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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

52 Seastone Drive, Port Howe Ns B0k 1k0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
17Picture(s)
240Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$208000

Residential For Sale

52 Seastone Drive, Port Howe Ns B0k 1k0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
240Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to the North Shore! A beautiful retreat with warm water swimming and and an escape to simplified cottage life. A tiny home cottage, or a place to hang out while you build your dream cottage on a desirable lot in cottage country. Port Howe, Pugwash and the Amherst Shore are known to be Nova Scotia's go to location for Cottages... because the water is warm and the beaches are beautiful.
C$208000

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1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
28Picture(s)
2,200Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$629900

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4b-135 Terrastone Ridge, Dartmouth Ns B2x 2e8
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,200Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Cresco proudly introduces The Fairbanks, a chic 3-bedroom townhome nestled in HRM's hottest new subdivision, The Parks of Lake Charles. This stylish three-level townhome boasts a garage with finished and walkout basement. Step inside to find three cozy bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a handy powder room on the main floor.
C$629900

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3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
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31 Main Street, Liverpool Ns B0t 1k0

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,127Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
C$840000

Residential For Sale

31 Main Street, Liverpool Ns B0t 1k0
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
4,127Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
It's not often this type of listing hits the market in the historical Town of Liverpool. Beautiful, fully renovated and maintained, 3 apartment home within one of the 'Grand Old Homes' on the centrally located Main Street of Liverpool. Built in the late 1800s with a nod to Victorian times and complete with stately ambience and beautiful views. This is a very fine property with so many perks.
C$840000

Residential For Sale

31 Main Street, Liverpool Ns B0t 1k0
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$840000

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64 Latham Road, Port Mouton Ns B0t 1t0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,467Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
C$187000

Residential For Sale

64 Latham Road, Port Mouton Ns B0t 1t0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,467Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
Charming farmhouse nestled on 1.38 acres on the South Shore near many white sand beaches including popular Carter’s Beach. The convenient layout provides an option for main floor living with a kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, bath, laundry, and den all on one level. Upstairs you will find a spacious bedroom on one side, and two smaller bedrooms on the other.
C$187000

Residential For Sale

64 Latham Road, Port Mouton Ns B0t 1t0
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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5 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
7Picture(s)
1,260Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$374900

Residential For Sale

5 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
1,260Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
This is a Facsimile Listing for a New Build. Photos included are Artist Renderings. Welcome to The Lily - Effortless living by the sea. Discover your perfect your round retreat at RoseView Estates, a new subdivision in picturesque Pictou.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

5 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

4 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
5Picture(s)
1,325Sqft
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C$389900

Residential For Sale

4 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
1,325Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
This is a Facsimile Listing for a New Build. Photos included are Artist Renderings. Welcome to The Orchid—Your haven of effortless living in seaside Pictou. Discover the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm in this stunning 2-level home. Designed for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle, The Orchid at RoseView Estates offers the ideal retreat - with no condo fees.
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Residential For Sale

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The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
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Residential For Sale

2 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
8Picture(s)
1,600Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$382500

Residential For Sale

2 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
1,600Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
This is a Facsimile Listing for a New Build. Photos Included Are Artist Renderings. Welcome to The Iris—Effortless coastal living in charming Pictou. Step into your dream home at RoseView Estates, where modern comfort meets seaside serenity. Designed with lifestyle & comfort in mind, The Iris offers the perfect combination of low-maintenance living and timeless elegance - with no condo fees.
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Residential For Sale

2 Michaela Street, Pictou Ns B0k 1h0
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2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$382500

Residential For Sale

923 Soldiers Cove Road, Lewis Cove Road Ns B0e 3b0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,056Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

923 Soldiers Cove Road, Lewis Cove Road Ns B0e 3b0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,056Sqft
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Experience the serene beauty of Cape Breton at 923 Soldiers Cove Road, where nearly 500 acres of pristine wilderness offer limitless possibilities. This extraordinary property is an ideal canvas for visionaries and entrepreneurs seeking peace, inspiration, and opportunity.
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3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
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1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
26Picture(s)
412Sqft
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C$68000

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25 Ton Timber Hills Road, Moser River Ns B0j 2r0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
412Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to the Cottage,offering peace and quiet away from the city.Enjoy the conveniences of home with a fully equipped kitchen,Bell Fibre Optic Internet,newer Wett Certified woodstove,dug well,newer bathroom with shower and Composting Toilet.Enjoy the cosy interior space by the woodstove and fall asleep surrounded by the calming sounds of nature.
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Residential For Sale

25 Ton Timber Hills Road, Moser River Ns B0j 2r0
Keller Williams Select Realty
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$68000

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401 Zaffre Drive Lot 5125, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x4

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2Picture(s)
2,443Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$819900

Residential For Sale

401 Zaffre Drive Lot 5125, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x4
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,443Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Model Home - Marchand Homes - The "Beckett". This beautiful split-entry home will include 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an ideal open concept main living area.
C$819900

Residential For Sale

401 Zaffre Drive Lot 5125, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x4
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$819900

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3524 Eastern Avenue, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
605Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$218900

Residential For Sale

3524 Eastern Avenue, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
605Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
Freshly Renovated & Move-In Ready – Your Perfect Match Awaits! Affordable, adorable, and absolutely ready to go! Whether you're retiring, downsizing, or just stepping onto the property ladder for the first time, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow is the unicorn you've been hunting for – and yes, it's real.
C$218900

Residential For Sale

3524 Eastern Avenue, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$218900

Residential For Sale

3144 Highway 217, Tiverton Ns B0v 1g0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,620Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$165000

Residential For Sale

3144 Highway 217, Tiverton Ns B0v 1g0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,620Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Welcome to the "Fishery Officer's Home"! This charming and well maintained home has beautiful vintage decor including hand painted doors and moldings, antique fixtures and sconces all in excellent condition. The entire home has a feeling of straight and solid as if it was built with great pride. The basement (always dry) is a walkout with poured cement floor.
C$165000

Residential For Sale

3144 Highway 217, Tiverton Ns B0v 1g0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$165000
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