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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

1401-3471 Dutch Village Road, Halifax, NS B3N 0C7

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
39Picture(s)
2,000Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$1199900

Residential For Sale

1401-3471 Dutch Village Road, Halifax, NS B3N 0C7
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
2,000Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Life above the city... a private, sky-level residence that lives like a home, but with all the conveniences of condo living. Welcome to Halifax’s only true rooftop penthouse, perched atop St. Lawrence Place, a 10-year-young concrete and steel building developed by the iconic WM Fares Group.
C$1199900

Residential For Sale

1401-3471 Dutch Village Road, Halifax, NS B3N 0C7
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1199900

Residential For Sale

Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B2T 1K8

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,024Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B2T 1K8
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,024Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
TBD
C$399900

Residential For Sale

Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B2T 1K8
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

46 Sunset Drive, Caribou Island, NS B0K 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DirtParking(s)
37Picture(s)
749Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$325000

Residential For Sale

46 Sunset Drive, Caribou Island, NS B0K 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DirtParking(s)
749Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Perched above a beautiful beach at the head of Caribou Island and nestled between the picturesque lighthouse and Waterside Provincial Park, this seaside gem offers stunning dawn-to-dusk views of the Northumberland Strait.
C$325000

Residential For Sale

46 Sunset Drive, Caribou Island, NS B0K 1H0
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$325000

Residential For Sale

513-1326 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3R3

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
26Picture(s)
824Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

513-1326 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3R3
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
824Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to Unit 513 at Waterfront Place, and enjoy the beautiful simplicity of this updated one bedroom, one bathroom condo in the heart of downtown Halifax. This bright and spacious unit features an upgraded kitchen with a stylish new backsplash, and a breakfast bar that connects with the open-concept living room overlooking the peaceful courtyard view.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

513-1326 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3R3
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

47 Armoyan Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3V9

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,240Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

47 Armoyan Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3V9
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,240Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
ATTENTION! First Time Home Buyers! Discover this charming and spacious semi-detached family home, featuring three bedrooms and one bathroom, all recently upgraded for modern living. Ideally situated just minutes away from a variety of amenities, this property boasts numerous improvements, including energy-efficient windows and a new patio door/front picture window (both installed in 2023).
C$399900

Residential For Sale

47 Armoyan Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3V9
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

95 Poplar Street, Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,461Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$485000

Residential For Sale

95 Poplar Street, Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,461Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Just coming in to the sought-after Valley Woods subdivision in Stellarton, you'll find this stunning brick bungalow offering the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and lifestyle. Set on a beautifully landscaped lot with a double paved driveway and an attached garage, this home is ideal for families or anyone looking for space to unwind and entertain.
C$485000

Residential For Sale

95 Poplar Street, Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$485000

Residential For Sale

140b-148 Cortland Ridge, Spryfield, NS B3R 0G7

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
37Picture(s)
2,623Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$629900

Residential For Sale

140b-148 Cortland Ridge, Spryfield, NS B3R 0G7
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,623Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 148 Cortland Ridge — a beautifully designed home filled with natural light and breathtaking river views from every level. The open-concept kitchen features a stunning 9-foot quartz island and matching countertops, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.
C$629900

Residential For Sale

140b-148 Cortland Ridge, Spryfield, NS B3R 0G7
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$629900

Residential For Sale

14515 Highway 4, Hay Cove, NS B0E 3B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,337Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$699000

Residential For Sale

14515 Highway 4, Hay Cove, NS B0E 3B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,337Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
Enjoy cottage life year round in Red Islands! Tucked away in a deep, sheltered cove just 20 minutes from St. Peter's, this 8.7 acre waterfront retreat offers over 950 feet of shoreline, two charming and well-maintained cottages, a wharf, and unmatched privacy. Whether you're looking for a serene summer escape or a cozy year-round getaway, this property is a rare find.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

14515 Highway 4, Hay Cove, NS B0E 3B0
Cape Breton Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

70 Three Brooks Drive, Hubley, NS B3Z 1A4

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5Picture(s)
1,787Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$799900

Residential For Sale

70 Three Brooks Drive, Hubley, NS B3Z 1A4
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,787Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
This is an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home in the well-established & sought after neighbourhood of Three Brooks Subdivision. Nestled in the heart of nature, this lot offers a perfect balance of privacy, community and access to local amentities. Deeded lake access for year-round recreation features a beautiful sandy beach.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

70 Three Brooks Drive, Hubley, NS B3Z 1A4
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

8 Maple Crescent, Mount William, NS B2H 5C6

6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,566Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$529000

Residential For Sale

8 Maple Crescent, Mount William, NS B2H 5C6
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,566Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to this beautiful modern home in the desirable Mount William subdivision! This spacious six-bedroom, two-bath split entry offers everything your family needs, with municipal services, county taxes, and beautiful landscaping that includes a brand new paved driveway.
C$529000

Residential For Sale

8 Maple Crescent, Mount William, NS B2H 5C6
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$529000

Residential For Sale

21 Mariner's Drive, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,008Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$364900

Residential For Sale

21 Mariner's Drive, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,008Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to 21 Mariner's Drive in the charming community of Hantsport! This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom semi-detached home offers easy one-level living and has been freshly painted throughout, giving it a bright and welcoming feel! The functional layout features an open concept living area with spacious living room, a well-appointed kitchen with central island, a dining area with a
C$364900

Residential For Sale

21 Mariner's Drive, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$364900

Residential For Sale

21-143 Jackladder Drive, Millwood, NS B4E 0A5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
42Picture(s)
2,376Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$624900

Residential For Sale

21-143 Jackladder Drive, Millwood, NS B4E 0A5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
2,376Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Are you looking for room for the extended family? This is a lovely home suitable as a rental or room for Mom and Dad or adult children. The upper unit is open concept living, dining and kitchen with garden doors to the large back deck. There are 2 bedrooms, separate laundry, full bath, front porch, heat pumps, electric fireplace, roughed in for vacuum.
C$624900

Residential For Sale

21-143 Jackladder Drive, Millwood, NS B4E 0A5
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$624900
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