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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

8 Highland Avenue, Brookfield, NS B0N 1C0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
1,794Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$389900

Residential For Sale

8 Highland Avenue, Brookfield, NS B0N 1C0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,794Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 8 Highland Avenue in Brookfield! This charming two-level home offers the ideal blend of comfort, space, and convenience in one of the area’s most welcoming communities. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a single-car garage, and a durable metal roof, this property provides the functionality and peace of mind today’s buyers are looking for.
C$389900

Residential For Sale

8 Highland Avenue, Brookfield, NS B0N 1C0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$389900

Residential For Sale

25 Maple Avenue, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
2,312Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$469000

Residential For Sale

25 Maple Avenue, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,312Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Welcome to 25 Maple Avenue, a charming 3-bedroom, 1 3/4 -bath home located in the heart of Hantsport. The beautiful kitchen and spacious den — which could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom — make this home both functional and flexible. The main floor features a generously sized bedroom that was once two separate rooms, offering plenty of space and comfort.
C$469000

Residential For Sale

25 Maple Avenue, Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$469000

Residential For Sale

58 Underwood Road, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,810Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

58 Underwood Road, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,810Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Welcome to this thoughtfully designed 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom 2 storey home in Garlands Crossing! Sitting on a spacious 0.65 acre lot, this property offers plenty of room for kids and pets to play, space for gardening, and all the room you need to unwind outdoors.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

58 Underwood Road, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

22 Douglas Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 3E3

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,043Sqft
Parachute Realty
C$549900

Residential For Sale

22 Douglas Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 3E3
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,043Sqft
Parachute Realty
Welcome to 22 Douglas Crescent in Halifax — a beautifully maintained bungalow that has been lovingly cared for by the same owner for over 25 years. This charming home offers comfort, character, and modern updates throughout.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

22 Douglas Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 3E3
Parachute Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

16 White Dove Court, Halifax, NS B3N 3G5

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,161Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

16 White Dove Court, Halifax, NS B3N 3G5
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,161Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to White Dove Court, Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac just minutes from downtown Halifax, hospitals, bus routes, and all other amenities, this well maintained home offers both comfort and convenience. Built and lovingly cared for by the original owner, the pride of ownership is evident inside and out.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

16 White Dove Court, Halifax, NS B3N 3G5
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

67 Talus Street, Bedford, NS B4B 1T9

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,989Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$945000

Residential For Sale

67 Talus Street, Bedford, NS B4B 1T9
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,989Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Step inside and experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and modern design. The bright open-concept main floor showcases a chef’s dream kitchen complete with quartz countertops, a striking waterfall island, and premium GE Café Series appliances.
C$945000

Residential For Sale

67 Talus Street, Bedford, NS B4B 1T9
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$945000

Residential For Sale

44 Flagstone Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2H 1Z8

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,880Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$645000

Residential For Sale

44 Flagstone Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2H 1Z8
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,880Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to this gorgeous 2 story, 3 bedroom, 4 bath home located in the heart of popular Colby, Cole Harbour. This property is on a large corner lot with fenced backyard and maintenance free backyard for plenty of privacy. This spacious home has 2880 ft.² to enjoy. Pride of ownership is very evident.
C$645000

Residential For Sale

44 Flagstone Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2H 1Z8
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$645000

Residential For Sale

262 Conrod Settlement Road, Conrod Settlement, NS B0J 2L0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
29Picture(s)
1,626Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$499900

Residential For Sale

262 Conrod Settlement Road, Conrod Settlement, NS B0J 2L0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,626Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
This well-loved, one-owner bungalow sits on a beautiful lot along a quiet road, just a short walk to a public beach. The home offers generous rooms throughout and a functional layout. Enter from the side into a large mudroom that could double as a home office, leading into a bright kitchen with oak cabinetry and tile flooring, and a formal dining area for gatherings.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

262 Conrod Settlement Road, Conrod Settlement, NS B0J 2L0
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

164 Main Avenue, Halifax, NS B3M 1B2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
34Picture(s)
910Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

164 Main Avenue, Halifax, NS B3M 1B2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
910Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 164 Main Avenue! This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow offers comfort, convenience, and excellent potential in a desirable Halifax location. The main level consists of the kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 3-piece bathroom, living/dining room, and the added convenience of main floor laundry.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

164 Main Avenue, Halifax, NS B3M 1B2
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

256 Ling Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 2W4

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,933Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$259900

Residential For Sale

256 Ling Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 2W4
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,933Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
EXCELLENT VALUE FOR THE PRICE! This two storey home located on a large lot is truly a must to see, from the moment you walk in you will be in love. Bright beautiful kitchen area with lots of cabintry space, island for food preparaion, pantry area for food storage.
C$259900

Residential For Sale

256 Ling Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 2W4
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$259900

Residential For Sale

202 Washington Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3L8

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
3,254Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$499900

Residential For Sale

202 Washington Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3L8
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
3,254Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
This isn’t just a home - it’s a New Glasgow landmark. Crafted in 1876 and filled with rich history, timeless character, and bold Victorian design, this residence has been meticulously preserved and thoughtfully enhanced with modern comfort throughout. The grandeur of this 4-bedroom home is undeniable from the moment you arrive. Set on a 0.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

202 Washington Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3L8
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

10680 Peggys Cove Road, Glen Margaret, NS B3Z 3E6

4Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,662Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$1950000

Residential For Sale

10680 Peggys Cove Road, Glen Margaret, NS B3Z 3E6
4Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4,662Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
A completely re-imagined oceanfront estate with 375 ft of protected deep-water frontage on one of Nova Scotia’s most coveted bays. Set on approx. 2.4 private acres with manicured grounds and a gated entrance, this impressive bungalow offers over 4000sqft of refined one-level living, professionally rebuilt with magazine-worthy finishes and extensive upgrades throughout.
C$1950000

Residential For Sale

10680 Peggys Cove Road, Glen Margaret, NS B3Z 3E6
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
4Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
C$1950000
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