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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

500 Northwest Road, Lilydale, NS B0J 2C0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,391Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$329900

Residential For Sale

500 Northwest Road, Lilydale, NS B0J 2C0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
1,391Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Perfect Location, Move-in Ready, and beautifully updated Home! This stunning property, located just on the outskirts of Lunenburg, is 7.98 acres with a circular driveway, gorgeous level yard, large Shed/workshop, and direct access to picturesque Trails that Nova Scotia has been blessed with! Wake up to distant water views of the lake and ocean, offering a peaceful backdrop to your daily life.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

500 Northwest Road, Lilydale, NS B0J 2C0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329900

Residential For Sale

Cabot Trail Lot 24, Indian Brook, NS B0C 1H0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
24Picture(s)
2,298Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$1099000

Residential For Sale

Cabot Trail Lot 24, Indian Brook, NS B0C 1H0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,298Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Oceanfront Living at Its Finest! Step into your dream getaway with the stunning Ironwood Cottage, an IronSpace model designed to offer the perfect balance of modern style and cozy charm. This brand-new 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom oceanfront construction is a haven for relaxation and recreation.
C$1099000

Residential For Sale

Cabot Trail Lot 24, Indian Brook, NS B0C 1H0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1099000

Residential For Sale

Cabot Trail, Indian Brook, NS B0C 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
15Picture(s)
1,104Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

Cabot Trail, Indian Brook, NS B0C 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,104Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
This is your chance to own a piece of oceanside paradise in Indian Brook, along Nova Scotia’s iconic Cabot Trail.Set on a beautifully treed lot with over 300 feet of bold Atlantic frontage, this private retreat offers stunning views, fresh sea air, and unmatched tranquility, with most surrounding shoreline protected by Crown or Trust Land.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

Cabot Trail, Indian Brook, NS B0C 1H0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

190 South Road, South Section, NS B0N 1X0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3Picture(s)
672Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
C$110000

Residential For Sale

190 South Road, South Section, NS B0N 1X0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
672Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
Affordable mobile home on 20,000 sq ft lot. This 12x56 mobile has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is heated and cooled by a ductless heat pump with electric baseboard as primary heating source and a wood stove as secondary heating. Electrical is a 200 amp breaker panel. The well was drilled in 2003 and is 103 feet deep. FiberOp internet is available here. Easy commute to town from this location.
C$110000

Residential For Sale

190 South Road, South Section, NS B0N 1X0
Hants Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$110000

Residential For Sale

21 West Berlin Wharf Road, West Berlin, NS B0J 2H0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,350Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

21 West Berlin Wharf Road, West Berlin, NS B0J 2H0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,350Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
Nestled just steps away from the West Berlin Wharf and a picturesque sandy beach, this custom-designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on 2 acres of land and offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern comfort. Located in the heart of West Berlin, Nova Scotia, this thoughtfully crafted home provides an ideal year-round residence or tranquil seaside retreat.
C$425000

Residential For Sale

21 West Berlin Wharf Road, West Berlin, NS B0J 2H0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

4532 Jordan Falls, Jordan Falls, NS B0T 1W0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,511Sqft
Coldwell Banker Tri-Key Realty
C$269500

Residential For Sale

4532 Jordan Falls, Jordan Falls, NS B0T 1W0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,511Sqft
Coldwell Banker Tri-Key Realty
This 4-bedroom home has lots to offer a growing family, ready to move in condition. Many new upgrades, including kitchen and appliances, bathroom has in-floor heating, a partly finished basement with separate entrance, with lots of storage room. The property has a garage and a shed.
C$269500

Residential For Sale

4532 Jordan Falls, Jordan Falls, NS B0T 1W0
Coldwell Banker Tri-Key Realty
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$269500

Residential For Sale

15319 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
896Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

15319 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
896Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
Discover your dream property in the vibrant heart of downtown Cheticamp, beautifully set along the world-famous Cabot Trail in Cape Breton. Wake up each morning to sweeping views of Cheticamp Harbour, where the peaceful rhythm of fishermen returning with their daily catch sets the tone for the day. In the evening, relax on your back deck and watch the brilliant sunsets reflect across the water.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

15319 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

99 Pleasant Bay Loop, Pleasant Bay, NS B0E 1H0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
22Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

99 Pleasant Bay Loop, Pleasant Bay, NS B0E 1H0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1,200Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
Perched above a beautiful beach, this 13-acre oceanfront property, offers a rare blend of natural beauty and history. Located along the Cabot Trail in the peaceful community of Pleasant Bay, this private piece of paradise includes a dwelling with power, a drilled well, and septic. The building has good bones and could be restored into a cozy home or vacation getaway.
C$499000

Residential For Sale

99 Pleasant Bay Loop, Pleasant Bay, NS B0E 1H0
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

995 Smithville Road, Mabou, NS B0E 1X0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,500Sqft
Easy List Realty Ltd.
C$425000

Residential For Sale

995 Smithville Road, Mabou, NS B0E 1X0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,500Sqft
Easy List Realty Ltd.
For more information, please click the "More Information" button. This unique home, with custom stamped stone floors on the lower level and open concept with upstairs loft area for recreation and sleeping accommodations, is located in a lower valley mountainous area in idyllic private surroundings. Surrounded by mountains, farmland, trails and natural beauty.
C$425000

Residential For Sale

995 Smithville Road, Mabou, NS B0E 1X0
Easy List Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

41 Templar Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,500Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$159000

Residential For Sale

41 Templar Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,500Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Welcome to 41 Templar Street in the quaint seaside village of Parrsboro on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy. This charming 1 1/2 storey house offers the perfect blend of tranquility and potential! The home has great curb appeal, with classic white siding and a nice welcoming front door. Surrounding the house is a generous yard of 0.
C$159000

Residential For Sale

41 Templar Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$159000

Residential For Sale

558 Main Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0

5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,000Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$899000

Residential For Sale

558 Main Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,000Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Historic Charm Meets Modern Luxury-Your Bed and Breakfast Opportunity Awaits! Welcome to the iconic Mahone Bay B&B, and a rare opportunity to own this well established business. This beautifully maintained Victorian home, thoughtfully renovated and updated with modern conveniences is centrally located in the heart of a vibrant coastal town known for its charm, culture, and seaside beauty.
C$899000

Residential For Sale

558 Main Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
Exit Realty Metro
5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$899000

Residential For Sale

79 Mosher Road, Kingsburg, NS B0J 2X0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,415Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$849900

Residential For Sale

79 Mosher Road, Kingsburg, NS B0J 2X0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,415Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Vast ocean views for miles! This home is located less than 5 minutes from Hirtles beach, Gaff Point and 20 minutes from the UNESCO Town of Lunenburg. Kingsburg is a highly sought after area for people that appreciate the fact that Nova Scotia is Canada's ocean playground. If that is you, then this could be your new home.
C$849900

Residential For Sale

79 Mosher Road, Kingsburg, NS B0J 2X0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$849900
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