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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

23 Reid Road, Steam Mill, NS B4N 3V7

5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,775Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
C$319000

Residential For Sale

23 Reid Road, Steam Mill, NS B4N 3V7
5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,775Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to 23 Reid Road, a sprawling 1.19 acre property located in the beautiful countryside of Steam Mill! This large family home features 5 bedrooms, an eat-in kitchen with patio doors leading directly onto the large back deck, which is an ideal location for barbecuing and entertaining.
C$319000

Residential For Sale

23 Reid Road, Steam Mill, NS B4N 3V7
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$319000

Residential For Sale

6953 Sissiboo Road, Bear River, NS B0S 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,848Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$399000

Residential For Sale

6953 Sissiboo Road, Bear River, NS B0S 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,848Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Welcome to 6953 Sissiboo Road, Bear River. This three bedroom, one and a half bathroom home sits on a spacious 4 acre lot that runs along the Wade Brook, in the heart of Bear River.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

6953 Sissiboo Road, Bear River, NS B0S 1B0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

44 Courtney Road, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4B8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,361Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$383000

Residential For Sale

44 Courtney Road, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4B8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,361Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to this inviting three bedroom, one bath home nestled in the heart of North End Dartmouth, a sought after location between the two bridges and close to all major amenities. This property combines comfort, privacy, and incredible future potential.
C$383000

Residential For Sale

44 Courtney Road, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4B8
Exit Realty Metro
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$383000

Residential For Sale

3685 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4S9

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,668Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$750000

Residential For Sale

3685 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4S9
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,668Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is located in one of Halifax’s most desirable & quiet neighbourhoods, steps from the Hydrostone and NSCC. Inside, you’ll find a fully renovated kitchen and main floor bathroom, a 200-amp electrical upgrade, and ample storage throughout. The carpet-free layout offers flexibility for families, home offices, or guests.
C$750000

Residential For Sale

3685 Robie Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4S9
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$750000

Residential For Sale

204-151 Ritchie Street, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0

1Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
900Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$339500

Residential For Sale

204-151 Ritchie Street, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0
1Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
900Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Welcome to The Academy, one of Annapolis Royal’s most iconic buildings, nearly a century old and beautifully reimagined as a modern condominium community. This striking two-story loft blends historic character with contemporary comfort, highlighted by a soaring arched window that fills the space with natural light and frames views of the town’s tree-lined streets.
C$339500

Residential For Sale

204-151 Ritchie Street, Annapolis Royal, NS B0S 1A0
Exit Realty Town & Country
1Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$339500

Residential For Sale

1006-60 Walter Havill Drive, Halifax, NS B3N 0A9

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
29Picture(s)
1,035Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$434900

Residential For Sale

1006-60 Walter Havill Drive, Halifax, NS B3N 0A9
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,035Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Bright and modern 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. The spacious primary suite features a walk-in closet, double windows, and a private ensuite with a 4-foot corner shower and dual vanity. The second bedroom and full bath provide flexibility for guests, family, or a home office.
C$434900

Residential For Sale

1006-60 Walter Havill Drive, Halifax, NS B3N 0A9
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$434900

Residential For Sale

2147 East Petpeswick Road, East Petpeswick, NS B0J 2L0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
36Picture(s)
672Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$259900

Residential For Sale

2147 East Petpeswick Road, East Petpeswick, NS B0J 2L0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
672Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
This charming seaside cottage or 4 season home is available for quick close and is only 1 km to Martinique beach! The hard work has been completed for the new owner with an extensive list of updates: septic system drilled well.
C$259900

Residential For Sale

2147 East Petpeswick Road, East Petpeswick, NS B0J 2L0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$259900

Residential For Sale

2147 East Petpeswick Road, East Petpeswick, NS B0J 2L0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
36Picture(s)
672Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$259900

Residential For Sale

2147 East Petpeswick Road, East Petpeswick, NS B0J 2L0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
672Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
This charming seaside cottage OR 4 season home is available for quick close and is only 1km to Martinique Beach! The hard work has been completed for the new owner with an extensive list of updates; septic system, drilled well, roof, heat pump, updated kitchen, hot water heater, pressure tank and more! Situated on a recently subdivided 1+ acre lot this home is under the square footage require fo
C$259900

Residential For Sale

2147 East Petpeswick Road, East Petpeswick, NS B0J 2L0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$259900

Residential For Sale

503-2250 Maitland Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Z9

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
13Picture(s)
575Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$499900

Residential For Sale

503-2250 Maitland Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Z9
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
575Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
OPEN HOUSES ARE LOCATED AT THE SALES CENTRE AT 2179 GOTTINGEN ST Floor Plan A6 Live: Contemporary, calm spaces to live in. The perfect tonic to the hustle & bustle outside your front door. "Live” is the place we design as the canvas for our life, what we cultivate as our home and personal zone.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

503-2250 Maitland Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Z9
Keller Williams Select Realty
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

790 Parker Mountain Road, Parkers Cove, NS B0S 1A0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
46Picture(s)
2,080Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$425000

Residential For Sale

790 Parker Mountain Road, Parkers Cove, NS B0S 1A0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,080Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Set on 3.09 acres with dual road frontage, this inviting Cape Cod offers a desirable balance of privacy, space, and thoughtful updates, all within minutes of Annapolis Royal and the Bay of Fundy.
C$425000

Residential For Sale

790 Parker Mountain Road, Parkers Cove, NS B0S 1A0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

31 Acorn Lane, Lake La Rose, NS B0S 1A0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,500Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$399900

Residential For Sale

31 Acorn Lane, Lake La Rose, NS B0S 1A0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,500Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Private, comfortable and classic elegance best describe this spacious lakefront home just minutes from historic Annapolis Royal. Enjoy open concept living with granite stone fireplace insert, beamed ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors. The spacious eat-in kitchen offers terra cotta flooring, brick fireplace and lots of room for the serious chef.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

31 Acorn Lane, Lake La Rose, NS B0S 1A0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

159 Johnson Crescent, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1X4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
34Picture(s)
2,244Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$569000

Residential For Sale

159 Johnson Crescent, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1X4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,244Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
This solid split entry home had new insulation added about 4 years ago. Windows have been updated and new front door and garage doors recently installed. This house is located on a large corner lot, well landscaped and partially fenced with a large 2 tier deck on the back. Inside the main level has a large kitchen and living room, separate dining area, 3 bedrooms and a 4 piece bath.
C$569000

Residential For Sale

159 Johnson Crescent, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1X4
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$569000
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