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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

7 Centennial Street, Canso, NS B0H 1H0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
5Picture(s)
700Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$99999

Residential For Sale

7 Centennial Street, Canso, NS B0H 1H0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
700Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Enjoy a stunning harbour view from this three-bedroom older home, located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the town of Canso. In addition to its generous kitchen, dining room, and living room, the home has been stripped to the bones and offers solid bones throughout. It’s an ideal renovation project with excellent potential for customization or resale profit.
C$99999

Residential For Sale

7 Centennial Street, Canso, NS B0H 1H0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$99999

Residential For Sale

132 Almont Avenue, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3G7

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
2,195Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

132 Almont Avenue, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3G7
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,195Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Discover the perfect blend of modern upgrades and timeless character in this exceptional property. As you approach, the stunning curb appeal will impress you, featuring beautifully crafted stone stairs, a new front deck, and a freshly paved driveway.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

132 Almont Avenue, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3G7
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$429000

Residential For Sale

1034 Highway 277, Dutch Settlement, NS B2S 2J5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
16Picture(s)
648Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$330000

Residential For Sale

1034 Highway 277, Dutch Settlement, NS B2S 2J5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
648Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Perfect starter home in Dutch Settlement! Just minutes from all the amenities Lantz has to offer and only 30 minutes from Dartmouth Crossing, this cozy two bedroom, one bathroom home has everything you need—and more. The thoughtful layout allows natural sunlight to pour in from every angle, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout.
C$330000

Residential For Sale

1034 Highway 277, Dutch Settlement, NS B2S 2J5
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$330000

Residential For Sale

630 Cowie Hill, Halifax, NS B3N 0E2

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
27Picture(s)
2,315Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$649900

Residential For Sale

630 Cowie Hill, Halifax, NS B3N 0E2
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,315Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 4-bath home in a growing, family-friendly neighbourhood. The main level features a bright open-concept layout with a spacious living and dining area, a convenient half bath, and direct access to the attached garage. The lower level offers a large rec room, an additional half bath, and generous storage/utility space.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

630 Cowie Hill, Halifax, NS B3N 0E2
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

399 Church Road, Little Bras Dor, NS B1Y 3A3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
39Picture(s)
1,152Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$319900

Residential For Sale

399 Church Road, Little Bras Dor, NS B1Y 3A3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,152Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Enjoy peaceful living with beautiful sunset views of the Bras d’Or Lakes in this cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home. Sitting on over 2 acres, you’ll have plenty of space and privacy, plus a paved driveway for easy access. The main level includes a bright kitchen, a good-sized living room, a bathroom, and the main bedroom.
C$319900

Residential For Sale

399 Church Road, Little Bras Dor, NS B1Y 3A3
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$319900

Residential For Sale

472 Centreville South Side Road, South Side, NS B0W 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,132Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$410000

Residential For Sale

472 Centreville South Side Road, South Side, NS B0W 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,132Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Welcome to 472 Centreville South Side Road! This exceptional 3 bedroom, 2 bath family home offers comfort, space and an unbeatable location with just a short walk to a beautiful white sand beach. Set well back from the road, this property provides privacy and a peaceful setting for everyday living.
C$410000

Residential For Sale

472 Centreville South Side Road, South Side, NS B0W 1P0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$410000

Residential For Sale

5 Rannoch Road, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1J6

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,248Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$434900

Residential For Sale

5 Rannoch Road, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1J6
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,248Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 5 Rannoch Road, a move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom, carpet-free home in a sought-after Dartmouth location. This property offers one level living with a welcoming layout including significant recent upgrades that provide comfort, efficiency, and long-term peace of mind. Major improvements include three new heat pumps (2021), a new roof (2022) and all new high-end appliances (2019).
C$434900

Residential For Sale

5 Rannoch Road, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1J6
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$434900

Residential For Sale

10 Hillside Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
2,657Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$679900

Residential For Sale

10 Hillside Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,657Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 10 Hillside Crescent, a beautifully rejuvenated home nestled on a peaceful 1.85-acre property in the town of Stewiacke. Offering the perfect blend of privacy and convenience, this location places you just 25 minutes from the Halifax Stanfield Airport, 35 minutes from Dartmouth Crossing’s extensive shopping and dining, and 20 minutes from Truro’s vibrant amenities.
C$679900

Residential For Sale

10 Hillside Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$679900

Residential For Sale

571 Burntcoat Road, Burntcoat, NS B0N 1T0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,660Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

571 Burntcoat Road, Burntcoat, NS B0N 1T0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,660Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
Where Potential Meets One of Nova Scotia’s Most Iconic Coastlines. This a property brimming with possibility in a setting that inspires every imagination. Just minutes from Burntcoat Head Park, home of the world’s highest tides, this location offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

571 Burntcoat Road, Burntcoat, NS B0N 1T0
Hants Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329900

Residential For Sale

16 Pauline Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2A6

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,633Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$624900

Residential For Sale

16 Pauline Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2A6
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,633Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
Discover the endless possibilities of this versatile bungalow, set in a highly desirable, quiet, family-friendly location. This sought-after area offers a welcoming neighbourhood ideal for investors, young families, and growing households seeking convenience, stability, and long-term value.
C$624900

Residential For Sale

16 Pauline Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2A6
Century 21 Optimum Realty
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$624900

Residential For Sale

129 Champagne Lane, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,692Sqft
Bryant Realty Atlantic
C$1800000

Residential For Sale

129 Champagne Lane, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,692Sqft
Bryant Realty Atlantic
Stunning custom-built lakefront home set on just over 25 acres of serene woodland in an exclusive gated community on the picturesque shores of Scot’s Lake. This exceptional four-bedroom home, built in 2021, offers outstanding privacy, breathtaking waterfront views, and modern amenities.
C$1800000

Residential For Sale

129 Champagne Lane, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0
Bryant Realty Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1800000

Residential For Sale

Lot 22-1 Clearway Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3Picture(s)
1,158Sqft
Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)
C$599900

Residential For Sale

Lot 22-1 Clearway Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,158Sqft
Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)
This warm urban-style house will charm you with the originality of its facade. This model measures 48 feet wide by 34 feet deep, with a living area of 1,158 square feet. The house features an entrance hall with a closet, a bathroom equipped with a shower and bathtub, two bedrooms, and an open area that shares the living room, dining room, and kitchen, complete with a large island and pantry.
C$599900

Residential For Sale

Lot 22-1 Clearway Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$599900
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