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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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11558 Ns-224, Middle Musquodoboit, NS B0N 1X0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,976Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$325000

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11558 Ns-224, Middle Musquodoboit, NS B0N 1X0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,976Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information: Spacious family home in peaceful Middle Musquodoboit, perched on a private hilltop and surrounded by mature trees, offering privacy and a serene country setting. This cherished 1970s home features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a welcoming living room, and a kitchen/dining area with newer stainless steel appliances.
C$325000

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11558 Ns-224, Middle Musquodoboit, NS B0N 1X0
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3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,306Sqft
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24 Claremont Avenue, Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,306Sqft
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Welcome to this wonderfully maintained three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath home located in a family-friendly neighbourhood, just steps from all the conveniences Stellarton has to offer. Bursting with character, this home showcases beautiful original wood trim, gleaming hardwood floors, and a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout.
C$233000

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Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,304Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$294900

Residential For Sale

50 Victoria Street W, Amherst, NS B4H 1C4
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,304Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Charming family home with garage located in a convenient central Amherst location! This well-loved property sits within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants while also offering quick access to the Emerson Industrial Park and the Trans-Canada Highway.
C$294900

Residential For Sale

50 Victoria Street W, Amherst, NS B4H 1C4
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$294900

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3710 366 Highway, Tidnish Bridge, NS B4H 3X9

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
40Picture(s)
672Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$199900

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3710 366 Highway, Tidnish Bridge, NS B4H 3X9
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
672Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Cozy home on the Tidnish River in the heart of cottage country! This sought-after area is a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts, known for exceptional kayaking, boating, and fishing, with easy access to the open waters of the Northumberland Strait.
C$199900

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3710 366 Highway, Tidnish Bridge, NS B4H 3X9
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199900

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23 Aberdeen Court, Woodlawn, NS B2X 1K4

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
30Picture(s)
1,383Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$399900

Residential For Sale

23 Aberdeen Court, Woodlawn, NS B2X 1K4
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,383Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Welcome to 23 Aberdeen Court — an affordable 3-bed, 1-bath townhouse tucked at the end of a quiet Woodlawn cul-de-sac. This cozy home offers excellent value. Enjoy simple, low-maintenance living with a practical townhouse layout that keeps utilities, upkeep, and property taxes manageable.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

23 Aberdeen Court, Woodlawn, NS B2X 1K4
Exit Real Estate Professionals
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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19 Patterson Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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50Picture(s)
1,406Sqft
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Residential For Sale

19 Patterson Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,406Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
Welcome to 19 Patterson Street, a wonderfully spacious 3–4 bedroom family home brimming with the character and charm only an older Pictou property can offer! Step into a welcoming central hallway that leads to a spacious living room and a formal dining room. The inviting kitchen boasts the convenience of main-floor laundry and a cozy back porch.
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Residential For Sale

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1Bathroom(s)
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11Picture(s)
420Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$119900

Residential For Sale

1162 Mckittrick Road, North Kentville, NS B4N 2V9
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
420Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Opportunity Knocks for the Investor or Handy Person. This modest little home sits on a pretty town lot with great potential. The exterior is in good condition featuring a metal roof, vinyl windows, steel door, and vinyl siding. Step inside and you'll find an interior ready for a complete refresh, offering the chance to design the space exactly as you like.
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Residential For Sale

1162 Mckittrick Road, North Kentville, NS B4N 2V9
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,665Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
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36 Acadia Drive, Kentville, NS B4N 5E1
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,665Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Nestled in one of Kentville’s most prestigious subdivisions, this beautiful home stands out for its exceptional setting and the copious natural light that enhances its main living spaces. Within walking distance to Kings County Academy, the recreation center, and fitness trails, it offers both convenience and an elevated lifestyle.
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Residential For Sale

36 Acadia Drive, Kentville, NS B4N 5E1
Exit Realty Town & Country
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
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3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,589Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$269900

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3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,589Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
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46 Princess Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$269900

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1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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47Picture(s)
720Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

513-5221 Nora Bernard Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0B6
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
720Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome, to this modern, stunning and fully renovated condo! This top-floor west-facing suite in the coveted Spice building sits just steps from Lower Water Street’s amenities and moments from downtown.
C$499900

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513-5221 Nora Bernard Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0B6
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
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1Bathroom(s)
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4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
35Picture(s)
2,479Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$609900

Residential For Sale

6 Taylorwood Lane, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 0C8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,479Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 6 Taylorwood Lane – a well-maintained 2-storey home, finished on all 3 levels located in Eastern Passage, Halifax Nova Scotia. Situated on a corner lot with a good-sized fenced yard, 4 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms – 2 full and 2 half.
C$609900

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6 Taylorwood Lane, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 0C8
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$609900

Residential For Sale

15 Gala Court, Spryfield, NS B3R 0G4

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,904Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$599900

Residential For Sale

15 Gala Court, Spryfield, NS B3R 0G4
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,904Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to this well-maintained, modern home built by Almadina International, located in the quiet and sought-after community of McIntosh Run Estates—just 12 minutes from downtown Halifax. Now 4 years young, this home offers a bright, open-concept main level featuring a spacious living area, a contemporary kitchen with quartz countertops and centre island, and a convenient half bath.
C$599900

Residential For Sale

15 Gala Court, Spryfield, NS B3R 0G4
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$599900
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