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Stop Paying Rent!

How to Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home

 

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

 

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

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

– save for a down payment

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

How to Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home

 

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

 

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

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

– save for a down payment

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

9 Buyer Traps & How to Avoid Them

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

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

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

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

 

The 9 Buyer Traps

Bidding Blind

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

 

Buying the Wrong Home.

 

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

Unclear Title.

 

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

Inaccurate Survey.

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

Undisclosed Fix-ups.

 

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


Not Getting Mortgage Preapproval.

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

 

Contract Misses.

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

 Hidden Costs.

 

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

 

 

 

Rushing the Closing.

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

One More Tip…

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

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Residential For Sale

33 Princeton Court, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
5,348Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
C$739000

Residential For Sale

33 Princeton Court, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5,348Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
A rare find in the historic Town of Pictou, set on over 3 acres of beautifully manicured land, this exceptional property offers more than 5,300 sq. ft. of living space, a municipally approved horse farm, and a level of versatility that is rarely available within town limits.
C$739000

Residential For Sale

33 Princeton Court, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
C$739000

Residential For Sale

331 E Fraser Road, White Hill, NS B0K 1C0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
9Picture(s)
792Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$38000

Residential For Sale

331 E Fraser Road, White Hill, NS B0K 1C0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
792Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Great half acre corner lot in White Hill on the corner of White Hill Road and E Fraser Road. Proeprty has a circular driveway, and is level. Would make a great location for a home or recreational property. There is an older home on the property that is severely damaged. Property also has another outbuilding on it. Being sold as is where is.
C$38000

Residential For Sale

331 E Fraser Road, White Hill, NS B0K 1C0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$38000

Residential For Sale

13-92 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C8

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2Picture(s)
3,116Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$921900

Residential For Sale

13-92 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,116Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Meet "Morgan" – A Stunning 2-Storey Home in The Parks of Lake Charles! Rooftight Homes presents the Morgan, a beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home that blends modern elegance with functional living on Gardenia Way. There are two facade choices for this model and colours for exterior are customizable.
C$921900

Residential For Sale

13-92 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C8
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$921900

Residential For Sale

30-187 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C8

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
3,116Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$899900

Residential For Sale

30-187 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,116Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Meet "Morgan" – A Stunning 2-Storey Home in The Parks of Lake Charles! Rooftight Homes presents the Morgan, a beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home that blends modern elegance with functional living on Gardenia Way. There are two facade choices for this model and colours for exterior are customizable.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

30-187 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C8
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

157 Transom Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 4T6

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
2,352Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$599000

Residential For Sale

157 Transom Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 4T6
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,352Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Welcome to 157 Transom Drive! This beautifully maintained, modern, 13-years-young executive townhouse is located in one of the most desirable and family-friendly areas in HRM — Larry Uteck! Offering exceptional value, turn-key living, generous square footage with open-concept main living spaces, and a functional 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom layout, this property presents an ideal opportunity for those
C$599000

Residential For Sale

157 Transom Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 4T6
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

410-87 Kearney Lake Road, Halifax, NS B3M 4H1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
12Picture(s)
1,040Sqft
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
C$369900

Residential For Sale

410-87 Kearney Lake Road, Halifax, NS B3M 4H1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
1,040Sqft
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
This well maintained 2 BR, 2 Bathroom condominium offers a unique opportunity to own affordable living with the convenience and comfort of living in the City. Situated on the top floor, this unit is well maintained and offers the benefit of 2 assigned parking spots. The unit is currently rented and the tenants would like to stay until at least the end of the term.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

410-87 Kearney Lake Road, Halifax, NS B3M 4H1
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

3964 332 Highway, Riverport, NS B0J 2X0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
31Picture(s)
2,800Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Kingsburg)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

3964 332 Highway, Riverport, NS B0J 2X0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,800Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Kingsburg)
Tastefully updated traditional home, with 5 bedrooms and 2 baths. The ¾ acre property features a beautiful south facing view of Ritcey's Cove, a tidal inlet ideal for a protected mooring. Just around the corner are the LaHave Islands and the open ocean. There is a mini marina about two minutes away.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

3964 332 Highway, Riverport, NS B0J 2X0
Duckworth Real Estate(Kingsburg)
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

1616 Spurr Road, Round Hill, NS B0S 1C0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,138Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$239000

Residential For Sale

1616 Spurr Road, Round Hill, NS B0S 1C0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,138Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Tucked away in the quiet community of Round Hill, this sweet 2 bedroom bungalow sits on a well-manicured 1/2 acre lot. Located less than a 15 minute drive to both Bridgetown and historic Annapolis Royal, where you’ll find all the amenities you need.
C$239000

Residential For Sale

1616 Spurr Road, Round Hill, NS B0S 1C0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239000

Residential For Sale

2068 Brunswick Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Y7

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
35Picture(s)
813Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$439900

Residential For Sale

2068 Brunswick Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Y7
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
813Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Take a look at this piece of history. 2068 Brunswick St has stood the test of time. Built in 1903 in downtown Halifax, this end unit townhouse was originally called the Churchfield Barracks, and was built by the British Military, it is also referred to as the 12 Apostles.
C$439900

Residential For Sale

2068 Brunswick Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Y7
Exit Realty Town & Country
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$439900

Residential For Sale

2162 New Waterford Highway, South Bar, NS B1N 3H7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
25Picture(s)
1,024Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$149900

Residential For Sale

2162 New Waterford Highway, South Bar, NS B1N 3H7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1,024Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
3 bedroom, 1 bath home with small den off dining area, full open basement. Property being sold as is where is . Great view of Sydney Harbour.
C$149900

Residential For Sale

2162 New Waterford Highway, South Bar, NS B1N 3H7
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$149900

Residential For Sale

207-5234 Morris Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0A3

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,140Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$634900

Residential For Sale

207-5234 Morris Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0A3
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,140Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
5234 Morris Street is located in the South End of Halifax, Nova Scotia. A vibrant area known for its proximity to downtown amenities, including the waterfront, Spring Garden Road shopping district, universities, hospitals, library and restaurants. The building, known as Letson Court, is a low-rise condo structure with 54 units, built in 2006.
C$634900

Residential For Sale

207-5234 Morris Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0A3
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$634900

Residential For Sale

14 Dublin Avenue, Bridgewater, NS B4V 1Z5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,608Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$399900

Residential For Sale

14 Dublin Avenue, Bridgewater, NS B4V 1Z5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,608Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Income-Ready Multi-Unit —12 - 14 Dublin Ave, Bridgewater Welcome to an exceptional investment or owner-occupier opportunity in Bridgewater’s B4V area.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

14 Dublin Avenue, Bridgewater, NS B4V 1Z5
Exit Real Estate Professionals
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399900
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