in the process.  Consider hiring an independent inspector to objectively view the home inside and out, and make the final contract contingent upon this inspector’s report.  This inspector should be able to give you a report of any item that needs to be fixed with associated, approximate cost.


Not Getting Mortgage Preapproval.

Preapproval is fast, easy and free.  When you have a preapproved mortgage, you can shop for your home with a greater sense of freedom and security, knowing that the money will be there when you find the home of your dreams.

 

Contract Misses.

If a seller fails to comply to the letter of the contract by neglecting to attend to some repair issues, or changing the spirit of the agreement in some way, this could delay the final closing and settlement.  Agree ahead of time on a dollar amount for an escrow fund to cover items that the seller fails to follow through on. Prepare a list of agreed issues, walk through them, and check them off one by one.

 Hidden Costs.

 

Make sure you identify and uncover all costs – large and small – far enough ahead of time.  When a transaction closes, you will sometimes find fees for this or that sneaking through after the “sub”-total – fees such as loan disbursement charges, underwriting fees etc.  Understand these in advance by having your lender project total charges for you in writing.

 

 

 

Rushing the Closing.

Take your time during this critical part of the process, and insist on seeing all paperwork the day before you sign.  Make sure this documentation perfectly reflects your understanding of the transaction, and that nothing has been added or subtracted.  Is the interest rate right?  Is everything covered?  If you rush this process on the day of closing, you may run into a last minute snag that you can’t fix without compromising the terms of the deal, the financing, or even the sale itself.

One More Tip…

Find out if your agent offers a Buyer Profile System or “House-hunting Service,” which takes the guesswork out of finding just the right home that matches your needs.  This type of program will crossmatch your criteria with ALL available homes on the market and supply you with printed information on an on-going basis. A program like this can help you to affordably move into
the home of your dreams.

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Residential For Sale

33 College Court, Truro Ns B2n 6p3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Parking Spaces(s)Parking(s)
21Picture(s)
951Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$175000

Residential For Sale

33 College Court, Truro Ns B2n 6p3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Parking Spaces(s)Parking(s)
951Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
Welcome to the most private lot in the park! With this 3 bedroom mini-home, you can claim this spacious fenced-in lot at the very back of College Court, and enjoy a 14x12 two-story shed made into a workshop, another wired-in shed for maximum storage, 2 enclosed planters and a deck outfitted with built-in planters for you to create your perfect backyard oasis.
C$175000

Residential For Sale

33 College Court, Truro Ns B2n 6p3
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$175000

Residential For Sale

74 Duke Street, Truro Ns B2n 2a6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,038Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$349900

Residential For Sale

74 Duke Street, Truro Ns B2n 2a6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,038Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
74 Duke Street—Heritage Charm, Fully Updated Nestled in Truro’s Heritage District, 74 Duke Street is a beautifully restored home that seamlessly blends historic character with modern upgrades. From the new front porch to the freshly painted exterior, every detail has been thoughtfully addressed.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

74 Duke Street, Truro Ns B2n 2a6
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

9114 3 Highway, Maders Cove Ns B0j 2e0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,800Sqft
Land & Sea Real Estate Services Inc
C$825000

Residential For Sale

9114 3 Highway, Maders Cove Ns B0j 2e0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,800Sqft
Land & Sea Real Estate Services Inc
L&S #1282. Priced below tax assessed value!! The Complete Maritime Ensemble! Comprised of a classic "seacaptain" style home, studio, two story boathouse and 100 foot wharf together with more than 2 acres which includes direct oceanfront, a water lot and lush hillside pasture with sweeping ocean views.
C$825000

Residential For Sale

9114 3 Highway, Maders Cove Ns B0j 2e0
Land & Sea Real Estate Services Inc
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$825000

Residential For Sale

4 Lintaman Lane, Cow Bay Ns B3g 1l3

7Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
7,575Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$1250000

Residential For Sale

4 Lintaman Lane, Cow Bay Ns B3g 1l3
7Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
7,575Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Great property to set up Short-term bedroom rentals to Air BnB and make additional income while living in the home! Enjoy breathtaking ocean views that will amaze as you enter this beautiful custom built Timber Frame Constructed home located in the seaside community of Cow Bay.
C$1250000

Residential For Sale

4 Lintaman Lane, Cow Bay Ns B3g 1l3
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
7Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$1250000

Residential For Sale

560 Seaview Drive, Upper North Sydney Ns B2a 3n8

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
4,340Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$625000

