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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

503 Macdonald Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2W3

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,400Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$179000

Residential For Sale

503 Macdonald Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2W3
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,400Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to 503 MacDonald Street. With surrounding homes under renovations, this property is poised to continue to maintain the growth and increasing value of the area. New windows throughout, new roof, newly insulated (concrete block) foundation and electrical. Sellers have a thorough camera system in place that can be included with the purchase.
C$179000

Residential For Sale

503 Macdonald Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2W3
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$179000

Residential For Sale

21 Highland Drive, New Glasgow, NS B2H 4C3

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
17Picture(s)
650Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$159900

Residential For Sale

21 Highland Drive, New Glasgow, NS B2H 4C3
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
650Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
This cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is nestled in a quiet, friendly neighbourhood—perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors alike. It features a durable steel roof, vinyl windows, and a heat pump for year-round comfort and efficiency. Step outside to a lovely backyard, ideal for relaxing, gardening, or hosting summer barbecues.
C$159900

Residential For Sale

21 Highland Drive, New Glasgow, NS B2H 4C3
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$159900

Residential For Sale

7900 Upper Grand Mira Road, Grand Mira North, NS B1K 1L9

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
30Picture(s)
1,210Sqft
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
C$290000

Residential For Sale

7900 Upper Grand Mira Road, Grand Mira North, NS B1K 1L9
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1,210Sqft
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
3BEDROOM 4 LEVEL SPLIT HOME ON A LAGRE PIEC OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN UPPER GRAND MIRA NORTH WATER ACCESS ACCROSS THE STREET THIS HOME HAS OIL AND WOOD HEAT THREE DECKS TWO SHEDS . GREAT POTENTIAL NEWER WINDOWS , NICE CLEAN HOME. OVER AN ACRE OF PROPERTY.
C$290000

Residential For Sale

7900 Upper Grand Mira Road, Grand Mira North, NS B1K 1L9
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$290000

Residential For Sale

1754 Lower Prospect Road, Terence Bay, NS B3T 1Y6

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,824Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$749900

Residential For Sale

1754 Lower Prospect Road, Terence Bay, NS B3T 1Y6
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,824Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
This beautifully crafted custom built two-level home offers quality construction, thoughtful design, & modern comfort throughout. Featuring in-floor radiant heat on both levels, 2 new ductless heat pumps, this home ensures year-round efficiency & comfort. The upper level showcases stunning engineered hardwood, while the main level features ceramic tile designed to retain warmth.
C$749900

Residential For Sale

1754 Lower Prospect Road, Terence Bay, NS B3T 1Y6
Exit Realty Metro
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$749900

Residential For Sale

6873 Edward Arab Avenue, Halifax, NS B3L 2E4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
32Picture(s)
2,184Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$1060000

Residential For Sale

6873 Edward Arab Avenue, Halifax, NS B3L 2E4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,184Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
This meticulously renovated, three-bedroom, two-bath home situated in one of the most sought after neighbourhoods of Westmount Subdivision won’t last long. Just steps away from schools, shopping and a playground with tennis courts, this home offers the ultimate blend of convenience and community.
C$1060000

Residential For Sale

6873 Edward Arab Avenue, Halifax, NS B3L 2E4
Exit Realty Metro
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1060000

Residential For Sale

680 Shore Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 2E1

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,564Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

680 Shore Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 2E1
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
2,564Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Introducing this impressive property in Bedford's most desirable and prestigious neighbourhood.680 Shore Drive has a modern condo feel with all the pluses of an urban oasis. The main floors open layout flows easily and you can have a dining room in multiple areas. The living room is a stagers dream flooded with natural light from the large windows with electric fireplace and so much space.
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

680 Shore Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 2E1
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1200000

Residential For Sale

25 Brownell Avenue, Amherst, NS B4H 1Z8

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,396Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$429900

Residential For Sale

25 Brownell Avenue, Amherst, NS B4H 1Z8
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,396Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Spacious Family Home with Beautiful Marsh Views! This 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and convenience—set on a beautiful lot overlooking the marsh, yet just minutes from all levels of schools, shopping, and downtown amenities. Entering through the side door, you’ll find a handy half bath and laundry area, along with plenty of storage.
C$429900

Residential For Sale

25 Brownell Avenue, Amherst, NS B4H 1Z8
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$429900

Residential For Sale

47-6 Partridge Lane, Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
21Picture(s)
836Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
C$355000

Residential For Sale

47-6 Partridge Lane, Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
836Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
Welcome to your private, all-season retreat nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Falls Lake Resort. This well maintained four season cottage / Condo provides a cottage lifestyle with less hassle and more security. A perfect blend of comfort, convenience and privacy making it the ideal getaway or year-round home.
C$355000

Residential For Sale

47-6 Partridge Lane, Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0
Domus Realty Limited
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$355000

Residential For Sale

33 Pinehill Road, Dartmouth, NS B3A 2G2

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,978Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$539900

Residential For Sale

33 Pinehill Road, Dartmouth, NS B3A 2G2
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
1,978Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 33 Pinehill Road, a charming family home located in the sought-after Crichton Park school district. Set on a corner lot with an oversized side yard, this property offers great outdoor space for family activities, gardening, or entertaining. The carport adds everyday convenience and extra shelter during the winter months.
C$539900

Residential For Sale

33 Pinehill Road, Dartmouth, NS B3A 2G2
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$539900

Residential For Sale

39 Leonard Road, Paradise, NS B0S 1E0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
44Picture(s)
2,100Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$699000

Residential For Sale

39 Leonard Road, Paradise, NS B0S 1E0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,100Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Set pleasantly back from the road for peace and privacy, this thoughtfully constructed ICF bungalow blends comfort, energy efficiency and long-term durability with a touch of whimsy in its contemporary design. Recently enhanced with solar panels and a full-home generator, the home is poised for sustainable living in every season.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

39 Leonard Road, Paradise, NS B0S 1E0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

53 King Street, Hortonville, NS B4P 2R3

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
4,759Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$995000

Residential For Sale

53 King Street, Hortonville, NS B4P 2R3
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4,759Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
This exceptional property in sought-after Hortonville—just minutes from your Wolfville community and an easy 30-minute commute to HRM— offers a rare combination of timeless charm, modern upgrades, and outstanding versatility. The original farmhouse was fully renovated including a thoughtfully designed two-storey addition.
C$995000

Residential For Sale

53 King Street, Hortonville, NS B4P 2R3
Royal LePage Atlantic
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$995000

Residential For Sale

29 School Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,140Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$429000

Residential For Sale

29 School Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,140Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
Located on a quiet side street of beautiful Mahone Bay by the sea, this fully renovated Victorian home is a short walk to all amenities and just a hop, skip and a jump to the ocean. The rear garden is level and easily maintained with a large garden shed at the rear. This home features mellowed pine floors throughout the main level, an original front staircase and original trim-moldings throughout.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

29 School Street, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$429000
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