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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

151b Harbourside Drive, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,776Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$319900

Residential For Sale

151b Harbourside Drive, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,776Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Quarter ownership is an easy way to own recreational property—it makes sense both financially and for your lifestyle. Fox Harb’r Resort is a private, gated community on the Northumberland Strait, offering world-class golf (with 18 new holes coming in 2025/2026), a Jetport & Airstrip, deep-water marina, clubhouse, pro shop, and a state-of-the-art Spa & Wellness Centre with a Jr.
C$319900

Residential For Sale

151b Harbourside Drive, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$319900

Residential For Sale

181 Brunello Boulevard Lot 21, Timberlea, NS B3T 0J3

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
10Picture(s)
2,382Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$769900

Residential For Sale

181 Brunello Boulevard Lot 21, Timberlea, NS B3T 0J3
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
2,382Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
The "HAVEN" Now Available at Links at Brunello! FEATURES just under 2400 square feet of luxury living space! A spacious foyer with bench seat and double closet greets you at the front entry, down the hall you will find a convenient interior access door to the built-in garage and beyond that an open concept living area featuring a large country kitchen with well thought BUTLER'S PANTRY with a fanta
C$769900

Residential For Sale

181 Brunello Boulevard Lot 21, Timberlea, NS B3T 0J3
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$769900

Residential For Sale

3 Tantling Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4Y4

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,680Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$539000

Residential For Sale

3 Tantling Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4Y4
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,680Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to 3 Tantling Crescent, a warm and inviting home nestled in one of Dartmouth’s desirable neighbourhoods. Originally built as a split-entry, this property has been thoughtfully converted into two fully self-contained units. Step upstairs into a bright, welcoming main level designed for everyday comfort and easy living.
C$539000

Residential For Sale

3 Tantling Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4Y4
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$539000

Residential For Sale

55 Helene Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1G5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,750Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$584900

Residential For Sale

55 Helene Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1G5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,750Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to this well-maintained three-bedroom bungalow located in the established area of Dartmouth. Recent updates include new front steps and a roof replaced in 2018, providing peace of mind for the next owner. The side deck is ideally positioned to capture the best sun exposure and offers a great space for outdoor enjoyment.
C$584900

Residential For Sale

55 Helene Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1G5
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$584900

Residential For Sale

Pid#20505046 Truro Road, New Annan, NS B0K 1V0

No GarageParking(s)
18Picture(s)
348Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$139000

Residential For Sale

Pid#20505046 Truro Road, New Annan, NS B0K 1V0
No GarageParking(s)
348Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Nestled on 25 acres of pristine woodland, this old rustic off-grid camp offers a true back-tonature experience. The land is rich with 90% premium sugar maple, making it a dream property for anyone interested in maple syrup production or simply enjoying the beauty of towering hardwoods. The remaining 10% is a mix of trees, adding variety and character to the landscape.
C$139000

Residential For Sale

Pid#20505046 Truro Road, New Annan, NS B0K 1V0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$139000

Residential For Sale

156 Greenfield Road, Murray Siding, NS B6L 3M4

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
35Picture(s)
630Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

156 Greenfield Road, Murray Siding, NS B6L 3M4
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
630Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Charming updated bungalow situated on over an acre lot, set back from the road for added privacy. This spacious property offers plenty of room to build your dream garage. Step inside to experience the breathtaking open-concept living area, perfect for first-time buyers or retirees. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this home combines comfort and functionality.
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Residential For Sale

156 Greenfield Road, Murray Siding, NS B6L 3M4
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

87 Murphy Road, Westmount, NS B1R 2H6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,636Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$320000

Residential For Sale

87 Murphy Road, Westmount, NS B1R 2H6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,636Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Looking for a picture perfect home with some incredible outdoor living? Welcome home to 87 Murphy road in the family community of Westmount. Pull into the double paved drive and stroll around the park like grounds. Lots to see and do with a covered deck area leading to your pool area offering more space for relaxing and entertaining.
C$320000

Residential For Sale

87 Murphy Road, Westmount, NS B1R 2H6
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$320000

Residential For Sale

3 Thompson Avenue, North Sydney, NS B2A 1X7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,022Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$129000

Residential For Sale

3 Thompson Avenue, North Sydney, NS B2A 1X7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,022Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Welcome to this cozy and well-maintained 1.5 storey home, ideally located in the heart of North Sydney and just steps away from all amenities - shops, restaurants, schools, and more are all within walking distance! The main floor offers a spacious and functional layout featuring a kitchen, living room, dining room, and a large back entry with convenient main floor laundry.
C$129000

Residential For Sale

3 Thompson Avenue, North Sydney, NS B2A 1X7
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$129000

Residential For Sale

186 Empire Street, Bridgewater, NS B4V 2M2

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,785Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$429000

Residential For Sale

186 Empire Street, Bridgewater, NS B4V 2M2
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,785Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to 186 Empire Street - a delightful family home nestled in the heart of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. This classic residence offers a thoughtful blend of character, comfort and potential, just moments from local amenities, parks and community services. Step inside and you're greeted with a bright, sunny living space.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

186 Empire Street, Bridgewater, NS B4V 2M2
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$429000

Residential For Sale

Lot 23 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
7Picture(s)
1,585Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 23 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,585Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to Opportunity Estates on Onslow Mountain just 10 minutes from Truro. This new, turn-key construction by Opportunity Estates offers a peaceful subdivision designed for relaxed, modern living.
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 23 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 22 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
7Picture(s)
1,585Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 22 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,585Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to Opportunity Estates on Onslow Mountain just 10 minutes from Truro. This new, turn-key construction by Opportunity Estates offers a peaceful subdivision designed for relaxed, modern living.
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 22 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 20 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
7Picture(s)
1,585Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 20 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,585Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to Opportunity Estates on Onslow Mountain just 10 minutes from Truro. This new, turn-key construction by Opportunity Estates offers a peaceful subdivision designed for relaxed, modern living.
C$550000

Residential For Sale

Lot 20 Chisholm Road, Onslow Mountain, NS B6L 6B5
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$550000
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