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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

17 Bell Avenue, Hebbville, NS B4V 6Y5

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,840Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$519900

Residential For Sale

17 Bell Avenue, Hebbville, NS B4V 6Y5
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,840Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
This one checks all the boxes—and then some! Tucked away in the highly sought-after Hebbville area, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod blends timeless character with modern updates. Enjoy the perks of county taxes while being just seconds from all the conveniences of Bridgewater. Hebbville is loved for its excellent school district, friendly community spirit, and unbeatable proximity to town.
C$519900

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17 Bell Avenue, Hebbville, NS B4V 6Y5
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$519900

Residential For Sale

2966 Highway 311, Upper North River, NS B6L 6J7

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,986Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$454000

Residential For Sale

2966 Highway 311, Upper North River, NS B6L 6J7
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,986Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
This fantastic home, just hit the market! Finished on all three levels, offering 3 Bedrooms, 3 baths, plus an attached, insulated & wired double garage. This beauty offers a spacious kitchen with oodles of cabinets, a large formal dining room, plus a large living room with fireplace. There is a convenient 2 piece bath on the main floor too.
C$454000

Residential For Sale

2966 Highway 311, Upper North River, NS B6L 6J7
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$454000

Residential For Sale

156 Wildwood Drive, Howie Centre, NS B1L 1G7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,172Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
C$349000

Residential For Sale

156 Wildwood Drive, Howie Centre, NS B1L 1G7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,172Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
156 Wildwood Drive is where your stunning new home awaits! This charming three-bedroom, one bathroom property is a showcase of functional design and comfort, offering a desirable lifestyle of convenience. Enjoy the enhanced value and reliability that comes with many recent upgrades completed within the last five years, providing a solid foundation for your next chapter.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

156 Wildwood Drive, Howie Centre, NS B1L 1G7
3% Realty Nova Scotia
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

30 Chelsea Lane, Halifax, NS B3M 1K9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,910Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$379000

Residential For Sale

30 Chelsea Lane, Halifax, NS B3M 1K9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
1,910Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Endless Potential in a Great Location! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath corner-unit townhouse offers solid bones and sits in a friendly neighbourhood close to parks and good schools. Ready for a refresh to match your personal taste, it's ideal for buyers wanting to customize their space or flippers looking for their next project.
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Residential For Sale

30 Chelsea Lane, Halifax, NS B3M 1K9
Exit Realty Metro
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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Residential For Sale

5121 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte, NS B0J 2L0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,860Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$950000

Residential For Sale

5121 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte, NS B0J 2L0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,860Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
This beautiful three-year-old slab-on-grade home is nestled on a stunning 3.6-acre lot, offering privacy and expansive natural surroundings. The property boasts an impressive 565 feet of lakefront, providing breathtaking views and direct access for all waterfront activities.
C$950000

Residential For Sale

5121 Clam Harbour Road, Lake Charlotte, NS B0J 2L0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$950000

Residential For Sale

10 Spruce Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS B3Z 4G8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
5Picture(s)
1,380Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$689000

Residential For Sale

10 Spruce Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS B3Z 4G8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,380Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Turn-Key Home Build Package! This finely crafted new home design offers exceptional style and wonderful curb appeal. Set on a large lot in a desirable neighbourhood near beaches, walking trails, and all amenities, this home combines quality and comfort.
C$689000

Residential For Sale

10 Spruce Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS B3Z 4G8
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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Residential For Sale

59 Cliff Street, Port Morien, NS B1B 1B4

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2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,014Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
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Residential For Sale

59 Cliff Street, Port Morien, NS B1B 1B4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,014Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
Discover the perfect coastal retreat with this charming oceanfront property nestled in the picturesque town of Port Morien. Offering breath taking panoramic views, this home provides a serene and inviting atmosphere for those seeking both comfort and natural beauty. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 1.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

59 Cliff Street, Port Morien, NS B1B 1B4
3% Realty Nova Scotia
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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Residential For Sale

44 Berm Street Lot 40a, Spryfield, NS B3R 0H2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
7Picture(s)
2,340Sqft
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
C$659900

Residential For Sale

44 Berm Street Lot 40a, Spryfield, NS B3R 0H2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,340Sqft
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
Now starting interior finishes - start the new year in your very spacious brand new semi-detached home! At 2340sqf located in the new Birchdale subdivision at the Herring Cove/Spryfield border, this home includes a legal secondary suite to support the mortgage! Enter the inviting front porch to a lovely foyer with designer tile flooring & bright windows.
C$659900

Residential For Sale

44 Berm Street Lot 40a, Spryfield, NS B3R 0H2
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$659900

Residential For Sale

258 Bells Point Road, Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
36Picture(s)
985Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$559000

Residential For Sale

258 Bells Point Road, Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
985Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Oceanfront home for sale in the desirable Port Mouton area. The 1.4 acre property is on a quiet dead end road and has 140 feet of cobble oceanfront facing South. This is a fabulous area for outdoor activities, its possible to kayak from the house to Carters beach, one of the best in the province and Summerville beach is a bike ride away.
C$559000

Residential For Sale

258 Bells Point Road, Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$559000

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69 Fox Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
47Picture(s)
3,144Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
C$799000

Residential For Sale

69 Fox Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3,144Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Built in the late 1700s, the historic Lennox Inn stands proudly in the heart of Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as a Provincial Heritage Property, this rare Georgian residence beautifully preserves its original woodwork, wide-plank floors, and lime plaster walls, with every imperfection adding to its enduring charm. Offering over 3,700 sq. ft.
C$799000

Residential For Sale

69 Fox Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$799000

Residential For Sale

20 Silvers Lane, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1M4

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
17Picture(s)
1,078Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$320000

Residential For Sale

20 Silvers Lane, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1M4
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,078Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Just a short stroll from the scenic Fisherman’s Cove, this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is situated on a corner lot with sought-after C-2 Commercial Zoning. Offering the perfect blend of residential comfort and future potential, this property provides homeowners with the flexibility to enjoy a peaceful living space while also benefiting from commercial opportunities down the road.
C$320000

Residential For Sale

20 Silvers Lane, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1M4
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$320000

Residential For Sale

48 Judge Fulton Road, Bass River, NS B0M 1B0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
31Picture(s)
747Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$159000

Residential For Sale

48 Judge Fulton Road, Bass River, NS B0M 1B0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
747Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Affordable Living with Bonus Lot in Bass River! This 2-bedroom bungalow offers a great opportunity for anyone seeking an affordable home in a friendly rural community. Situated on a level, landscaped lot with an additional ½-acre spare lot included in the sale, this property offers plenty of space and potential for future development or simply extra room to enjoy.
C$159000

Residential For Sale

48 Judge Fulton Road, Bass River, NS B0M 1B0
RE/MAX Nova
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$159000
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