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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

160 Howe Street, Sydney, NS B1P 4V2

1Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,364Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$197500

Residential For Sale

160 Howe Street, Sydney, NS B1P 4V2
1Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,364Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Immaculate condition describes this one and a half storey 3 bathroom home that has received many upgrades in recent years including roofing and windows along with three new heat pumps installed in 2024 with one on each floor. The basement is very usable and fully developed (except utility room) and was recently painted with new flooring installed.
C$197500

Residential For Sale

160 Howe Street, Sydney, NS B1P 4V2
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
1Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$197500

Residential For Sale

580 West North River Road, North River, NS B6L 6X7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
2,070Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$535000

Residential For Sale

580 West North River Road, North River, NS B6L 6X7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,070Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to 580 West North River Road – Set back on a large beautifully landscaped lot, this charming 2-storey, 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of function and comfort. Tucked away from the street view this home is sure to impress from the moment you arrive. Step inside and you’ll appreciate the well-thought-out layout, and design.
C$535000

Residential For Sale

580 West North River Road, North River, NS B6L 6X7
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$535000

Residential For Sale

8 Simmons Island, West Dover, NS B3Z 3S4

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
950Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$2250000

Residential For Sale

8 Simmons Island, West Dover, NS B3Z 3S4
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
950Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Just minutes from Peggy’s Cove and under 40 minutes from Halifax, this remarkable 8-acre private island offers a rare opportunity to own both land and lifestyle. Home to Nova Glamping, a successful tourism business with Superhost status and hundreds of five-star reviews, Simmons Island is a proven operation ready for its next owner.
C$2250000

Residential For Sale

8 Simmons Island, West Dover, NS B3Z 3S4
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$2250000

Residential For Sale

38 Lennox Road, Black Point, NS B0J 1T0

4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
5,969Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$2149900

Residential For Sale

38 Lennox Road, Black Point, NS B0J 1T0
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5,969Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Timeless Waterfront Elegance in Black Point. Welcome to Lennox Road, a private enclave where craftsmanship and coastal living meet. This four-bedroom, 4½-bath home combines old-world charm with modern construction excellence, built to the highest standards with ICF, steel beam, and concrete construction - a perfect build for a Nova Scotia coastline.
C$2149900

Residential For Sale

38 Lennox Road, Black Point, NS B0J 1T0
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$2149900

Residential For Sale

8 Conley Road, Shubenacadie, NS V0N 2H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
43Picture(s)
715Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

8 Conley Road, Shubenacadie, NS V0N 2H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
715Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
The perfect starter home is here! Nestled in the heart of quaint and picturesque Shubenacadie, this two bedroom bungalow is full of character, and features an upgraded kitchen and a ductless heat pump for year-round comfort.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

8 Conley Road, Shubenacadie, NS V0N 2H0
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

32 Apollo Court, Halifax, NS B3M 1H1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,508Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$389900

Residential For Sale

32 Apollo Court, Halifax, NS B3M 1H1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,508Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Location, location, location! This semi-detached home situated on a quiet cul-de-sac is full of potential. This home boasts an open-concept main floor with a half bath. The second floor has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The finished walkout basement is complete with a large rec room, ample storage, and a laundry room. You'll love gardening in your front yard and hosting BBQs in your backyard.
C$389900

Residential For Sale

32 Apollo Court, Halifax, NS B3M 1H1
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$389900

Residential For Sale

40 Gorsebud Close, Clayton Park, NS B3S 1P7

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,144Sqft
Bryant Realty Atlantic
C$725000

Residential For Sale

40 Gorsebud Close, Clayton Park, NS B3S 1P7
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,144Sqft
Bryant Realty Atlantic
Welcome to this beautifully maintained two-storey home, perfectly situated in one of the city’s most desirable and convenient locations.
C$725000

Residential For Sale

40 Gorsebud Close, Clayton Park, NS B3S 1P7
Bryant Realty Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$725000

Residential For Sale

5 Dartmoor Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 2K4

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,332Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$585000

Residential For Sale

5 Dartmoor Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 2K4
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,332Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Welcome to 5 Dartmoor Crescent, a delightful 4-bedroom, 1-bath, 1.5-storey home nestled in the heart of Bedford, Nova Scotia. Offering 1,541 sq. ft. of warm and inviting living space, this character-filled property is situated on a beautifully treed lot just under half an acre — a rare find in this desirable, family-friendly neighborhood.
C$585000

Residential For Sale

5 Dartmoor Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 2K4
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$585000

Residential For Sale

114 Hawthorne Street, Antigonish, NS B2G 1A9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
24Picture(s)
1,500Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
C$424999

Residential For Sale

114 Hawthorne Street, Antigonish, NS B2G 1A9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,500Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
Located in the heart of Antigonish this fabulous home is move in ready. Rented until May 2026. Mins away from St F X University. This house will come fully furnished- beds, couches, dishes, barbeque, bikes, tools….you name it its there. Very well maintained over the last years. Lots of upgrades. 3 Bedrooms, kitchen , dining room, living room and great storage in basement.
C$424999

Residential For Sale

114 Hawthorne Street, Antigonish, NS B2G 1A9
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$424999

Residential For Sale

373 Auburn Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6E1

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
27Picture(s)
2,034Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$499000

Residential For Sale

373 Auburn Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6E1
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
2,034Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 373 Auburn Dr where you will find the perfect blend of comfort, space, and location. Ideally situated in a family neighborhood with the convenience of being close to great schools, parks, and playgrounds. Only a short walk to get to Cole Harbour Place to go for a swim, work out, skate, or to check out the library.
C$499000

Residential For Sale

373 Auburn Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6E1
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

3 Breakwater Lane, Brooklyn, NS B0J 1H0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
2,500Sqft
Easy List Realty Ltd.
C$390000

Residential For Sale

3 Breakwater Lane, Brooklyn, NS B0J 1H0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,500Sqft
Easy List Realty Ltd.
For more information, please click the "More Information" button. Imagine living in a large, classic home, tall ceilings topped with original tin, with a view to the ocean, and a curved staircase leading to a spacious second floor (complete with a secret bedroom-ensuite hideaway). The large property could be subdivided for future development.
C$390000

Residential For Sale

3 Breakwater Lane, Brooklyn, NS B0J 1H0
Easy List Realty Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$390000

Residential For Sale

1119 Victoria Road, Aylesford, NS B0P 1C0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,092Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$310000

Residential For Sale

1119 Victoria Road, Aylesford, NS B0P 1C0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,092Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Efficient and convenient single level living close to 14 Wing Greenwood! This slab build located at 1119 Victoria Road is perfect for someone looking to take advantage of the easy of everything on one floor. When it comes to accessibility, this could be the one. Minimal stairs for entry, space to add a ramp if needed. The home has a large open concept main living area with recessed ceilings.
C$310000

Residential For Sale

1119 Victoria Road, Aylesford, NS B0P 1C0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$310000
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