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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

419 Robertsons Road, Egerton Ns B0k 1g0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,100Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$1250000

Residential For Sale

419 Robertsons Road, Egerton Ns B0k 1g0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,100Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Experience peace, comfort, and breathtaking seaside views in this stunning custom-built home. Nestled along the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait in Merigomish Harbour, this move-in-ready, year-round luxury home is perfectly positioned on 2+ acres of meticulously maintained land with breathtaking seaside views.
C$1250000

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419 Robertsons Road, Egerton Ns B0k 1g0
Engel & Volkers
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1250000

Residential For Sale

25 Butler Drive, Bible Hill, NS B2N 2X1

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
18Picture(s)
756Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$119900

Residential For Sale

25 Butler Drive, Bible Hill, NS B2N 2X1
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
756Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Nice 2 bedroom mini home, good sized bedrooms, bathroom/laundry combo. Make a great starter or retirement home.
C$119900

Residential For Sale

25 Butler Drive, Bible Hill, NS B2N 2X1
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$119900

Residential For Sale

8 Martell Lane, West Pubnico Ns B0w 3s0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,910Sqft
Modern Realty
C$199000

Residential For Sale

8 Martell Lane, West Pubnico Ns B0w 3s0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,910Sqft
Modern Realty
Charming Century Home with Harbour Views in West Pubnico 4 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | 1,900+ sq. Ft. Step back in time with this beautifully maintained century home, cherished by the same family for over 100 years. Nestled in the heart of West Pubnico, a warm and welcoming Acadian community, this spacious 4 bedroom residence offers the perfect blend of history and charm.
C$199000

Residential For Sale

8 Martell Lane, West Pubnico Ns B0w 3s0
Modern Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$199000

Residential For Sale

590 Second Division Road, Meteghan Ns B0w 2l0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
38Picture(s)
714Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$99000

Residential For Sale

590 Second Division Road, Meteghan Ns B0w 2l0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
714Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Welcome to 590 Second Division Road in the coastal community of Meteghan, where you will find plenty of amenities and services. This quaint bungalow sits back from the road on just over an acre of land where you will have room to garden and play.
C$99000

Residential For Sale

590 Second Division Road, Meteghan Ns B0w 2l0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$99000

Residential For Sale

823 Blue Rocks Road, Garden Lots Ns B0j 2c0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
31Picture(s)
896Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

823 Blue Rocks Road, Garden Lots Ns B0j 2c0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
896Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Step inside to a bright and airy open concept living space, perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding while enjoying soulful ocean breezes. Large windows flood the home with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the seasons. The contemporary kitchen boasts high-end finishes, sleek cabinetry, and energy-efficient appliances, making meal preparation a delight.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

823 Blue Rocks Road, Garden Lots Ns B0j 2c0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

41 Port Bickerton Village Road, Port Bickerton Ns B0j 1a0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,150Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
C$179000

Residential For Sale

41 Port Bickerton Village Road, Port Bickerton Ns B0j 1a0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,150Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
Located in the picturesque community of Port Bickerton this 4 bedroom home with large kitchen and dining room has had many recent upgrades. Over the last few years this home has had a new roof, windows, drilled well, insulation and flooring. Waterfront lot with potential for direct access to the water. No path in place but could easily be cleared. Large kitchen plus dining room.
C$179000

Residential For Sale

41 Port Bickerton Village Road, Port Bickerton Ns B0j 1a0
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$179000

Residential For Sale

1694 Highway 6, River John Ns B0k 1n0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,551Sqft
Harbourside Realty Ltd.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

1694 Highway 6, River John Ns B0k 1n0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,551Sqft
Harbourside Realty Ltd.
Waterfront Living in Charming River John! Welcome to River John, a community with a BIG spirit and breathtaking coastal beauty! This one-of-a-kind waterfront property offers the perfect mix of tranquility and adventure, featuring two parcels: a 2.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

1694 Highway 6, River John Ns B0k 1n0
Harbourside Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349000

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1124 Highway 335, Middle West Pubnico Ns B0w 3s0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,550Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$350000

Residential For Sale

1124 Highway 335, Middle West Pubnico Ns B0w 3s0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,550Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Nestled in the heart of the French Acadian village of Middle West Pubnico, Nova Scotia, 1124 Highway 335 stands as a testament to timeless elegance and rich heritage. Built in 1885 by esteemed local fisherman Louis Cyrille LeBlanc, this residence offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort.
C$350000

Residential For Sale

1124 Highway 335, Middle West Pubnico Ns B0w 3s0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$350000

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14 Marshview Drive, Amherst Ns B4h 4c1

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,185Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$574900

Residential For Sale

14 Marshview Drive, Amherst Ns B4h 4c1
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,185Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
This stunning bungalow exemplifies superior craftsmanship and exquisite finishes throughout. Built in 2005, the home is set on a generous 17,528 sq/ft lot and offers 2,185 sq/ft of elegant main-level living space. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a spacious foyer, where French doors lead to a vast open-concept living area, showcasing beautiful hardwood floors and a custom tray ceiling.
C$574900

Residential For Sale

14 Marshview Drive, Amherst Ns B4h 4c1
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$574900

Residential For Sale

6381 Highway 3, Jordan Falls Ns B0t 1j0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
31Picture(s)
2,297Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
C$450000

Residential For Sale

6381 Highway 3, Jordan Falls Ns B0t 1j0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,297Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
Charming Country Retreat in Jordan Falls . Nestled on 5.5 acres of serene landscape, this well-maintained 3+1 bedroom, 2 full bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature. The den provides flexibility as an additional bedroom or home office, while the kitchen with an island is ideal for entertaining.
C$450000

Residential For Sale

6381 Highway 3, Jordan Falls Ns B0t 1j0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$450000

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25 Mcdougal Street, Springhill Ns B0m 1x0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
36Picture(s)
2,614Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$239900

Residential For Sale

25 Mcdougal Street, Springhill Ns B0m 1x0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
2,614Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
This spacious two storey character home sits on a large corner lot in Springhill. It is within walking distance to the shops and restaurants downtown and is very close to schools, parks, the arena and NSCC.
C$239900

Residential For Sale

25 Mcdougal Street, Springhill Ns B0m 1x0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$239900

Residential For Sale

6165 Shore Road, Youngs Cove Ns B0s 1a0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
17Picture(s)
1,108Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$299000

Residential For Sale

6165 Shore Road, Youngs Cove Ns B0s 1a0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,108Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
OCEANFRONT! Imagine waking up to the breathtaking beauty of the world-famous Bay of Fundy, right in your own backyard. This charming century home sits on a picturesque 2-acre lot with direct shoreline access, where a gentle slope leads to peaceful coastal walks and stunning sunsets.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

6165 Shore Road, Youngs Cove Ns B0s 1a0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299000
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