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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

1463 Birch Grove Road, Birch Grove, NS B1B 1M1

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
14Picture(s)
784Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$174900

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1463 Birch Grove Road, Birch Grove, NS B1B 1M1
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
784Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
1463 Birch Grove Road provides an excellent opportunity for affordable & extra-appealing home ownership!!! Well maintained mini-home with detached 20x24 garage and well-landscaped fully serviced parcel of land. The home offers kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms, laundry closet and 4 PC Bath. Vacant for Quick Possession. Land is serviced by municipal water & sewer.
C$174900

Residential For Sale

1463 Birch Grove Road, Birch Grove, NS B1B 1M1
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$174900

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5511 Bilby Street, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3K 1V4

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
26Picture(s)
865Sqft
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C$899000

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2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
865Sqft
Red Door Realty
The Crown Jewel of the newly constructed NRTH building, Penthouse #1 is a one-of-a-kind residence positioned on the premier South-East corner of the top floor. Offering stunning panoramic views of the Halifax Harbour, the Macdonald Bridge, and the shimmering city skyline, this condo is the pinnacle of North End luxury. The defining feature is the massive 739 sq. ft. wrap-around corner terrace.
C$899000

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5511 Bilby Street, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3K 1V4
Red Door Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$899000

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41 Mechanic Street, Trenton, NS B0K 1H0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
18Picture(s)
763Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$247250

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41 Mechanic Street, Trenton, NS B0K 1H0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
763Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Situated in the Town of Trenton, This bungalow offers the convenience of one-level living with the added bonus of a full basement for extra storage and a 3rd bedroom. This home features 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, cozy living room, eat in kitchen and laundry.
C$247250

Residential For Sale

41 Mechanic Street, Trenton, NS B0K 1H0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$247250

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5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
2,789Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$893095

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105 Garvey Court, Bedford, NS B4B 2L1
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,789Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Meet The Zen - the 5-bedroom home you’ve been waiting for. Built by Cresco on Garvey Court, a prestigious cul-de-sac in the final phase of Brook-line Park at The Parks of West Bedford, this 2,789 sq. ft. two-storey home with walkout is made for those who simply need more space and more bedrooms.
C$893095

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105 Garvey Court, Bedford, NS B4B 2L1
Royal LePage Atlantic
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$893095

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203-1540 Summer Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R9

2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,587Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$824900

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203-1540 Summer Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R9
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,587Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Almost 1,600 sq. ft. of space, two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a fully updated kitchen - this condo checks all the boxes. Add in tons of natural light, some really cool, interesting statement lighting, and generous room sizes throughout, and you've got a home that feels both stylish and comfortable. It's updated, turnkey, and ready for you to simply unpack and settle in.
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Residential For Sale

203-1540 Summer Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R9
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$824900

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2010 Trout Brook Road, Albert Bridge, NS B1K 2L9

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
17Picture(s)
786Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
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Residential For Sale

2010 Trout Brook Road, Albert Bridge, NS B1K 2L9
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
786Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Welcome to 2010 Trout Brook Road where you will find a little piece of paradise with an amazing view of the famous Mira River. The property is waiting for your insight to complete this wonderful location and begin to enjoy the peace and tranquility. The unfinished layout features 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a large open concept kitchen/living room area.
C$135000

Residential For Sale

2010 Trout Brook Road, Albert Bridge, NS B1K 2L9
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$135000

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5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,296Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$729900

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105 Flamingo Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 1T2
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,296Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Nestled in the highly desirable Birdland/Bridgeview community of Halifax, this well-maintained, charming 5-bedroom, two-level home offers 2,300 sq. ft. of total living space, featuring a functional layout ideal for everyday comfort in an unbeatable family-friendly setting.
C$729900

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105 Flamingo Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 1T2
Sutton Group Professional Realty
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$729900

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2 Cocoa Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4W5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
31Picture(s)
784Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$239900

Residential For Sale

2 Cocoa Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4W5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
784Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Located in the Westphal Park - a quiet, well-located park close to amenities, transit, services and green spaces in the Cole Harbour-Westphal community. Bright & cozy updated interior - lots of natural light and modern touches throughout. This move in ready home is ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers or anyone seeking easy-living.
C$239900

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2 Cocoa Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4W5
RE/MAX Nova
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239900

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228 Falmouth Back Road, Falmouth, NS B0P 1P0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,472Sqft
RE/MAX NOVA (Windsor)
C$425000

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228 Falmouth Back Road, Falmouth, NS B0P 1P0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,472Sqft
RE/MAX NOVA (Windsor)
Welcome to this well-kept split-entry home in the desirable Falmouth school district. Offering 2+2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a wired and heated detached garage on a generous lot, this home is designed for comfort and convenience.
C$425000

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228 Falmouth Back Road, Falmouth, NS B0P 1P0
RE/MAX NOVA (Windsor)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$425000

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53 Merriam Road, Port Greville, NS B0M 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
21Picture(s)
1,488Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$269999

Residential For Sale

53 Merriam Road, Port Greville, NS B0M 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,488Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Welcome to 53 Merriam Road, located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the quaint village of Port Greville on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy. This charming seaside cottage offers a nostalgic step back in time, retaining much of its 1970s vibe; with warm wood panelling and vintage decor.
C$269999

Residential For Sale

53 Merriam Road, Port Greville, NS B0M 1S0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$269999

Residential For Sale

112 South Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 1V6

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
36Picture(s)
2,003Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
C$325000

Residential For Sale

112 South Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 1V6
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,003Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
**Charming Bungalow on Spacious Corner Lot** Welcome to this delightful four-bedroom, two-bath bungalow, perfectly situated on a large corner lot with partial fencing. The property features a paved driveway, leading to an 8 x 10 shed for all your storage needs. Step inside to discover an inviting main level that boasts an open-concept kitchen and dining area, ideal for entertaining.
C$325000

Residential For Sale

112 South Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 1V6
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$325000

Residential For Sale

15 Hillcrest Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 1T5

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,084Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$699000

Residential For Sale

15 Hillcrest Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 1T5
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,084Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Just in time for Christmas, this amazing turnkey home is perfectly situated in the charming town of Wolfville. It’s rare to find a spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence that looks and feels this good. The property underwent a complete renovation in 2017, followed by significant updates in 2022.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

15 Hillcrest Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 1T5
Exit Realty Town & Country
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$699000
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