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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

1101-1650 Granville Street, Halifax Peninsula Ns B3j 0e1

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
29Picture(s)
619Sqft
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C$555000

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1101-1650 Granville Street, Halifax Peninsula Ns B3j 0e1
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
619Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Luxury One-Bedroom Living at The Roy – Downtown Halifax Experience refined urban living in this beautifully appointed one-bedroom residence at The Roy, a landmark address in the heart of downtown Halifax. Set within the historic Heritage District, this contemporary 22-storey building offers bold architecture, elevated design, and exceptional access to everything the city has to offer.
C$555000

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1101-1650 Granville Street, Halifax Peninsula Ns B3j 0e1
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,000Sqft
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C$359900

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5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,000Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Welcome to this stunning chalet-style home, thoughtfully updated and designed. Whether you’re looking for space for a multigenerational family or seeking rental income from a separate suite, this property delivers. Step in from the rear deck into a welcoming living room, complete with a large storage closet and tucked-away laundry area.
C$359900

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Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$359900

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3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,298Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$410000

Residential For Sale

1815 West Sable Road, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,298Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Charming Updated Home on 6.5 Private Acres with Pond and Beach. Welcome to your serene retreat in the heart of Nova Scotia! This charming older home combines classic character with thoughtful updates, offering a perfect blend of spacious living and timeless appeal. Nestled on 6.
C$410000

Residential For Sale

1815 West Sable Road, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$410000

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3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,841Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc. (Fall River)
C$799000

Residential For Sale

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3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,841Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc. (Fall River)
Nova Scotia living at its best. This elegant lakeside residence on Earltown Lake captures the essence of tranquility, craftsmanship, and comfort. Nestled in the peaceful community of Upper Kemptown, this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home blends executive level design with cozy, inviting warmth. Inside, you will find rich, custom milled Nova Scotia pine floors that radiate natural character and warmth.
C$799000

Residential For Sale

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EXP Realty of Canada Inc. (Fall River)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$799000

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2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,056Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$299000

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2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,056Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Step into this newly renovated 2 bedroom home. Inside, you'll find an open-concept layout that merges the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, along with a luxurious tiled bathroom complete with in-floor heating, a soaker tub, and a spacious walk-in shower with a large rainfall showerhead. For cozy evenings, enjoy the warmth of a wood stove that also helps reduce heating costs.
C$299000

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Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
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1Bathroom(s)
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4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,961Sqft
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C$1599900

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763 Conrod Road, Middle Musquodoboit Ns B0n 1x0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,961Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Discover 763 Conrod Road: a rare blend of agricultural opportunity and refined living nestled in Musquodoboit’s countryside. This expansive 75-acre estate features six state-of-the-art, fully operational greenhouses-each equipped with modern irrigation, heating tables, and a recently upgraded propane heating system-once producing over half a million seedlings per season.
C$1599900

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RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1599900

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4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,189Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
C$394999

Residential For Sale

1380 Lake Road, Sandy Point Ns B0t 1w0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,189Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
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Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$394999

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2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
16Picture(s)
576Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$192000

Residential For Sale

65 Owl Pass, Vaughan Ns B0n 1z0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
576Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to the Community of Falls Lake!! Enjoy the peace and quiet of cottage life at an affordable price. Spacious open concept living room, dining area and kitchen. 2 cozy bedrooms and a bathroom with a fully functional compost toilet. This little gem is well maintained and being sold fully furnished.
C$192000

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65 Owl Pass, Vaughan Ns B0n 1z0
Keller Williams Select Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$192000

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2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
Just outside the Town of Yarmouth is 2473 Chebogue Road. This property has evolved over time . It started out as a summer home and then with an addition became a dual purpose property. One section is un finished and the other section is finished for year round living. There is 4.15 acres here with good frontage on Bunkers Island Road.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
The Real Estate Store
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
Just outside the Town of Yarmouth is 2473 Chebogue Road. This property has evolved over time . It started out as a summer home and then with an addition became a dual purpose property. One section is un finished and the other section is finished for year round living. There is 4.15 acres here with good frontage on Bunkers Island Road.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
The Real Estate Store
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

289 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x2

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
3,270Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1057800

Residential For Sale

289 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x2
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,270Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
All interior pictures are from a previous build. A quality built home by Highmark Custom Home Builders. Welcome to our newest model "The Malcolm" located at 289 Orchid Crt . Where luxury meets comfort! This 2-level residence is a masterpiece in design and functionality. Boasting a built-in garage, and located on a private 3.
C$1057800

Residential For Sale

289 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x2
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1057800

Residential For Sale

6357 Highway 215, Cheverie, NS B0N 2A0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,426Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

6357 Highway 215, Cheverie, NS B0N 2A0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,426Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
Enjoy coastal living at its finest in this beautifully maintained waterfront home with panoramic views of the Minas Basin tides. Thoughtful upgrades include a spacious modern kitchen, new upstairs flooring, a durable metal roof, new heat pumps, beautifully renovated bathrooms, and laundry/mudroom. Hardwood floors and exposed wood ceilings preserve the home’s original charm.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

6357 Highway 215, Cheverie, NS B0N 2A0
Press Realty Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449900
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