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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

5822 Highway 331, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,615Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$349000

Residential For Sale

5822 Highway 331, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,615Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Set on a peaceful 3.4-acre parcel, this large bungalow has over 1600 square feet of finished living space. Inside, you’ll find a large kitchen and dining space, a spacious living room with a fireplace, 3 comfortable bedrooms, a full bath, and a handy den/office—perfect for remote work, hobbies, or a family recreation room.. The floor plan is simple and functional.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

5822 Highway 331, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y3
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

279 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,826Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
C$375000

Residential For Sale

279 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,826Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
Welcome to 279 Church Street in the charming town of Liverpool, NS! This century-old home sits on a large, private lot and offers a great opportunity to enjoy a property with extensive practical upgrades already completed while leaving the cosmetic details for your personal touch.
C$375000

Residential For Sale

279 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$375000

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195 Lawrence Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,476Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$349900

Residential For Sale

195 Lawrence Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,476Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Nestled in the heart of historic Old-Town Lunenburg, this property presents a rare opportunity for developers and visionaries alike. Perched on a hill with great views of the Back Harbour, this charming yet timeworn home sits on a double lot, offering ample space for expansion, or redevelopment project.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

195 Lawrence Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

452 East Chezzetcook Road, East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,404Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$639900

Residential For Sale

452 East Chezzetcook Road, East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,404Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to 452 East Chezzetcook Road, a fully renovated property offering the perfect blend of comfort, space, and versatility on a beautiful 5-acre lot. Over the past decade, this home has been thoughtfully updated throughout, creating a move-in-ready retreat just minutes from Porters Lake and convenient highway access off Exit 21.
C$639900

Residential For Sale

452 East Chezzetcook Road, East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$639900

Residential For Sale

418 Zaffre Drive Lot 5019, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3C6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,852Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$799900

Residential For Sale

418 Zaffre Drive Lot 5019, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3C6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,852Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to “The Ridgewood” in Indigo Shores by Amara Developments- a modern, open-concept bungalow offering one-level living at its finest. With 1,852 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, this home delivers contemporary luxury and functionality in equal measure. Step inside to a bright, airy layout where clean lines and sleek finishes set the tone.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

418 Zaffre Drive Lot 5019, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3C6
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

538 Bondi Drive Lot 5103, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0P5

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
3,411Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$899900

Residential For Sale

538 Bondi Drive Lot 5103, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0P5
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,411Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
COME AND SEE US AT OUR MODEL HOME AT 242 Zaffre Drive EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY FROM 2-4 PM. Welcome to The Hemlock—a thoughtfully designed bungalow model with a full basement from Amara Developments. The Hemlock offers an exceptional blend of contemporary style and function in sought-after Indigo Shores.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

538 Bondi Drive Lot 5103, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0P5
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

421 Lake Drive, Tupper Lake, NS B0P 1G0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
864Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$341888

Residential For Sale

421 Lake Drive, Tupper Lake, NS B0P 1G0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
864Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Tucked away at the back of a private 1.33-acre lot, this meticulously maintained 6-year-old year-round home offers peace, privacy, and purpose-built living — truly what dreams are made of. With 864 sq. ft. of finished space, it’s the perfect fit for downsizers, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking a quiet, efficient lifestyle close to nature.
C$341888

Residential For Sale

421 Lake Drive, Tupper Lake, NS B0P 1G0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$341888

Residential For Sale

1166 Bigelow Street, Canning, NS B0P 1H0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,142Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
C$335000

Residential For Sale

1166 Bigelow Street, Canning, NS B0P 1H0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,142Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
Welcome to 1166 Bigelow Street, a charming and move-in-ready home nestled in the heart of Canning. This cozy 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath property has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated over the years, making it an ideal choice for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone seeking comfort and convenience in a vibrant village setting.
C$335000

Residential For Sale

1166 Bigelow Street, Canning, NS B0P 1H0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$335000

Residential For Sale

329 Grono Road, Dutch Settlement, NS B2S 2H6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,396Sqft
Prescott Real Estate Limited
C$624900

Residential For Sale

329 Grono Road, Dutch Settlement, NS B2S 2H6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,396Sqft
Prescott Real Estate Limited
Welcome to this beautifully finished Sheffield House, built by Scotia Homes in 2006. With beautiful curb appeal and obvious pride of ownership, the sprawling landscaped yard offers complete privacy, set back on 3.9 acres of land. Spacious Single-Level Living - Retire in comfort with a thoughtfully designed main floor that includes 2 full baths (1 ensuite) and open functional layout.
C$624900

Residential For Sale

329 Grono Road, Dutch Settlement, NS B2S 2H6
Prescott Real Estate Limited
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$624900

Residential For Sale

112 Bristol Avenue, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,768Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$349900

Residential For Sale

112 Bristol Avenue, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,768Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Welcome to your dream home in the picturesque coastal town of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, where the ocean's gentle rhythm and a vibrant community await just steps from your door. This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence sits gracefully on a spacious, beautifully landscaped lot alive with vibrant perennials and annuals, offering the perfect canvas for creating cherished family memories.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

112 Bristol Avenue, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0
Exit Real Estate Professionals
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

5808 Highway 7, Head Of Chezzetcook, NS B3E 0G5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,602Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$444900

Residential For Sale

5808 Highway 7, Head Of Chezzetcook, NS B3E 0G5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,602Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Discover a move-in ready home that offers elegant comfort, style, and built-in income. This beautifully updated property features a bright two bedroom upper flat and a one bedroom lower flat. Both levels have been tastefully renovated with modern kitchens, refreshed bathrooms, and freshly painted interiors.
C$444900

Residential For Sale

5808 Highway 7, Head Of Chezzetcook, NS B3E 0G5
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$444900

Residential For Sale

14 Clarence Hirtle Road, Charleston, NS B0J 2H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,297Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
C$94900

Residential For Sale

14 Clarence Hirtle Road, Charleston, NS B0J 2H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,297Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
This two bedroom, one bath home is off the main Medway River Rd on a quiet little street that's safe for children and pets. In the colder season you can enjoy the heat from the wood stove or cosy up in the living room with the pellet stove with the option of turning on the heat pump.
C$94900

Residential For Sale

14 Clarence Hirtle Road, Charleston, NS B0J 2H0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$94900
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