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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

710 Baccaro Road, East Baccaro Ns B0w 1e0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
927Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$199000

Residential For Sale

710 Baccaro Road, East Baccaro Ns B0w 1e0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
927Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
This older homestead property sits on approximately 3.1 acres with water frontage on the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the quiet community of East Baccaro on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and just a few short minutes to beautiful Crow’s Neck Beach. With the neighbouring sight of the Baccaro lighthouse, the views here are sure to be impressive.
C$199000

Residential For Sale

710 Baccaro Road, East Baccaro Ns B0w 1e0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199000

Residential For Sale

2481 Black Rock Road, Grafton Ns B0p 1v0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,822Sqft
MBA Country Real Estate Brokers
C$2600000

Residential For Sale

2481 Black Rock Road, Grafton Ns B0p 1v0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,822Sqft
MBA Country Real Estate Brokers
50 acres farm on the Valley floor located in the Heart of the Annapolis Valley. This stunning 50 acre farm includes a 30.7 acre high-density, very productive, young orchard. Excellent trellis system, fully irrigated and has deer fencing. Varieties include Honeycrisp, Ambrosia and Red Prince.
C$2600000

Residential For Sale

2481 Black Rock Road, Grafton Ns B0p 1v0
MBA Country Real Estate Brokers
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$2600000

Residential For Sale

67 Bear Point Road, Bear Point, NS B0W 3B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,031Sqft
East Bay Realty Ltd.
C$269000

Residential For Sale

67 Bear Point Road, Bear Point, NS B0W 3B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,031Sqft
East Bay Realty Ltd.
Don't overlook this rare gem located at Bear Point. Interior has been renovated inside with kitchen cabinets, flooring, wiring and more. Exterior getting finishing touches on new deck, with a metal roof 2023. All new appliances remain - all you need to do is bring your furniture and move in. Check this out today. close to beaches, schools, shopping and museums.
C$269000

Residential For Sale

67 Bear Point Road, Bear Point, NS B0W 3B0
East Bay Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$269000

Residential For Sale

128 - 130 Victoria Street, Chester Ns B0j 1j0

6Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,747Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
C$1099000

Residential For Sale

128 - 130 Victoria Street, Chester Ns B0j 1j0
6Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3,747Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
Primarily an investment property, currently occupied by two long term tenants, this duplex gives stability in volatile economic times. The rental income covers the mortgage, property taxes and maintenance for the current owners. The primary intention is to sell the entire property, but there is also an opportunity to purchase 130 Victoria with a subdivision property split.
C$1099000

Residential For Sale

128 - 130 Victoria Street, Chester Ns B0j 1j0
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
6Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
C$1099000

Residential For Sale

2601 Highway 337 Antigonish Harbour, N.s., Antigonish Harbour Ns B2g 2l2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,176Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
C$499000

Residential For Sale

2601 Highway 337 Antigonish Harbour, N.s., Antigonish Harbour Ns B2g 2l2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,176Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
THE MOST AMAZING VIEWS OF ANTIGONISH HARBOUR AND BEYOND FROM THIS 90 PLUS ACRE PARCEL WITH A CHARMING BUNGALOW.
C$499000

Residential For Sale

2601 Highway 337 Antigonish Harbour, N.s., Antigonish Harbour Ns B2g 2l2
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

31 Gosling Glen, East Amherst Ns B4h 3y2

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,650Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$1399900

Residential For Sale

31 Gosling Glen, East Amherst Ns B4h 3y2
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,650Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
EXQUISITELY CRAFTED BUNGALOW! This home has been expertly designed inside and outside from the paver stone driveways and patios, Wallace quarry stonework and smart home system. The home sits on a 1.52-acre lot in a quiet subdivision. Entering through the front door you are greeted with an open concept living area with a view through to the inground pool.
C$1399900

Residential For Sale

31 Gosling Glen, East Amherst Ns B4h 3y2
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1399900

Residential For Sale

Spectacle Island, Mahone Bay Ns B0j 2e0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,396Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
C$1599000

Residential For Sale

Spectacle Island, Mahone Bay Ns B0j 2e0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
1,396Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
This property is exempt from Foreign Buyer Ban. Offering a perfect blend of civilization and nature, Spectacle Island is minutes from the mainland and showcases close to ten acres of private oasis. Over four hundred feet of sandy beach stretches along the western shore, setting the stage for ultimate sunsets.
C$1599000

Residential For Sale

Spectacle Island, Mahone Bay Ns B0j 2e0
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$1599000

Residential For Sale

47 Claymore Lane, Big Pond Ns B1j 1s7

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
19Picture(s)
489Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$69900

Residential For Sale

47 Claymore Lane, Big Pond Ns B1j 1s7
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
489Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Escape to your perfect summer retreat at 47 Claymore Lane in Big Pond! This delightful, fully furnished cottage is nestled in a welcoming community, offering you a peaceful sanctuary from the daily grind. With two cozy bedrooms and a recently updated bathroom, this home is ready for you to move in and start enjoying right away.
C$69900

Residential For Sale

47 Claymore Lane, Big Pond Ns B1j 1s7
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$69900

Residential For Sale

7360 Highway 348, Melrose Ns B0j 3c0

No GarageParking(s)
17Picture(s)
600Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$69999

Residential For Sale

7360 Highway 348, Melrose Ns B0j 3c0
No GarageParking(s)
600Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
A hunting camp designed for the true outdoorsman. This property not only boasts proximity to the legendary Salmon and Trout fishing of St. Mary's River but also features a remarkably durable Quonset Hut. Originally used during World War II, Quonset Huts are renowned for their robust construction worldwide.
C$69999

Residential For Sale

7360 Highway 348, Melrose Ns B0j 3c0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$69999

Residential For Sale

68 Murry Road, Martins Point Ns B0j 2e0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
28Picture(s)
2,689Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

68 Murry Road, Martins Point Ns B0j 2e0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,689Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Known as the Vincent Estate this home is only a few meters from the Atlantic Ocean and 45 minutes to downtown Halifax. The property features its own large jetty. From the spacious terrace with its gazebo you enjoy breathtaking views over the Atlantic, the bay and its island.
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

68 Murry Road, Martins Point Ns B0j 2e0
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

4526 Highway 7, Spanish Ship Bay Ns B0j 2a0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,232Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$170000

Residential For Sale

4526 Highway 7, Spanish Ship Bay Ns B0j 2a0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,232Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
This charming waterfront property is located along Highway 7 in the picturesque community of Spanish Ship Bay. Nestled between the historic Sherbrook Village and popular Liscomb community all while being a 15 min drive to all local amenities. Offering a beautiful view of the sheltered bay with access to the ocean, Home to many local fishing boats.
C$170000

Residential For Sale

4526 Highway 7, Spanish Ship Bay Ns B0j 2a0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$170000

Residential For Sale

1077 Shore Drive, Bedford Ns B4a 2e6

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
2,864Sqft
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
C$2749000

Residential For Sale

1077 Shore Drive, Bedford Ns B4a 2e6
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
2,864Sqft
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
The best kept secret in Halifax! Bedford is a short drive to the airport and downtown (just 15 minutes). Offering a deep water dock that welcomes up to a 50 boat and a waterfront of over 180 feet set against the picturesque backdrop of Long Cove. There are two driveways with space for more than 10 cars.
C$2749000

Residential For Sale

1077 Shore Drive, Bedford Ns B4a 2e6
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$2749000
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