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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

182 Stanford Lake Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,400Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$799999

Residential For Sale

182 Stanford Lake Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
2,400Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to 182 Stanford Lake Rd. This charming 4 bedroom 3 bath chalet style home with approximately 2400 sq. ft of living space on 3.7 acres with a scenic view and creek along the property edge is ready for you to enjoy! On the main floor it offers a functional kitchen, perfect for cooking and entertaining, with plenty of counter space and storage.
C$799999

Residential For Sale

182 Stanford Lake Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Exit Realty Metro
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$799999

Residential For Sale

14 Nictaux Falls, Nictaux Falls, NS B0S 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,747Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

14 Nictaux Falls, Nictaux Falls, NS B0S 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,747Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
Well maintained, meticulously updated. 3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, 10 feet of frontage on Nictaux River. Primary bedroom on main level, with a 'cheat suite' (shared main bath, with own private access), and a garden door to back deck (also a Gazebo out back). Good size eat-in kitchen with walk in pantry, and a good size living room. On the 2nd level, 2 more bedrooms, a shared bath and large walk in closet.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

14 Nictaux Falls, Nictaux Falls, NS B0S 1P0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

41 Howe Street, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,360Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$489000

Residential For Sale

41 Howe Street, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,360Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Oceanfront home in Lockeport for sale!! Sitting on a quiet street in the fishing Village of Lockeport Nova Scotia, this contemporary home sits on a 3/4 acre lot with a long backyard which faces West for fabulous sunsets and with 100 feet of oceanfront on the back harbour, allowing for easy and protected access for kayaks and small boats.
C$489000

Residential For Sale

41 Howe Street, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$489000

Residential For Sale

42 Arrow Head Crescent, Waterside, NS B0K 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
984Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
C$394900

Residential For Sale

42 Arrow Head Crescent, Waterside, NS B0K 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
984Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
42 Arrow Head Crescent, Waterside welcomes you Beautiful panoramic water views overlooking the Big Caribou River and Caribou Harbour. Modern comfort in this recently renovated waterfront home. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful year-round residence or a relaxing retreat, this property offers the ideal blend of style, serenity, and convenience.
C$394900

Residential For Sale

42 Arrow Head Crescent, Waterside, NS B0K 1H0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$394900

Residential For Sale

418 Charles Hill Road, Farmington, NS B0R 1E0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
896Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$229900

Residential For Sale

418 Charles Hill Road, Farmington, NS B0R 1E0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
896Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Why rent when you can own? This 1 bedroom, 1 bath home offers a rare opportunity to build equity and create the home of your dreams for less than the cost of rent! Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this property features a spacious private yard; perfect for gardening, pets, or relaxing weekends outdoors.
C$229900

Residential For Sale

418 Charles Hill Road, Farmington, NS B0R 1E0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$229900

Residential For Sale

3401 Main Shore Road, Port Maitland, NS B5A 5V7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
27Picture(s)
2,250Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

3401 Main Shore Road, Port Maitland, NS B5A 5V7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
2,250Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Welcome to 3401 Main Shore Road, a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the highly sought-after Port Maitland School District. Extensively updated in 2022, this property blends modern comfort with coastal charm. The home features two ductless heat pumps providing efficient year-round heating and cooling, while the extensive renovations ensure a move-in-ready experience.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

3401 Main Shore Road, Port Maitland, NS B5A 5V7
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

39 Nightshade Lane, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0T4

4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
4,678Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$1659900

Residential For Sale

39 Nightshade Lane, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0T4
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,678Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Spectacular Custom Home in Indigo Shores! This stunning custom build by ReDesigns Construction showcases exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout. The grand entry foyer with soaring ceiling, striking wall of windows, and custom staircase with exquisite millwork creates an unforgettable first impression.
C$1659900

Residential For Sale

39 Nightshade Lane, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0T4
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$1659900

Residential For Sale

61 Macdonald Park Road Lot 241, Kentville, NS B4N 4Y7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,658Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
C$609900

Residential For Sale

61 Macdonald Park Road Lot 241, Kentville, NS B4N 4Y7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,658Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
The “Gravenstein” design welcomes you to experience single-level living at its finest. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom gem boasts tray ceilings, which create a spacious and airy feeling throughout. The heart of the home is the large kitchen featuring an inviting island and huge pantry, perfect for gatherings and culinary adventures.
C$609900

Residential For Sale

61 Macdonald Park Road Lot 241, Kentville, NS B4N 4Y7
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$609900

Residential For Sale

26 Eliza Ritchie Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 1Y1

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
30Picture(s)
2,396Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$658000

Residential For Sale

26 Eliza Ritchie Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 1Y1
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,396Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to this contemporary executive townhouse located in the highly sought-after Rockingham South community.Perfectly positioned just minutes from Highway 102, Bedford Highway, and all the conveniences of Clayton Park andBayers Lake, this home offers both tranquility and excellent accessibility.
C$658000

Residential For Sale

26 Eliza Ritchie Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 1Y1
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$658000

Residential For Sale

411-94 Bedros Lane, Halifax, NS B3M 4X3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,903Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$739900

Residential For Sale

411-94 Bedros Lane, Halifax, NS B3M 4X3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,903Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Breathtaking views and comfort await you at 94 Bedros Lane Unit 411. Welcome to the pinnacle of waterfront living! This stunning corner unit at Seabridge Condominiums offers expansive, breathtaking water views of the basin that will stop you in your tracks.
C$739900

Residential For Sale

411-94 Bedros Lane, Halifax, NS B3M 4X3
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$739900

Residential For Sale

371 Lacey Mines Road, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
43Picture(s)
2,457Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
C$750000

Residential For Sale

371 Lacey Mines Road, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
2,457Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
COUNTRY SERENITY, ACREAGE, RIVERFRONT. Located on almost 22 acres of field, forest, trails, with 800' of direct frontage on the Gold River. This location in Chester Basin near the main route between the South Shore and the Valley, is ideal for those wanting a home with lots of privacy close to conveniences.
C$750000

Residential For Sale

371 Lacey Mines Road, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$750000

Residential For Sale

Provence Way Lot 15, Timberlea, NS B3T 0N8

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
21Picture(s)
2,784Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$1150000

Residential For Sale

Provence Way Lot 15, Timberlea, NS B3T 0N8
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
2,784Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
The "Laurel" -FH Development Group's newest BUNGALOW plan at the Links at Brunello is NOW AVAILABLE.
C$1150000

Residential For Sale

Provence Way Lot 15, Timberlea, NS B3T 0N8
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1150000
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