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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

6041 Cherry Street, Halifax, NS B3H 2K4

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,885Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$1369900

Residential For Sale

6041 Cherry Street, Halifax, NS B3H 2K4
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,885Sqft
Red Door Realty
Cherry Street is a vibrant thread in Halifax's fabric, with stories softly woven through time. It's a place so special it's hard to capture in words. 6039/6041 Cherry Street is an exceptional pair of over/under flats that are brimming with character. Each three-bedroom two-bath home offers generous space for owner-occupiers, families seeking a multi-generational lifestyle, or investors.
C$1369900

Residential For Sale

6041 Cherry Street, Halifax, NS B3H 2K4
Red Door Realty
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1369900

Residential For Sale

25 Middle Street, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4B7

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,871Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$524900

Residential For Sale

25 Middle Street, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4B7
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,871Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
This four bedroom, two and a half bath home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and location. The bright layout provides versatility for work, relaxation, and entertaining, with an efficient ETS heating system and brand-new roof shingles adding peace of mind. Situated just minutes from the bridges, commuting is effortless, while nearby amenities make day-to-day living simple.
C$524900

Residential For Sale

25 Middle Street, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4B7
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$524900

Residential For Sale

21 Littles Road, Terence Bay, NS B3T 1Y7

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,835Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$399900

Residential For Sale

21 Littles Road, Terence Bay, NS B3T 1Y7
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,835Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
Welcome to this beautifully updated coastal retreat in the heart of Terence Bay, where modern comfort meets timeless charm just minutes from sandy beaches, community trails, and sweeping ocean views. Don’t be fooled by the photos—this thoughtfully renovated home feels much larger in person, offering a bright, open layout that makes one-level living effortless.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

21 Littles Road, Terence Bay, NS B3T 1Y7
Century 21 Optimum Realty
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

401-12 Spinnaker Drive, Armdale, NS B3N 3A8

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,120Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$429000

Residential For Sale

401-12 Spinnaker Drive, Armdale, NS B3N 3A8
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
1,120Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
A Fresh Coastal Escape at Regatta Point....Step into your own breath of fresh air in the sought-after Regatta Point community—just a few steps from the ocean and moments from the Armdale Yacht Club. This top-floor condo pairs modern style with a warm, welcoming layout.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

401-12 Spinnaker Drive, Armdale, NS B3N 3A8
RE/MAX Nova
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$429000

Residential For Sale

15 Breezy Lane, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1L9

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,008Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$374900

Residential For Sale

15 Breezy Lane, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1L9
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,008Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Charming Riverside Bungalow with many integrity upgrades already complete, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and potential. Tucked at the end of a quiet laneway, you can relax on the covered front porch, sipping your morning coffee while listening to the soothing sounds of the river and enjoying the serene view.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

15 Breezy Lane, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1L9
Keller Williams Select Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

209-512 Parkland Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1N1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,388Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$414900

Residential For Sale

209-512 Parkland Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1N1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,388Sqft
Red Door Realty
This move-in-ready three-bedroom, two-bath home offers exceptional space and convenience in one of Halifax's most sought-after areas.
C$414900

Residential For Sale

209-512 Parkland Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1N1
Red Door Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$414900

Residential For Sale

615 Kings Road, Sydney, NS B1S 1B8

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,966Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

615 Kings Road, Sydney, NS B1S 1B8
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,966Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Conveniently located between Sydney River and Downtown Sydney, 615 Kings Rd is close to all amenities. This beautiful home combines timeless character with thoughtful modern updates. You’re welcomed by a large open hallway with a stunning staircase, and hardwood floors throughout most of the home.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

615 Kings Road, Sydney, NS B1S 1B8
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

5100 Sandy Point Roads, Jordan Ferry, NS B0T 1W0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,802Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

5100 Sandy Point Roads, Jordan Ferry, NS B0T 1W0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,802Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Nestled on over 2 acres of elevated oceanfront property, this beautifully updated older home offers breathtaking views and the tranquility of living by the sea. Located just a short drive from the historic town of Shelburne, this coastal gem combines timeless character with thoughtful upgrades throughout.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

5100 Sandy Point Roads, Jordan Ferry, NS B0T 1W0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

120 Net Yard Lane, Upper Kingsburg, NS B0X 2X0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,658Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$1275000

Residential For Sale

120 Net Yard Lane, Upper Kingsburg, NS B0X 2X0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,658Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Point House, a rare offering by internationally acclaimed architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, occupies a coveted peninsula within AIA National Honour Award winning Shobac Farm - an enclave where design excellence, natural splendour and a history of place converge.
C$1275000

Residential For Sale

120 Net Yard Lane, Upper Kingsburg, NS B0X 2X0
Engel & Volkers
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1275000

Residential For Sale

713 Greenville Road, Wentworth, NS B0M 1Z0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
20Picture(s)
2,040Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$359000

Residential For Sale

713 Greenville Road, Wentworth, NS B0M 1Z0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,040Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Spacious and well-maintained 5-bedroom, 2-storey home, nestled on 2.99 scenic acres with 233 feet of frontage on the beautiful West Branch Wallace River. The main floor features a functional kitchen with a cozy dining nook and patio doors leading to a large back deck, perfect for enjoying peaceful views.
C$359000

Residential For Sale

713 Greenville Road, Wentworth, NS B0M 1Z0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$359000

Residential For Sale

173 Lewis Drive, Bedford, NS B4B 1C5

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3Picture(s)
2,309Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$769000

Residential For Sale

173 Lewis Drive, Bedford, NS B4B 1C5
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,309Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Step into comfort and modern design with this beautifully planned two-story home. The open-concept main level combines the kitchen, dining area, and living room, complemented by a cozy propane fireplace that adds warmth and charm. Adjacent to the kitchen, a patio door opens onto the back deck, leading to a practical mudroom.
C$769000

Residential For Sale

173 Lewis Drive, Bedford, NS B4B 1C5
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$769000

Residential For Sale

80 Stoney Beach Road, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1V9

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,840Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$999000

Residential For Sale

80 Stoney Beach Road, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1V9
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,840Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Looking for something totally unique that is on just over an acre lot surrounded by woods providing a private serene waterfront setting with gorgeous sunsets, and is actually two residences in one? Here is a raised bungalow duplex with no entrance stairs to either level making each wheelchair accessible - an interesting and unique arrangement where the home can be used as a single family home, a
C$999000

Residential For Sale

80 Stoney Beach Road, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1V9
Exit Realty Metro
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$999000
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