Residential For Sale

560 Seaview Drive, Upper North Sydney Ns B2a 3n8
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,340Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Nestled within the picturesque countryside, this remarkable property offers a unique combination of elegance, comfort, and versatility. Boasting a spacious home, pool and a meticulously designed horse barn. it's the ultimate haven for those who appreciate both serene rural living and modern convenience. Step inside the main residence, and you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere.
C$625000

Residential For Sale

560 Seaview Drive, Upper North Sydney Ns B2a 3n8
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$625000

Residential For Sale

1534 Big Harbour Island Road, Big Harbour Island Ns B0e 2y0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Parking Spaces(s)Parking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,380Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
C$495000

Residential For Sale

1534 Big Harbour Island Road, Big Harbour Island Ns B0e 2y0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Parking Spaces(s)Parking(s)
1,380Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
One of the finest properties you will find on Cape Breton Island. This home is a Post & Beam Chalet with a large great room and wrap around deck complete with screen porch perfectly positioned to enjoy the magnificent views of the Bras d'Or Lake from the Peninsula of Big Harbour Island.
C$495000

Residential For Sale

1534 Big Harbour Island Road, Big Harbour Island Ns B0e 2y0
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$495000

Residential For Sale

21 Marshview Drive, Amherst Ns B4h 4b3

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
5,152Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$749900

Residential For Sale

21 Marshview Drive, Amherst Ns B4h 4b3
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5,152Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
EXCLUSIVE FAMILY HOME PERFECTLY POSITIONED ON A CUL-DE-SAC IN ONE OF THE NICEST AREAS OF AMHERST! Enter the front door and walk into a large foyer offering ample space and showcasing the stairwell to the second floor.
C$749900

Residential For Sale

21 Marshview Drive, Amherst Ns B4h 4b3
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$749900

Residential For Sale

11762 Highway 316, Drumhead Ns B0h 1l0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DirtParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,320Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$249000

Residential For Sale

11762 Highway 316, Drumhead Ns B0h 1l0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DirtParking(s)
1,320Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
This impeccable 3-bedroom bungalow, with breathtaking views of Drumhead Wharf, is the perfect choice for a year-round or summer home. Over the past five years, numerous renovations have been made, including: hardwood and laminate flooring(2021), new roof shingles(2021), vinyl siding(2020), front deck(2021) and a Water Softener.
C$249000

Residential For Sale

11762 Highway 316, Drumhead Ns B0h 1l0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$249000

Residential For Sale

7 Alice Street, Truro Ns B2n 2m4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
WiredParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,727Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$299900

Residential For Sale

7 Alice Street, Truro Ns B2n 2m4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
WiredParking(s)
1,727Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
Come and see this charming two story home in Truro. Located close to downtown with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. It features 3 large bedrooms and full bath on the second floor, one which could also be used for a home office. The living room and dining room are open to each other and the living room has a wood burning fireplace and some built-in cupboards.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

7 Alice Street, Truro Ns B2n 2m4
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

31 Shelly Crescent, Gaetz Brook Ns B0j 2l0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
42Picture(s)
915Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

31 Shelly Crescent, Gaetz Brook Ns B0j 2l0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
915Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Fall in love with this 2 year young, incredibly well maintained one level home in the community of Gaetz Brook. Featuring an open concept floor plan ideal for entertaining. The kitchen offers plenty of storage and quartz countertops. The spacious primary bedroom features ensuite bath complete with custom tile shower and walk in closet.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

31 Shelly Crescent, Gaetz Brook Ns B0j 2l0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$475000

Residential For Sale

208 Pelham Street, Lunenburg Ns B0j 2c0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
49Picture(s)
3,200Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Lunenburg)
C$1295000

Residential For Sale

208 Pelham Street, Lunenburg Ns B0j 2c0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
3,200Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Lunenburg)
Nestled in the heart of Lunenburg’s historic old town, with expansive harbour views, this beautifully renovated home seamlessly blends old and new. The main level features a spacious central hallway that leads to a living room with original pocket doors that open to the dining room, offering views of the harbour.
C$1295000

Residential For Sale

208 Pelham Street, Lunenburg Ns B0j 2c0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Lunenburg)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1295000

Residential For Sale

6163 Highway 316, Larry's River Ns B0h 1t0

5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
2,130Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$498000

Residential For Sale

6163 Highway 316, Larry's River Ns B0h 1t0
5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,130Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to this charming inn, a distinguished example of classic American Four-Square architecture, set in the historic and picturesque Acadian fishing village of Larry’s River. Steeped in history and character, this inviting property offers four well-appointed guest rooms on the upper floor, each with its own private bath, ensuring comfort and privacy for visitors.
C$498000

Residential For Sale

6163 Highway 316, Larry's River Ns B0h 1t0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
C$498000
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