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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

6634 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1V2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
5,047Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$4995000

Residential For Sale

6634 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1V2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5,047Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to this exquisite waterfront property on the North West Arm, offering breathtaking views of the historic Dingle Park. This stately two-story brick home boasts over 5,000 square feet of beautifully finished living space, featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed layout perfect for both family living and entertaining.
C$4995000

Residential For Sale

6634 South Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1V2
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$4995000

Residential For Sale

44 Lahey Drive, West Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1R2

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
2,582Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$689500

Residential For Sale

44 Lahey Drive, West Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1R2
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,582Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to 44 Lahey Drive, a beautifully updated, move-in-ready home that has seen major improvements including a metal roof (approx. 4 yrs), fibreglass oil tank (2019), furnace (approx. 2 yrs.) and new hardwood stairs. With 4 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths, and a bright open concept on the main level, this home offers comfort, space, and peace of mind.
C$689500

Residential For Sale

44 Lahey Drive, West Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1R2
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$689500

Residential For Sale

41 Amelia Ave Avenue, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4Picture(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

41 Amelia Ave Avenue, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 41 Amelia Avenue—a beautifully crafted wheelchair accessible new construction grade entry home designed with comfort and convenience in mind. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property is perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize, offering a desirable single-level layout with no stairs. Step inside to discover a bright and airy open-concept living space.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

41 Amelia Ave Avenue, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

43 Amelia Ave Avenue, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4Picture(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

43 Amelia Ave Avenue, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 43 Amelia Avenue—a beautifully crafted wheelchair accessible new construction grade entry home designed with comfort and convenience in mind. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom property is perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize, offering a desirable single-level layout with no stairs. Step inside to discover a bright and airy open-concept living space.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

43 Amelia Ave Avenue, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

48 Amelia Ave, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5Picture(s)
1,250Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

48 Amelia Ave, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,250Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 48 Amelia Avenue—a beautifully crafted wheelchair accessible 2 bed 2 full bath new construction grade entry home with an attached garage designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize, offering a desirable single-level layout with no stairs. Step inside to discover a bright and airy open-concept living space.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

48 Amelia Ave, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

30 Harold Street, Sydney, NS B1P 3L9

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,252Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$339900

Residential For Sale

30 Harold Street, Sydney, NS B1P 3L9
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,252Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
Introducing an updated, four-bedroom home with main-floor living and modern comforts in a desirable neighborhood. Located just off George St on a quiet street, this residence combines convenience with thoughtful updates to suit busy families or anyone seeking ease and style. Inside, you’ll find a welcoming layout anchored by a cozy living room featuring a fireplace.
C$339900

Residential For Sale

30 Harold Street, Sydney, NS B1P 3L9
Cape Breton Realty
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$339900

Residential For Sale

90 Old Court House Branch, Valley, NS B6L 4N4

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
34Picture(s)
2,791Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

90 Old Court House Branch, Valley, NS B6L 4N4
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,791Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to 90 Old Court House Branch. This charming and well designed home offers comfort, character and plenty of space both inside and out. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an attached garage all set on a generously sized lot in the desirable Valley neighbourhood.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

90 Old Court House Branch, Valley, NS B6L 4N4
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

122 Birchill Drive, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1E2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
33Picture(s)
812Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$199900

Residential For Sale

122 Birchill Drive, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1E2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
812Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Step into this charming mini home in Birchill Estates, Eastern Passage, minutes from the beautiful Fisherman’s Cove, great schools and all the essentials.
C$199900

Residential For Sale

122 Birchill Drive, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1E2
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199900

Residential For Sale

123b Adelaide Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
25Picture(s)
1,800Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$405000

Residential For Sale

123b Adelaide Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,800Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
This two storey semi is move in ready and located in a convenient Fairview neighbourhood. The sunny eat in kitchen offers patio doors leading to the backyard and deck, an ideal spot for morning coffee or summer BBQs. The spacious living room is filled with natural light and accented by beautiful hardwood floors, while the hardwood staircase leads you to the second level.
C$405000

Residential For Sale

123b Adelaide Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P1
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$405000

Residential For Sale

52 Queen Street, Truro, NS B2N 2B1

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,496Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$335000

Residential For Sale

52 Queen Street, Truro, NS B2N 2B1
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,496Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
Walk anywhere in town within minutes from this recently updated home in downtown Truro. Five bedrooms plus a living room make this the ideal spot for big families or investors looking to rent room-by-room. Recent upgrades include two brand new bathrooms (from the plumbing and structure up,) a brand new roof installed 2024, a new hot water tank installed Nov.
C$335000

Residential For Sale

52 Queen Street, Truro, NS B2N 2B1
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$335000

Residential For Sale

421 St. Andrews River Road, Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,191Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$499900

Residential For Sale

421 St. Andrews River Road, Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
3,191Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
At 421 St. Andrews River Road in Shubenacadie, this sprawling 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 3000 sq. ft. one-level bungalow offers a rare blend of rural tranquility and modern convenience on 4.5 impeccably landscaped acres overlooking a serene, park-like setting.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

421 St. Andrews River Road, Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0
Century 21 Optimum Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

10 Bellwood Drive, Harrietsfield, NS B3V 1A6

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
22Picture(s)
910Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$239000

Residential For Sale

10 Bellwood Drive, Harrietsfield, NS B3V 1A6
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
910Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Charming 2 bedroom Mobile Home in Birchlee Estate's. This extensively upgraded mobile home is move-in ready and features a wealth of modern amenities. Highlights include- Metal Roof: Durable and long-lasting protection. New Interior & Exterior Doors: Enhancing both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Two New Decks: Perfect for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.
C$239000

Residential For Sale

10 Bellwood Drive, Harrietsfield, NS B3V 1A6
Sutton Group Professional Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239000
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