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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

10353 Marble Mountain Road, Orangedale, NS B0E 2K0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,628Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$499900

Residential For Sale

10353 Marble Mountain Road, Orangedale, NS B0E 2K0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,628Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Welcome to 10353 Marble Mountain Road - This remarkable property, located just 5 minutes from Orangedale NS, offers the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty in scenic Cape Breton. Covering +/- 98 acres, it features approximately 2,981 feet of water frontage along the picturesque Bras d'Or Lake, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for water-based activities.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

10353 Marble Mountain Road, Orangedale, NS B0E 2K0
Engel & Volkers
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

15 Rampart Court, Beechville, NS B3T 0B0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2Picture(s)
2,197Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$689900

Residential For Sale

15 Rampart Court, Beechville, NS B3T 0B0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,197Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to Lovett Lake! New construction at its best!! This four bedroom, 3.5 bath detached home will sure to please the whole family. Spacious living area, eat in kitchen with dining room, great place to entertain family and friends.
C$689900

Residential For Sale

15 Rampart Court, Beechville, NS B3T 0B0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$689900

Residential For Sale

33 Braeside Court, Dartmouth, NS B2X 3M9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,659Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$489900

Residential For Sale

33 Braeside Court, Dartmouth, NS B2X 3M9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,659Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome home to this beautifully updated three-bedroom, two-bath townhome tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The main level features a spacious eat-in kitchen that opens to a bright living room with access to the back deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. A convenient two-piece bath completes this level. Upstairs, you’ll find three generous bedrooms and a full bathroom.
C$489900

Residential For Sale

33 Braeside Court, Dartmouth, NS B2X 3M9
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$489900

Residential For Sale

130 Rutledge Street, Bedford, NS B4A 1X6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,358Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$444900

Residential For Sale

130 Rutledge Street, Bedford, NS B4A 1X6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
1,358Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Beautifully renovated two level townhouse condo in central Bedford! Updated kitchen with stainless appliances. Huge living room with newer flooring, heatpump, and fresh paint leading to your private back deck. Great natural light. A spacious dining area and new powder room complete this main level.
C$444900

Residential For Sale

130 Rutledge Street, Bedford, NS B4A 1X6
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$444900

Residential For Sale

47 Beechwood Drive, Truro, NS B2N 1R3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
14Picture(s)
1,378Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$269900

Residential For Sale

47 Beechwood Drive, Truro, NS B2N 1R3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,378Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
Bring your vision and make this home your own. Located in a nice Truro neighbourhood, this 3BR/1bath bungalow has incredible potential and is priced accordingly. The basement is partially finished, and the side yard is a great place for kids to play. The appliances stay, including an upright freezer. There is a paved driveway, fiberglass oil tank, and newer insulation in the attic.
C$269900

Residential For Sale

47 Beechwood Drive, Truro, NS B2N 1R3
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$269900

Residential For Sale

44 Birch Drive, Plymouth, NS B0W 1B0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,987Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$524900

Residential For Sale

44 Birch Drive, Plymouth, NS B0W 1B0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,987Sqft
The Real Estate Store
Welcome to 44 Birch Drive in Plymouth. This 4 bedroom 2 bath home is overlooking the bay with a public boat launch for river access. This well built and well insulated home ( ICF ) is easily heated and well maintained. The attached garage and shed along with the rear deck all add to the package. Inside there are 3 bedrooms on the main level with a 4 piece bath and ensuite.
C$524900

Residential For Sale

44 Birch Drive, Plymouth, NS B0W 1B0
The Real Estate Store
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$524900

Residential For Sale

75 Danica Drive, Pine Grove, NS B4V 7Z2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
16Picture(s)
1,026Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$475000

Residential For Sale

75 Danica Drive, Pine Grove, NS B4V 7Z2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,026Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Location, location location!!! Would you like to live within 5 mins to Bridgewater in a one level home? This may be the home for you. This 2 bed, 1 bath home has been designed with retirement in mind. Infloor heat, wider doors throughout, triple pane windows in the main part of the house, new appliances and ready for its new owners.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

75 Danica Drive, Pine Grove, NS B4V 7Z2
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$475000

Residential For Sale

1587 Highway 206, West Arichat, NS B0E 3J0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
15Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
iLand Realty Inc.
C$75000

Residential For Sale

1587 Highway 206, West Arichat, NS B0E 3J0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,200Sqft
iLand Realty Inc.
Located just five minutes from local amenities, this two bedroom, one bath home sits on just under a half acre lot and offers plenty of potential for those looking to invest some work and make it their own. The home features a durable metal roof and a new oil tank, both installed in 2021. A standout feature is the spacious 28 x 28 wired garage, complete with a hoist.
C$75000

Residential For Sale

1587 Highway 206, West Arichat, NS B0E 3J0
iLand Realty Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$75000

Residential For Sale

6 Nelson Avenue, Halifax, NS B3P 1V8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
21Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$349900

Residential For Sale

6 Nelson Avenue, Halifax, NS B3P 1V8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,100Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
EQUITY BUILDER! This 3 bed 1 bath home is in great need of a new owner who wishes to build equity for themselves. Priced below current assessment this home sits on a 9100 sqft R2 lot on a dead-end street in a family friendly area of Armdale close to Cunard Junior High School.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

6 Nelson Avenue, Halifax, NS B3P 1V8
Exit Realty Metro
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

16 Joseph Drive, Bible Hill, NS B2N 0G4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
38Picture(s)
989Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$249900

Residential For Sale

16 Joseph Drive, Bible Hill, NS B2N 0G4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
989Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 16 Joseph Drive, a charming and well-maintained mini home located in the highly sought-after Lexington Park community in Bible Hill. Offering three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, including a primary bedroom with an ensuite, this home provides comfort and convenience for families, downsizers, or first-time buyers.
C$249900

Residential For Sale

16 Joseph Drive, Bible Hill, NS B2N 0G4
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$249900

Residential For Sale

7 Fathom Court, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,533Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$729900

Residential For Sale

7 Fathom Court, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,533Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Great home in desirable Royale Hemlocks now being offered! This 3 Bedroom, 4 Bath, 2 story home is located on a family friendly cul-de-sac. Spacious design, with plenty of room for the growing family. Main floor features large living room, dining room, beautiful kitchen with lots of cupboard & counter space, main floor family room with propane fireplace and powder room.
C$729900

Residential For Sale

7 Fathom Court, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$729900

Residential For Sale

3741 Highway 289, Halfway Brook, NS B0N 1C0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
12Picture(s)
1,899Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

3741 Highway 289, Halfway Brook, NS B0N 1C0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,899Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
3 bedroom family home on 15.32 +/- acres. This home could have 5 bedrooms if needed. There is a kitchenette upstairs that could be converted back to a bedroom as well as an office on the main level. There is a barn and 2 good sheds. The options are endless for the property. If you are looking for an in-law suite the 2nd level could stay as is.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

3741 Highway 289, Halfway Brook, NS B0N 1C0
Hants Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$379900
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