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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

10276 Ns-1, Saulnierville, NS B0W 2Z0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
2,168Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

10276 Ns-1, Saulnierville, NS B0W 2Z0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,168Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Welcome to 10276 NS Trunk 1 in the scenic seaside community of Saulnierville—where panoramic ocean views meet peaceful country living. This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom bungalow sits on more than 3 acres of landscaped land across four parcels, offering exceptional space, privacy, and potential.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

10276 Ns-1, Saulnierville, NS B0W 2Z0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$429000

Residential For Sale

900 Harmony Road, Kingston, NS B0P 1R0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,044Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$899900

Residential For Sale

900 Harmony Road, Kingston, NS B0P 1R0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4,044Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Welcome to Harmony Road – your perfect blend of country charm, comfort, and endless potential. Set on 23 picturesque acres overlooking the valley, this beautiful family farm offers breathtaking sunset views and a peaceful rural lifestyle just 13 minutes from Kingston/Greenwood and 1.5 hours from the Halifax Airport.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

900 Harmony Road, Kingston, NS B0P 1R0
Exit Realty Town & Country
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

75 Perrier Drive, New Minas, NS B4N 4C4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,827Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

75 Perrier Drive, New Minas, NS B4N 4C4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,827Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Well-Maintained Bungalow in a Prime New Minas Location This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow is situated on a quiet street, just a short walk from the shopping, parks, and conveniences of New Minas. The main floor feels warm and inviting. A spacious living room centered around a propane fireplace creates a comfortable spot to relax.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

75 Perrier Drive, New Minas, NS B4N 4C4
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

319 Myra Road, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1G2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
28Picture(s)
896Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

319 Myra Road, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1G2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
896Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath mini home situated on just under an acre in the desirable Porters Lake area. This property offers a private yard surrounded by mature trees, providing a peaceful and secluded setting. The home features a functional layout with a cozy living area highlighted by a wood stove, perfect for added comfort and efficiency.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

319 Myra Road, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1G2
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

455 Old Sackville Road, Sackville, NS B4C 2K1

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,016Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$579900

Residential For Sale

455 Old Sackville Road, Sackville, NS B4C 2K1
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,016Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 455 Old Sackville Road. This beautifully renovated four-bedroom, two-bath home is located in one of Sackville’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, it showcases exceptional workmanship and modern design throughout. Step inside to discover a bright, open layout where every finish feels fresh and inviting.
C$579900

Residential For Sale

455 Old Sackville Road, Sackville, NS B4C 2K1
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$579900

Residential For Sale

19 Louisa Street, Sydney, NS B1P 6E9

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
34Picture(s)
832Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
C$289888

Residential For Sale

19 Louisa Street, Sydney, NS B1P 6E9
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
832Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
Welcome to your dream home in the desirable north end of Sydney! This meticulously renovated concrete insulated house boasts a robust construction of concrete and steel I-beams, ensuring durability and peace of mind. Step inside to discover a stunning interior featuring brand new hardwood flooring that adds warmth and elegance throughout.
C$289888

Residential For Sale

19 Louisa Street, Sydney, NS B1P 6E9
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$289888

Residential For Sale

5865 Kane Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2B6

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,118Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$574900

Residential For Sale

5865 Kane Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2B6
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,118Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Super location in the Hydrostone Market area close to shops, restaurants, CFB Stadacona, on the number 7 bus route and dog park at Fort Needham, just blocks away. Well maintained cozy home with character, a lovely back garden, level fenced lot, and parking. Originally a three bedroom home renovated to enlarge the primary bedroom, but could be reverted back to three bedrooms.
C$574900

Residential For Sale

5865 Kane Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2B6
Sutton Group Professional Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$574900

Residential For Sale

Yeaholm Way, Brookside, NS B3T 2K6

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,792Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$681900

Residential For Sale

Yeaholm Way, Brookside, NS B3T 2K6
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,792Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Welcome to "The Rebecca" model plan in the picturesque community of Brookside. This spacious two-storey home is ideally situated on a quiet newly paved street. Perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful atmosphere close to the city. The main floor features a bright and welcoming open concept layout encompassing the family room, dining room, and kitchen with a central island.
C$681900

Residential For Sale

Yeaholm Way, Brookside, NS B3T 2K6
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$681900

Residential For Sale

21 Daley Drive, Coxheath, NS B1R 2K1

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,076Sqft
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
C$387000

Residential For Sale

21 Daley Drive, Coxheath, NS B1R 2K1
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,076Sqft
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
4TO 5 BEDROOM HOME 3 BATH ROOMS LOTS OF ROOM TO ROAM LARGE LOFT ABOVE GARAGE THAT CAN ACCOMADATE MORE BEDS OVER 49000 SQ FOOT LOT. FENCED 20X26 ATTACHED GARAGE PLUS A SHED .
C$387000

Residential For Sale

21 Daley Drive, Coxheath, NS B1R 2K1
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$387000

Residential For Sale

1900 Acadia Avenue, Westville, NS B0K 2A0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,142Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$264000

Residential For Sale

1900 Acadia Avenue, Westville, NS B0K 2A0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,142Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Have you ever dreamed of owning a property close to all amenities, surrounded by trees in a park-like setting? Imagine having your own walking trail in the heart of downtown, a spacious outdoor area for your children, or the opportunity to grow your own vegetables. This is your chance! This charming 3-bedroom, 1.
C$264000

Residential For Sale

1900 Acadia Avenue, Westville, NS B0K 2A0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$264000

Residential For Sale

Henry Island, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
24Picture(s)
1,695Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
C$6990000

Residential For Sale

Henry Island, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
1,695Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Discover the extraordinary potential of Henry Island, a 220-acre private haven off the coast of Cape Breton, where a working historic lighthouse stands as a timeless symbol of Atlantic heritage. Set in the Gulf of St.
C$6990000

Residential For Sale

Henry Island, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$6990000

Residential For Sale

706-31 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C1

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
25Picture(s)
975Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$565000

Residential For Sale

706-31 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C1
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
975Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Unit 706 at The Keelson is a stunning corner 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo with breathtaking Halifax Harbour views from floor-to-ceiling windows. The open-concept layout features a modern kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, sleek wood cabinetry, & a large island ideal for meal prep & entertaining.
C$565000

Residential For Sale

706-31 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C1
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$565000
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