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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

167 Schurman Road, Falmouth, NS B0P 0B9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
1,080Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

167 Schurman Road, Falmouth, NS B0P 0B9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,080Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home nestled on a quiet street. Bursting with character, this older home has been meticulously cared for, blending timeless charm with modern updates throughout. Enjoy a bright and inviting living space, a well-appointed kitchen, and the two bedrooms all designed for comfort and functionality.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

167 Schurman Road, Falmouth, NS B0P 0B9
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

130 Foster Street, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,750Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$374900

Residential For Sale

130 Foster Street, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,750Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
This welcoming home is located on a beautiful tree lined street in ever popular Berwick, very close to one of a kind shopping, restaurants, cafes, a taproom and a quick jaunt to Berwick School and the KMCC sports complex.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

130 Foster Street, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
Exit Realty Town & Country
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

935 Big Harbour Road, Big Harbour, NS B0E 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,720Sqft
Harvey Realties Limited
C$799000

Residential For Sale

935 Big Harbour Road, Big Harbour, NS B0E 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,720Sqft
Harvey Realties Limited
This grand property features a fabulous south-facing 3-BR chalet with attached garage nestled on 175 acres (+-) of rolling forest, with a beautiful beach, and an absolutely beautiful panoramic view overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes! The main floor features an open-concept LR, DR (cathedral ceiling) and lovely modern country kitchen, a bathroom, bedroom, utility/laundry room and breezeway between the
C$799000

Residential For Sale

935 Big Harbour Road, Big Harbour, NS B0E 1B0
Harvey Realties Limited
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$799000

Residential For Sale

24 Vanier Way, Bedford, NS B4A 0A4

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,929Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

24 Vanier Way, Bedford, NS B4A 0A4
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,929Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Roll out the red carpet! 24 Vanier Way is ready to deliver the royal treatment! From its commanding curb appeal to its sweeping Bedford Basin views, this executive two-storey delivers luxury on a grand scale.
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

24 Vanier Way, Bedford, NS B4A 0A4
Royal LePage Atlantic
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

4023 Highway 236, Kennetcook, NS B0N 1T0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
25Picture(s)
935Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$240000

Residential For Sale

4023 Highway 236, Kennetcook, NS B0N 1T0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
935Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
This three bedroom home with a bonus den offers space that’s flexible for today’s needs, whether you want a dedicated home office, a playroom or a quiet hobby spot. The layout is designed for easy one level living, with a walk-in shower in the bathroom and a practical foyer entry that keeps the everyday clutter of coats, shoes and backpacks out of sight.
C$240000

Residential For Sale

4023 Highway 236, Kennetcook, NS B0N 1T0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$240000

Residential For Sale

14 Suffolk Close, Halifax, NS B3S 1H5

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,919Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$559000

Residential For Sale

14 Suffolk Close, Halifax, NS B3S 1H5
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,919Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, 14 Suffolk Close offers comfort, convenience, and community. Surrounded by friendly neighbours, it’s walking distance to schools, playgrounds, and everyday amenities, with the Canada Games Centre, public library, and Lacewood bus terminal just minutes away—ideal for families or first-time buyers.
C$559000

Residential For Sale

14 Suffolk Close, Halifax, NS B3S 1H5
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$559000

Residential For Sale

97 Nauss Point Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
2,576Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
C$1300000

Residential For Sale

97 Nauss Point Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,576Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
ULTIMATE CHESTER LOCATION. Light filled 5 bedroom, 3 bath home on Nauss Point in Chester with elevated, sparkling views of both Chandler's Cove/ Chester Golf Course and views of Chester's Front Harbour. Located on a quiet tree lined street that meanders along the water past beautiful classic homes to downtown shops, restaurants, live theatre, and yacht club.
C$1300000

Residential For Sale

97 Nauss Point Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1300000

Residential For Sale

65 Prince Street, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1L2

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,230Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$379900

Residential For Sale

65 Prince Street, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1L2
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,230Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 65 Prince Street, a well-maintained 3-bedroom semi-detached home. Featuring a paved driveway, front and rear decks, fenced backyard, and storage shed, this property is move-in ready and designed for everyday comfort. Inside, the bright and functional layout includes forced-air oil heating and four appliances, offering convenience and value for the next owners.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

65 Prince Street, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1L2
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$379900

Residential For Sale

3821 Basinview Drive, Halifax, NS B3K 5A2

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,303Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$699000

Residential For Sale

3821 Basinview Drive, Halifax, NS B3K 5A2
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
2,303Sqft
Red Door Realty
With glimpses and seasonal views of the Basin, this wonderful family home has many important upgrades, including a propane furnace, a newly expanded kitchen, and is ready for you to move in…although there is still loads of potential to satisfy your imagination.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

3821 Basinview Drive, Halifax, NS B3K 5A2
Red Door Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

100 Lake Shore Drive, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,904Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$879900

Residential For Sale

100 Lake Shore Drive, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,904Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information: Welcome to this stunning one-level lakefront home,7 years young,built with exceptional quality & thoughtful design! Situated on Little Dyke Lake, just a short walk or golf cart ride to the Bay of Fundy, this property offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience.
C$879900

Residential For Sale

100 Lake Shore Drive, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$879900

Residential For Sale

325 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4W8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,472Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$325000

Residential For Sale

325 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4W8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,472Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Situated on a corner lot, this sturdy three-bedroom family home is ready to guide its next owners on their journey. Offering 3 lots of land, totaling 21,600 sq ft, there is room for a pool, garden, your choice of further development or perhaps you or a family member will build a second home in the future.
C$325000

Residential For Sale

325 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4W8
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$325000

Residential For Sale

13 Third Avenue, Florence, NS B1Y 1S1

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,333Sqft
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
C$309000

Residential For Sale

13 Third Avenue, Florence, NS B1Y 1S1
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,333Sqft
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
Lovingly maintained by the same owners for 37 years, this immaculate five-bedroom home sits on a beautifully landscaped 9,000+ sq. ft. lot and is ready to welcome new owners. The 26’ x 15’ garage—currently enjoyed as a recreation room—features a fitted screen in front of the automatic door, while a smartly designed rear section provides dedicated storage for lawn equipment and tools.
C$309000

Residential For Sale

13 Third Avenue, Florence, NS B1Y 1S1
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$309000
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