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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

63 Frank Road, Italy Cross Ns B4v 0m6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,270Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$640000

Residential For Sale

63 Frank Road, Italy Cross Ns B4v 0m6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,270Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Discover the ultimate countryside retreat with this stunning 83-acre lakefront property, boasting 3,410 feet of pristine waterfront. An adjacent property (MLS 202424774) with 57.6 acres and an additional 4,200 feet of lakefront is also available. Both properties are listed together combining for a remarkable 140.8 acres and 7,610 feet of waterfront (MLS 202424785).
C$640000

Residential For Sale

63 Frank Road, Italy Cross Ns B4v 0m6
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$640000

Residential For Sale

15 Kara Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1L4

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,166Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$849000

Residential For Sale

15 Kara Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1L4
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,166Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
This spacious home is looking for a new family. A great match for your growing family! This well-cared for, two-story, 4 bedroom and 3 bath home awaits you! Close to all amenities, great schools, on municipal water, tucked away on a large private country lot, on a quiet cul de sac, in the sought after, family friendly neighbourhood of Kingswood.
C$849000

Residential For Sale

15 Kara Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1L4
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$849000

Residential For Sale

3118 Black River Road, Newtonville Ns B4p 2r1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,038Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$699900

Residential For Sale

3118 Black River Road, Newtonville Ns B4p 2r1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,038Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Welcome to this spacious rancher on slab with in floor heat and located on a 5 acre lot in Gaspereau Valley. Ideally set up for business/ hobby farm or just enjoy the idyllic, private country living and only minutes drive from Wolfville. The home features 2,038 sq.
C$699900

Residential For Sale

3118 Black River Road, Newtonville Ns B4p 2r1
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699900

Residential For Sale

51 Doctors Lane, Springdale Ns B0w 2y0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,463Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$829900

Residential For Sale

51 Doctors Lane, Springdale Ns B0w 2y0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,463Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Welcome to your dream lakefront oasis! This stunning two-story home, only 12 years old, offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and serene natural beauty. With four spacious bedrooms and four well-appointed bathrooms, this property is designed for both relaxation and entertainment.
C$829900

Residential For Sale

51 Doctors Lane, Springdale Ns B0w 2y0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$829900

Residential For Sale

5042 Ns-1, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
20Picture(s)
2,786Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$499750

Residential For Sale

5042 Ns-1, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
2,786Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information.Restored Century Home on 5+ Acres with Small Barn - Weymouth, NS Lovingly restored and updated, this 3-bedroom century home sits on over 5 acres in peaceful Weymouth, just minutes from ocean views.
C$499750

Residential For Sale

5042 Ns-1, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$499750

Residential For Sale

721 Descousse-cap La Ronde Road, Cap La Ronde Ns B0e 1k0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,172Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$289900

Residential For Sale

721 Descousse-cap La Ronde Road, Cap La Ronde Ns B0e 1k0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,172Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Welcome to Cap La Ronde! A stunning slice of paradise on Isle Madame, with just over 1 acre of beautifully landscaped property and 198 feet of water frontage. This move-in ready 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow features an open-concept layout. The home is equipped with 2 ductless heat pumps, electric baseboard, and forced air heating for year-round comfort.
C$289900

Residential For Sale

721 Descousse-cap La Ronde Road, Cap La Ronde Ns B0e 1k0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$289900

Residential For Sale

133 The Point Road, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,686Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$695000

Residential For Sale

133 The Point Road, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,686Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
This home is slightly elevated and has spectacular ocean views including the Ovens Natural Park, a great day trip for adventure. Blue Rocks and its outer islands and channels are great for kayaking, rent one at the kayak shop or bring your own.
C$695000

Residential For Sale

133 The Point Road, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$695000

Residential For Sale

1163 Mull River Road, Mabou Ns B0e 1x0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
740Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$285000

Residential For Sale

1163 Mull River Road, Mabou Ns B0e 1x0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
740Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
Whether you envision a cozy year-round residence or a peaceful cottage retreat, this appealing property located at Mull River Road, Mabou, Inverness County, is a fantastic opportunity. As you enter, the home offers an area with an open concept, eat-in kitchen area. There are two bedrooms and one three piece bath.
C$285000

Residential For Sale

1163 Mull River Road, Mabou Ns B0e 1x0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$285000

Residential For Sale

619 Chemin Desprairies Road, Maxwellton Ns B0w 2l0

2Bedroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
27Picture(s)
626Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$72500

Residential For Sale

619 Chemin Desprairies Road, Maxwellton Ns B0w 2l0
2Bedroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
626Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Discover the charm and serenity of off-grid living with this peaceful camp located at 619 Chemin des Prairies Road, boasting 1.74 acres with frontage on Swallow Lake Brooke. Nestled on a mostly treed lot, this one-bedroom retreat comes fully furnished and ready to enjoy, with many recent upgrades that make it even more inviting.
C$72500

Residential For Sale

619 Chemin Desprairies Road, Maxwellton Ns B0w 2l0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
C$72500

Residential For Sale

4054 Highway 3, Lower Argyle Ns B0w 1w0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
28Picture(s)
770Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$199900

Residential For Sale

4054 Highway 3, Lower Argyle Ns B0w 1w0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
770Sqft
The Real Estate Store
If you are looking for a unique property 4054 Highway 3 in Lower Argyle, this may be for you. This 3-bedroom 1 bath home is ready to go. There are multiple heating sources here including baseboard electric heat, ductless heat pump and a wood stove. The property contains 3 parcels. There are several out buildings here including a 24x40 barn style garage/ workshop.
C$199900

Residential For Sale

4054 Highway 3, Lower Argyle Ns B0w 1w0
The Real Estate Store
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199900

Residential For Sale

1200-1461 Brenton Street, Halifax Ns B3j 3s7

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
950Sqft
Full Circle Realty Inc.
C$529000

Residential For Sale

1200-1461 Brenton Street, Halifax Ns B3j 3s7
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
950Sqft
Full Circle Realty Inc.
Residential or Commercial Opportunity! This condo can dual function as your business and living space. This completely renovated 950 Sq foot Brenton St. condo is located in the Spring Garden Business district. Currently configured as an office; perfect for a professional or commercial setting.
C$529000

Residential For Sale

1200-1461 Brenton Street, Halifax Ns B3j 3s7
Full Circle Realty Inc.
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$529000

Residential For Sale

1572 Lansdowne Road, Bear River Ns B0s 1b0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,665Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

1572 Lansdowne Road, Bear River Ns B0s 1b0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,665Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
Just built in 2023! This beautiful home on just over 5 acres has been designed for maximum energy efficiency, comfort and easy maintenance. Built on slab with attached double garage, wrap-around veranda, and clad with high quality "shake style" vinyl siding, this attractive contemporary design has classic elements that exude the warmth of Home.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

1572 Lansdowne Road, Bear River Ns B0s 1b0
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699000
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