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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

518 Truro Heights Road, Truro Heights, NS B6L 1Y1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
WiredParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,282Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$469900

Residential For Sale

518 Truro Heights Road, Truro Heights, NS B6L 1Y1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
WiredParking(s)
1,282Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Turn off Morley Avenue and onto Truro Heights Road to discover this exceptional new build—a thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom semi-detached home that perfectly blends comfort, style, and energy efficiency, all on one level.Step inside to a bright and spacious open-concept layout, where large, well-placed windows invite natural light throughout the home.
C$469900

Residential For Sale

518 Truro Heights Road, Truro Heights, NS B6L 1Y1
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$469900

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Lot 4 Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B3T 1X4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
5Picture(s)
1,120Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$499900

Residential For Sale

Lot 4 Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B3T 1X4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,120Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Welcome home to "The Lily" a beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow, thoughtfully designed for modern living. With 1,120 sq. ft. of space on a single level, this home is perfect for first-time buyers or downsizers alike.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

Lot 4 Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B3T 1X4
Engel & Volkers
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

340 King Edward Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 3W3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,781Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
C$349900

Residential For Sale

340 King Edward Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 3W3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,781Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
Welcome to your ideal home in Glace Bay! This charming three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath residence sits on just over 13,000 square feet of land, offering ample outdoor space for relaxation and recreation. Step inside to discover a main level that features a cozy back porch, a sunroom bathed in natural light, and a welcoming family room perfect for gatherings.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

340 King Edward Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 3W3
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

23-113 Simpson Road, Braeshore, NS B0K 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
16Picture(s)
1,485Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$379900

Residential For Sale

23-113 Simpson Road, Braeshore, NS B0K 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,485Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Welcome to the beautiful, low-maintenance oceanside community of Caribou Shores. This well appointed 2 bed, 2 bath single level condo is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The in-floor heat and ductless heat pump ensure year-round comfort. The generously sized primary bedroom boasts ocean views, an ensuite with jet tub and large walk-in closet, creating your very own retreat.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

23-113 Simpson Road, Braeshore, NS B0K 1H0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$379900

Residential For Sale

4307 South River Road, Williams Point, NS B2G 0B4

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,374Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$249900

Residential For Sale

4307 South River Road, Williams Point, NS B2G 0B4
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,374Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Only 6 minutes from St FX University, this home would be a great rental income. Looking to own for less than you pay in rent? This home could be the perfect fit! Featuring 3 original bedrooms plus 2 additional bedrooms in the add-on, there's plenty of space for family, guests, or a home office setup.
C$249900

Residential For Sale

4307 South River Road, Williams Point, NS B2G 0B4
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$249900

Residential For Sale

13611 316 Highway, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,056Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$249000

Residential For Sale

13611 316 Highway, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,056Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Welcome to Isaacs Harbour! This well-cared-for waterfront bungalow sits on 1.4 acres in a peaceful coastal community, elevated to take in beautiful views over the harbour. Step inside through the convenient mudroom into a large eat-in kitchen, cozy living room complete with a wood stove.
C$249000

Residential For Sale

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Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$249000

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23 Levis Street, Halifax, NS B3R 1M1

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
39Picture(s)
971Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$399900

Residential For Sale

23 Levis Street, Halifax, NS B3R 1M1
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
971Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
Welcome to 23 Levis Street, a beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located in the heart of Spryfield. This meticulously renovated property showcases a complete transformation inside and out, featuring an entirely new kitchen with modern finishes, a fully updated bathroom, all-new appliances, new tile flooring, and refinished hardwood that adds warmth and character throughout.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

23 Levis Street, Halifax, NS B3R 1M1
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

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25 Oakridge Lane, East Clifford, NS B0R 1E0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,750Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$599000

Residential For Sale

25 Oakridge Lane, East Clifford, NS B0R 1E0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,750Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
If lake life has been calling your name, consider this your sign to pick up the phone.
C$599000

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25 Oakridge Lane, East Clifford, NS B0R 1E0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

2795 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax, NS B3L 4G8

6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
3,188Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$889900

Residential For Sale

2795 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax, NS B3L 4G8
6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
3,188Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to 2795 Joseph Howe Drive — a rare, turn-key investment opportunity in one of Halifax’s strongest rental corridors. This fully renovated two-unit property offers two spacious suites, separate power meters, private entrances, and a detached wired 1.5-car garage, making it ideal for both investors and owner-occupiers seeking strong rental income.
C$889900

Residential For Sale

2795 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax, NS B3L 4G8
Exit Realty Metro
6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$889900

Residential For Sale

25 Oakridge Lane, East Clifford, NS B0R 1E0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,750Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$599000

Residential For Sale

25 Oakridge Lane, East Clifford, NS B0R 1E0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,750Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
If lake life has been calling your name, consider this your sign to pick up the phone.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

25 Oakridge Lane, East Clifford, NS B0R 1E0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

110 Big Brook Road, West Bay Road, NS B0E 3L0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,448Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
C$159000

Residential For Sale

110 Big Brook Road, West Bay Road, NS B0E 3L0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,448Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
This 2 Storey 4 BDRM, 1 BATH home sits on a 2.50 acre lot on Big Brook Rd, West Bay Rd. The main floor hosts the porch, kitchen, dining room, living room with wood stove, and original hardwood flooring. The second floor hosts the four bedrooms and full bath. Blown in insulation in the attic and walls. Vinyl windows and siding.
C$159000

Residential For Sale

110 Big Brook Road, West Bay Road, NS B0E 3L0
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$159000

Residential For Sale

116 Union Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,047Sqft
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
C$219900

Residential For Sale

116 Union Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,047Sqft
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
This is a single-level home that has two bedrooms, with the option to create a third bedroom. The main bedroom is big and includes two walk-in closets measuring 6x6 feet each. The kitchen is roomy enough for family meals, and there's a mudroom that serves as an entryway with space for your own laundry.
C$219900

Residential For Sale

116 Union Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$219900
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