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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

2683-87 Fuller Terrace, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3K 3V9

6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,550Sqft
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
C$839000

Residential For Sale

2683-87 Fuller Terrace, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3K 3V9
6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,550Sqft
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
After forty years of ownership this property is offered for sale. A property like this in a quiet downtown area is rarely available. Located in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in all of Halifax, famous for its great community spirit. Artists abound. Coffee shops, restaurants, downtown, Stadacona and entertainment are all within walking distance.
C$839000

Residential For Sale

2683-87 Fuller Terrace, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3K 3V9
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$839000

Residential For Sale

52c Spinnaker Run, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0

4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
3,012Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$474998

Residential For Sale

52c Spinnaker Run, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,012Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Quarter ownership is an easy way to purchase recreational property for one simple reason; it makes sense from a lifestyle and financial perspective. Punctuated by heritage, character and culture, Harb’rStone Village at Fox Harb’r Resort features 18 spacious 3,000 sq. ft. two-story townhomes.
C$474998

Residential For Sale

52c Spinnaker Run, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$474998

Residential For Sale

3359 West Bay Rd, St. Georges Channel, NS B0E 3K0

2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,468Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$595000

Residential For Sale

3359 West Bay Rd, St. Georges Channel, NS B0E 3K0
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,468Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
Beautiful Waterfront Home Just 5 Minutes from Dundee Golf Resort Ideal as a primary residence, vacation home, or rental property.
C$595000

Residential For Sale

3359 West Bay Rd, St. Georges Channel, NS B0E 3K0
Cape Breton Realty
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$595000

Residential For Sale

2815 Main Shore Road Road, Port Maitland, NS B5A 5C4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
24Picture(s)
2,219Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
C$775000

Residential For Sale

2815 Main Shore Road Road, Port Maitland, NS B5A 5C4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,219Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
So....If you wanted an ideal setting, you'd take over 2200 feet of oceanfront, add in your own huge, freshwater pond and then create gardens galore! But... to really do it right, you'd make sure you did all of this within your own, private, secluded 41-acre property.
C$775000

Residential For Sale

2815 Main Shore Road Road, Port Maitland, NS B5A 5C4
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$775000

Residential For Sale

389 Hall Road, South Greenwood, NS B0P 1R0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
29Picture(s)
2,600Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$510000

Residential For Sale

389 Hall Road, South Greenwood, NS B0P 1R0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,600Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Nestled on a beautiful, private 2+ acre lot just minutes from the community of Greenwood, this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of recent upgrades and serene country living. Ideal for families or those seeking space and tranquility, this property is a rare find! Step inside to discover a beautifully renovated interior, featuring a brand-new kitchen with modern finishes.
C$510000

Residential For Sale

389 Hall Road, South Greenwood, NS B0P 1R0
Exit Realty Town & Country
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$510000

Residential For Sale

7068 Highway 1, St. Alphonse, NS B0W 2J0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,064Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
C$392000

Residential For Sale

7068 Highway 1, St. Alphonse, NS B0W 2J0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,064Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
Are you looking for a well-built home just minutes from the sandy shores of Mavillette Beach? Welcome to this inviting executive bungalow that blends comfort, character, and thoughtful details throughout. Step inside to a bright and spacious main floor featuring an eat-in kitchen with patio doors that open to a large deck - perfect for summer evenings and family gatherings.
C$392000

Residential For Sale

7068 Highway 1, St. Alphonse, NS B0W 2J0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$392000

Residential For Sale

30 Jamie Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1C8

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,536Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$474900

Residential For Sale

30 Jamie Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1C8
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,536Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Calling all musicians! This Beaver Bank bungalow features its very own recording studio and offers flexible living with three bedrooms and one bathroom on the main level, plus an additional bedroom and bathroom downstairs. The lower level also includes a kitchenette, shared laundry, and a layout ideal for a basement suite with a separate entrance.
C$474900

Residential For Sale

30 Jamie Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1C8
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$474900

Residential For Sale

7632 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
40Picture(s)
2,104Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$419900

Residential For Sale

7632 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,104Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Discover the charm of Musquodoboit Harbour in this 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow set on a ¾ acre lot with river frontage. This property combines the best of rural living with easy access to the amenities and natural beauty that make the Eastern Shore so appealing.
C$419900

Residential For Sale

7632 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$419900

Residential For Sale

654 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B4P 1E8

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
48Picture(s)
3,434Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
C$900000

Residential For Sale

654 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B4P 1E8
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
3,434Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
Step back in time at Kent Lodge, Wolfville's oldest home, originally built in 1775 on an earlier Acadian foundation. This New England Colonial-style residence blends remarkable history with essential updates from a 1980's renovation, including electrical and plumbing.
C$900000

Residential For Sale

654 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B4P 1E8
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$900000

Residential For Sale

902-31 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,375Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$799800

Residential For Sale

902-31 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,375Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to 902 Keelson at 31 Kings Wharf Place, a stunning 2-bedroom + den, 2-bath corner condo offering 1,375 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space in one of Dartmouth’s most desirable addresses. Freshly updated with new décor, this condo is move-in ready and perfectly blends modern finishes with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
C$799800

Residential For Sale

902-31 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C1
RE/MAX Nova
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$799800

Residential For Sale

40 Community Way, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,145Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$524900

Residential For Sale

40 Community Way, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,145Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Move in ready! Nothing to do here in this upgraded semi detached bungalow in sought after Garlands Crossing a 55+ Community. It ticks all of the boxes and then some. With 2 very spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, boasting a 14 X 24 stamped concrete front patio and L shaped 27.
C$524900

Residential For Sale

40 Community Way, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0
RE/MAX Nova
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$524900

Residential For Sale

31 Armshore Drive, Armdale, NS B3N 1M4

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
3,208Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
C$1995000

Residential For Sale

31 Armshore Drive, Armdale, NS B3N 1M4
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,208Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Designed with intention and built to an uncompromising standard, this home is striking in both architecture and setting. Rising four levels high with commanding views across the Northwest Arm, this over 3,200 sq. ft. residence offers a rare combination of modern sophistication, captivating vistas, and a private, retreat-like ambiance just minutes from downtown Halifax and the Armdale Yacht Club.
C$1995000

Residential For Sale

31 Armshore Drive, Armdale, NS B3N 1M4
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1995000
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