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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

66 Beach Hill Road, Kingsburg Ns B0j 2x0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,506Sqft
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C$1395000

Residential For Sale

66 Beach Hill Road, Kingsburg Ns B0j 2x0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,506Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
Kingsburg's Beach Hill in Nova Scotia is known locally as one of the most beautiful, oceanfront headlands in Atlantic Canada. This unique custom designed, fuel efficient ( Geothermal ), three level, contemporary home, with its floor to ceiling windows, stunningly captures the panoramic southwest-facing views over Hirtles Beach and beyond to Gaff Point.
C$1395000

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66 Beach Hill Road, Kingsburg Ns B0j 2x0
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3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
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3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
2,116Sqft
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C$299000

Residential For Sale

11 Island View Drive, Brass Hill, NS B0W 1G0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,116Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath split-entry home, nestled in the highly sought-after Brass Hill subdivision. Situated on a large, beautifully landscaped lot, this home offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. It’s heated with a mix of electric baseboard, oil monitor, and a heat pump, ensuring you stay cozy throughout the year.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

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Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
20Picture(s)
270Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$55000

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North Wallace Bay Road, Wallace Ns B0k 1m0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
270Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
TINY HOME AND ACREAGE! What more could you want! This 2023 tiny home on 4.13 acres is set to be off grid with a gravity water system (80L capacity), LED lighting from 12V power bank, gas-run generator (included), propane for heating, and cooking on propane burner. The generator is also used to charge the power bank for lighting, and your microwave and coffee maker if needed.
C$55000

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North Wallace Bay Road, Wallace Ns B0k 1m0
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,184Sqft
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C$422000

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9653 East Bay Highway, Irishvale Ns B1j 2b3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,184Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
This move-in ready home in Irishvale Cape Breton is ready to welcome a new family. This captivating property perched on a scenic hill just east of the Irish Cove Lookout, offers panoramic views of the Bras d’Or Lake from nearly every room and combines peaceful seclusion with convenient access - just 30 minutes to St. Peter’s and 35 minutes to Sydney’s shops and services.
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Residential For Sale

9653 East Bay Highway, Irishvale Ns B1j 2b3
Cape Breton Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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Residential For Sale

Anchors Way Lot 31, East River Point Ns B0j 1t0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
13Picture(s)
2,748Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
C$2267000

Residential For Sale

Anchors Way Lot 31, East River Point Ns B0j 1t0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,748Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
The Ocean Is Calling... Boasting breathtaking westerly views over Chester Basin, The Pelagos at Bowen’s Brook Ocean Estates presents an unparalleled opportunity to experience coastal living at its finest. This new model home is your front-row seat to a constantly evolving landscape, where the tranquil beauty of the ocean meets the rugged charm of the coastline.
C$2267000

Residential For Sale

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Sotheby's International Realty Canada
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
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64-146 Provence Way, Timberlea Ns B3t 0n8

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
27Picture(s)
2,551Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
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Residential For Sale

64-146 Provence Way, Timberlea Ns B3t 0n8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
2,551Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
The "RIDGE" -FH DEVELOPMENT GROUP proudly presents the "Ridge" in Phase 8 at Links at Brunello -Brunello Estates a one-of-a-kind, lifestyle, lifestyle community just 5 minutes from Bayers Lake Park and 20 minutes to Downtown Halifax! This community is not only for the golf enthusiast enjoy kayaking/canoeing, tennis, pickle ball, mountain bike park, cross country skiing and snow shoeing with Nordic
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Residential For Sale

64-146 Provence Way, Timberlea Ns B3t 0n8
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$759900

Residential For Sale

560-192 Quail Ridge, Beaver Bank Ns B4g 0c8

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
3,055Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$885000

Residential For Sale

560-192 Quail Ridge, Beaver Bank Ns B4g 0c8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,055Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Another quality built Gerald Mitchell Home. Welcome to the Kinsac two storey, one of our most loved home plans. The lovely covered front porch is a showstopper, adding to the curb appeal and leading to one of the two main floor entrances. You can also use the convenient garage entrance, with spacious mudroom area. Great for organizing the kids.
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560-192 Quail Ridge, Beaver Bank Ns B4g 0c8
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4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
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4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
48Picture(s)
3,367Sqft
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Residential For Sale

500 Johnson Road, Georges River Ns B1y 3b2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,367Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
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500 Johnson Road, Georges River Ns B1y 3b2
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
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Residential For Sale

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5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
36Picture(s)
2,312Sqft
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Residential For Sale

130 Colonial Crescent, Halifax Ns B3r 0h8
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,312Sqft
Parachute Realty
**Free full appliance package for all sales that close before Dec 31, 2025** Welcome to your brand-new home in the thriving Macintosh Run subdivision! This beautifully crafted semi-detached home offers a perfect blend of style, functionality, and financial opportunity. Enjoy the affordability of homeownership with the added benefit of a fully legal 2-bedroom basement apartment.
C$699900

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130 Colonial Crescent, Halifax Ns B3r 0h8
Parachute Realty
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$699900

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1856/1858 Meadowvale, Upper Stewiacke Ns B0n 2p0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
240Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$73000

Residential For Sale

1856/1858 Meadowvale, Upper Stewiacke Ns B0n 2p0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
240Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
This affordable, turnkey camp/cottage is ready for new owners! The 12x20 main camp is open concept, wired and features an oil stove. The main camp is connected to a camper which provides a chemical toilet and additional sleeping/storage. Plenty of storage via 8x12 shed and 8x8 shed. Camp and 1 shed are connected to power.
C$73000

Residential For Sale

1856/1858 Meadowvale, Upper Stewiacke Ns B0n 2p0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$73000

Residential For Sale

109 High Road, Port Hood Ns B0e 2w0

6Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
3,360Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$699000

Residential For Sale

109 High Road, Port Hood Ns B0e 2w0
6Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
3,360Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
In the heart of Port Hood, the beach capital of Nova Scotia, this beautifully constructed and meticulously maintained home offers the opportunity to embrace the Cape Breton lifestyle. This residence showcases hand-crafted wooden accents and custom furnishings throughout, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

109 High Road, Port Hood Ns B0e 2w0
Cape Breton Realty
6Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

Dugas Lane Lot 2, Ohio Ns B0w 3t0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
12Picture(s)
1,060Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$79000

Residential For Sale

Dugas Lane Lot 2, Ohio Ns B0w 3t0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,060Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Nestled on over29 acres of woodland this home offers a clean slate for your vision. Recent updates include a new roof, electrical updates, new gyprock, insulation and vinyl windows. Located in a quiet area just minutes from local amenities. A great opportunity for the right buyer looking to take on a project.
C$79000

Residential For Sale

Dugas Lane Lot 2, Ohio Ns B0w 3t0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$79000
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