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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

61 Onslow Mountain Road, Belmont, NS B0M 1G0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
952Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$209000

Residential For Sale

61 Onslow Mountain Road, Belmont, NS B0M 1G0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
952Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Here's something you don't see everyday, a mini home on a full foundation with an acre of land! This 2 bed, 1 bath home is located in a quiet rural setting in the heart of Colchester County.
C$209000

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61 Onslow Mountain Road, Belmont, NS B0M 1G0
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$209000

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4 Wembley Place, Halifax, NS B3S 1E6

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
22Picture(s)
2,345Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$619900

Residential For Sale

4 Wembley Place, Halifax, NS B3S 1E6
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,345Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Discover 4 Wembley Place — a charming 2-storey semi-detached home in the sought-after neighbourhood of Clayton Park, Halifax, offering an impressive 2,345 sq. ft. of total living space. With 3 spacious bedrooms (including a master with ensuite) above grade, 2 full baths, and 1 half bath, this home is perfect for families seeking comfort, convenience, and style.
C$619900

Residential For Sale

4 Wembley Place, Halifax, NS B3S 1E6
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$619900

Residential For Sale

3 Turnmill Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 4H2

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
30Picture(s)
3,289Sqft
Parachute Realty
C$829900

Residential For Sale

3 Turnmill Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 4H2
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,289Sqft
Parachute Realty
Welcome to 3 Turnmill Drive, a spacious 4 bedroom family home in sought-after Clayton Park West. This well-maintained property offers an ideal location, backing onto a greenbelt, and just steps from parks, playgrounds, Park West School, and the Canada Games Centre. Also just steps from the site of the brand-new junior high school site (currently under construction).
C$829900

Residential For Sale

3 Turnmill Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 4H2
Parachute Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$829900

Residential For Sale

22a Towerview, Fleming Heights, NS B3P 1E9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,300Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty (Spryfield)
C$625000

Residential For Sale

22a Towerview, Fleming Heights, NS B3P 1E9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,300Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty (Spryfield)
Welcome to this sweet Fleming Heights bungalow, where charm, warmth, and functionality come together in all the right ways. The main living area is bright and inviting, anchored by beautiful hardwood floors and a wood-burning fireplace set between the living and dining rooms — creating a cozy focal point that ties the spaces together. The functional kitchen sits just off the dining area.
C$625000

Residential For Sale

22a Towerview, Fleming Heights, NS B3P 1E9
Royal LePage Anchor Realty (Spryfield)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$625000

Residential For Sale

10 Miller Road, Elmsdale, NS B2S 1G5

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,923Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$509900

Residential For Sale

10 Miller Road, Elmsdale, NS B2S 1G5
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,923Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
Welcome to 10 Miller Road, this newly constructed home featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on a quiet beautiful street in Elmsdale, walking distance to many amenities. This home boasts an open-concept layout that includes the living room, dining room, and kitchen, which offers plenty of cupboard space. The main floor also includes a mudroom, den/office, and a 2-piece washroom.
C$509900

Residential For Sale

10 Miller Road, Elmsdale, NS B2S 1G5
Century 21 Optimum Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
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Residential For Sale

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3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,010Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$340000

Residential For Sale

30 Heather Avenue, Dayspring, NS B4V 5S9
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,010Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Welcome to your next chapter in Dayspring — where privacy, comfort, and endless potential come together! Tucked quietly off the road on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this 3-bedroom bungalow delivers that “quiet life, close to everything” vibe. You’re just minutes from Bridgewater, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, The M.A.R.C., and all your South Shore favourites.
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Residential For Sale

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EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$340000

Residential For Sale

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3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,923Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$509900

Residential For Sale

8 Miller Road, Elmsdale, NS B2S 1G5
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,923Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
Welcome to 8 Miller Road, this newly constructed home featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on a quiet beautiful street in Elmsdale, walking distance to many amenities. This home boasts an open-concept layout that includes the living room, dining room, and kitchen, which offers plenty of cupboard space. The main floor also includes a mudroom, den/office, and a 2-piece washroom.
C$509900

Residential For Sale

8 Miller Road, Elmsdale, NS B2S 1G5
Century 21 Optimum Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$509900

Residential For Sale

21 Prince Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,051Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$269500

Residential For Sale

21 Prince Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,051Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Welcome to 21 Prince Street in Parrsboro NS! This lovely home and property is home to two different lots each with their own PID numbers. The home has recently been fully renovated to create a calm welcoming environment in both the yard and home.
C$269500

Residential For Sale

21 Prince Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
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3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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132 Prince Albert Road, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1M6

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,407Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$829900

Residential For Sale

132 Prince Albert Road, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1M6
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,407Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 132 Prince Albert Road. Built in 1922, this home has beautifully retained its original character and charm while incorporating thoughtful modern updates. Fully finished on all three levels, it offers exceptional space for a large or growing family. The main level features a spacious family-room addition that could easily serve as a main-floor bedroom, complete with its own ensuite.
C$829900

Residential For Sale

132 Prince Albert Road, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1M6
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$829900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
4,035Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,035Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Welcome to 256 Heritage Way — a beautifully crafted, custom-built bungalow on one of the best lots in the Long Lake community. Designed to maximize natural light, comfort, and connection to nature, this exceptional home blends high-quality construction with lakeside living just 30 minutes from Halifax.
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
4,035Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,035Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Welcome to 256 Heritage Way — a beautifully crafted, custom-built bungalow on one of the best lots in the Long Lake community. Designed to maximize natural light, comfort, and connection to nature, this exceptional home blends high-quality construction with lakeside living just 30 minutes from Halifax.
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
4,035Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,035Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Welcome to 256 Heritage Way — a beautifully crafted, custom-built bungalow on one of the best lots in the Long Lake community. Designed to maximize natural light, comfort, and connection to nature, this exceptional home blends high-quality construction with lakeside living just 30 minutes from Halifax.
C$959900

Residential For Sale

34-256 Heritage Way, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$959900
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