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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

5792 West Street, Halifax, NS B3K 1H8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
40Picture(s)
986Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

5792 West Street, Halifax, NS B3K 1H8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
986Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
Welcome to 5792 West St. This home has been lovingly owned over the years. Nestled in the sought-after North End of Halifax, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a spacious lot offering endless potential for future development or expansion.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

5792 West Street, Halifax, NS B3K 1H8
Press Realty Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

97 Amaranth Crescent, Halifax, NS B2W 4C1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,100Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$624900

Residential For Sale

97 Amaranth Crescent, Halifax, NS B2W 4C1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,100Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Time to take advantage of a fantastic opportunity — a fully legal duplex with a built-in mortgage helper! The lower-level tenant will offset your payments by $1,900 per month (plus tenant pays their own power!), giving you the flexibility to invest in your future while keeping your monthly costs manageable.
C$624900

Residential For Sale

97 Amaranth Crescent, Halifax, NS B2W 4C1
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$624900

Residential For Sale

406-6369 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4J7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,490Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
C$575000

Residential For Sale

406-6369 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4J7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,490Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
Welcome to one of the most unique and thoughtfully redesigned residences in Coburg Place, a truly one-of-a-kind three-bedroom, two-bath suite, showcasing top-quality craftsmanship and contemporary style. Perfectly positioned directly across from Dalhousie University and just a short walk to Quinpool Road and Spring Garden Road, this exceptional condo offers nearly 1,500 sq. ft.
C$575000

Residential For Sale

406-6369 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4J7
Domus Realty Limited
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$575000

Residential For Sale

1009-1650 Granville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
47Picture(s)
743Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$685000

Residential For Sale

1009-1650 Granville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
743Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to Unit 1009 at The Roy, one of downtown Halifax’s most sought-after addresses. Located on the 10th floor of this iconic building, this stunning condo offers breathtaking harbour views and a modern, luxurious lifestyle in the heart of the city.
C$685000

Residential For Sale

1009-1650 Granville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E1
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$685000

Residential For Sale

269 Chance Harbour Road, Road, NS B0K 1X0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
872Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$89500

Residential For Sale

269 Chance Harbour Road, Road, NS B0K 1X0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
872Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
**First-Time Home Buyers Welcome!** Don't miss out on this charming starter home just minutes from Trenton Park and beautiful beaches! This cozy property is situated on its own lot and features a welcoming mudroom, 2 comfortable bedrooms, and 1 4pc bathroom. Well installed just 7 years ago and Roof shingles replaced 10 years ago.
C$89500

Residential For Sale

269 Chance Harbour Road, Road, NS B0K 1X0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$89500

Residential For Sale

1006-1650 Granville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
37Picture(s)
743Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
C$690000

Residential For Sale

1006-1650 Granville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
743Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
Experience an elevated living experience of classic grandeur and modern comfort in the heart of Halifax. The iconic design by Page + Steele IBI Group and Union 31 reinvigorates one of downtown Halifax's landmark buildings. The Roy is the perfect balance of aesthetic and practical considerations. Enjoy floor to ceiling windows that flood the room with sun and dynamic views of our beautiful city.
C$690000

Residential For Sale

1006-1650 Granville Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E1
Domus Realty Limited
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$690000

Residential For Sale

417 Wilson Street, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
2,380Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
C$509900

Residential For Sale

417 Wilson Street, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,380Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
This charming, move-in-ready bungalow is perfectly situated in a sought-after Windsor neighbourhood and has been beautifully updated throughout. A long list of recent upgrades makes this home both stylish and functional, while still offering room to make it your own — including the opportunity to finish and personalize the spacious basement.
C$509900

Residential For Sale

417 Wilson Street, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$509900

Residential For Sale

112 Dutch Settlement Road, Lantz, NS B2S 2B9

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,027Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
C$429900

Residential For Sale

112 Dutch Settlement Road, Lantz, NS B2S 2B9
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,027Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom bungalow situated on a picturesque country lot just minutes from the highway. This well-maintained home offers comfort, functionality, and convenience in a peaceful rural setting. The main level features a bright and inviting kitchen, spacious living room, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom.
C$429900

Residential For Sale

112 Dutch Settlement Road, Lantz, NS B2S 2B9
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$429900

Residential For Sale

127 Park Street, Dominion, NS B1G 1R7

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
17Picture(s)
678Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$149900

Residential For Sale

127 Park Street, Dominion, NS B1G 1R7
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
678Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Situated on a quiet street with views of the ocean, a relaxing and private side deck area, this move in ready home could be yours. The home has had many upgrades in recent years including drywalled walls and ceilings, all new flooring, windows, roofing, plumbing and electrical upgrades as well.
C$149900

Residential For Sale

127 Park Street, Dominion, NS B1G 1R7
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$149900

Residential For Sale

7 Shawinigan Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3A1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,633Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$529900

Residential For Sale

7 Shawinigan Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3A1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,633Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
How about just moving in - no renovations, no worries about updates? How about a great home, in a great neighbourhood, offering excellent spaces for everyone? This side-split design delivers an exceptional and practical living environment.
C$529900

Residential For Sale

7 Shawinigan Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3A1
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$529900

Residential For Sale

32 Lawson Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2Z3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,097Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

32 Lawson Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2Z3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,097Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Charming 3-Bedroom Bungalow in the Heart of Dartmouth! Welcome home to this inviting 3-bedroom bungalow offering an open-concept layout and great flow for entertaining—whether you’re hosting friends inside or enjoying summer gatherings on the large deck.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

32 Lawson Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2Z3
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$475000

Residential For Sale

9 Colony Way, Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1R4

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,432Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$536000

Residential For Sale

9 Colony Way, Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1R4
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,432Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to this spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bath executive split-entry home with a separate double detached garage, just minutes from beautiful Lawrencetown Beach. Nestled on a large, private lot of nearly an acre, this property offers the perfect blend of country tranquility and city convenience—only a short drive to Cole Harbour, Dartmouth Crossing, beaches, and walking trails.
C$536000

Residential For Sale

9 Colony Way, Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1R4
RE/MAX Nova
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$536000
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