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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

2960 Second Division Road, Concession Ns B0w 1m0

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
50Picture(s)
3,806Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
C$1125000

Residential For Sale

2960 Second Division Road, Concession Ns B0w 1m0
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
3,806Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
Lakefront Living on 12.6 Acres – 2960 Second Division Road Discover this private lakefront retreat at 2960 Second Division Road, offering 12.6 acres of tranquility with beautifully landscaped, low-maintenance perennial gardens. Enjoy the expansive yard with a pool area that provides stunning lake views, ideal for entertaining or relaxing.
C$1125000

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2960 Second Division Road, Concession Ns B0w 1m0
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3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1125000

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4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,390Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$1275000

Residential For Sale

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4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
3,390Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Have you ever wished that you could wake up every morning to the most beautiful view in the Annapolis Valley, with the sun beaming in? Well, here’s your chance! Located in beautiful Arlington, Nova Scotia, this exquisite executive home shares the same view as the popular Blomidon Look-Off (which is located near by).
C$1275000

Residential For Sale

3419 Highway 358 Highway, Arlington Ns B0p 1h0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1275000

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11377 Peggys Cove Road, Seabright Ns B3z 2z3

2Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,158Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$434800

Residential For Sale

11377 Peggys Cove Road, Seabright Ns B3z 2z3
2Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3,158Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Charming opportunity in picturesque Seabright is 11377 Peggys Cove Road, a versatile property in the heart of the scenic Seabright community just minutes outside of Tantallon. Zoned MU-2, this property offers endless possibilities whether you’re looking to create a cozy residential home or launch a new business venture.
C$434800

Residential For Sale

11377 Peggys Cove Road, Seabright Ns B3z 2z3
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
2Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$434800

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55 Lintlops Road, Murphy Cove Ns B0j 3h0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
48Picture(s)
3,024Sqft
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C$889000

Residential For Sale

55 Lintlops Road, Murphy Cove Ns B0j 3h0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
3,024Sqft
Red Door Realty
Located on the picturesque Eastern Shore, Tidesreach offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Coast with direct waterfront access to Nova Scotia’s 100 Wild Islands.
C$889000

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55 Lintlops Road, Murphy Cove Ns B0j 3h0
Red Door Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$889000

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201-3-25 Treehouse Lane, Bridgewater Ns B4v 9h9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
12Picture(s)
1,287Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$725000

Residential For Sale

201-3-25 Treehouse Lane, Bridgewater Ns B4v 9h9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,287Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Treehouse Village is Atlantic Canada's first cohousing community, located in Bridgewater on the scenic South Shore. The 30 energy-efficient condos, built to Passive House standards, are available in 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom layouts.
C$725000

Residential For Sale

201-3-25 Treehouse Lane, Bridgewater Ns B4v 9h9
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$725000

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68 Front Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0

5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
19Picture(s)
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C$729000

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5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
4,268Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Open to reasonable offers with flexible closing! Seabank House is a stunning mid-Victorian home offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Built in 1854, this 5-star Bed and Breakfast is turnkey ready, perfect for continuing its tradition of warm hospitality.
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Residential For Sale

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6Bathroom(s)
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5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
45Picture(s)
2,833Sqft
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C$389000

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42 Birchtown Hill Road, Birchtown Ns B0t 1w0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,833Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Bridgewater)
Ready to make your dreams come true? Spacious 2-level farmhouse, paddock, riding ring & barn with 6.92 acres and income potential awaits! Featuring large family room and charming kitchen alongside a formal dining room overlooking the river, 4 large bedrooms on second level, one of which provides access to a cute 1- room apartment with skylight and separate entrance.
C$389000

Residential For Sale

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Keller Williams Select Realty (Bridgewater)
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
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2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
29Picture(s)
2,179Sqft
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C$248000

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3392 Highway 4, Glenholme Ns B0m 1g0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
2,179Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Whether you are looking to own your income property or get into your first home without breaking the bank, this is the opportunity for you. This home boasts a new metal roof, newer windows, a full circular driveway as well as 2 great units. All for under 300K! As an added bonus the rear unit is accessible with a large washroom with roll in shower complete with seating and safety bars.
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Residential For Sale

3392 Highway 4, Glenholme Ns B0m 1g0
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5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,000Sqft
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15010 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp Ns B0e 1h0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,000Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
This exceptional 12-year-old-property is more than just a home, it's a lifestyle and an investment opportunity into one! Nestled in the picturesque community of Cheticamp, this property boasts breathtaking sunset views over Cheticamp Island from the comfort of your covered front deck.
C$489000

Residential For Sale

15010 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp Ns B0e 1h0
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$489000

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17 Triton Brook Road, Fairmont, NS B2G 2K9

6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
35Picture(s)
5,915Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

17 Triton Brook Road, Fairmont, NS B2G 2K9
6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5,915Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
Very impressive property!! Ten minutes from Antigonish this spacious (5000+ square foot) home is located on 4.7 acres with captivating panoramic view of Antigonish Harbor, This acreage consists of two lots (17 & 18) located in a rural subdivision with privacy yet the feeling of a neighborhood! ICF (insulated concrete forms)construction providing efficient energy costs.
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

17 Triton Brook Road, Fairmont, NS B2G 2K9
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

150 New Harbour Road, New Harbour Ns B0h 1t0

2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,285Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$398899

Residential For Sale

150 New Harbour Road, New Harbour Ns B0h 1t0
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,285Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Ideally situated on the east coast of Nova Scotia this fully reonovated home plus large workshop/garage is located in a private and secluded haven of nature, beauty & peacefulness and just steps away from a gorgeous beach and ocean.
C$398899

Residential For Sale

150 New Harbour Road, New Harbour Ns B0h 1t0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$398899

Residential For Sale

No 8 Highway, South Brookfield Ns B0t 1x0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
16Picture(s)
1,260Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$599000

Residential For Sale

No 8 Highway, South Brookfield Ns B0t 1x0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,260Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Lakefront Living at Its Finest! Step into your dream getaway with the stunning Ironwood Cottage, an Iron Spaces model designed to offer the perfect balance of modern styleand cozy charm. This brand-new 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom lakefront construction is a haven for relaxation and recreation.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

No 8 Highway, South Brookfield Ns B0t 1x0
Keller Williams Select Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$599000
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