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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.

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

200 Lantz Road, Bramber, NS B0N 2A0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
25Picture(s)
2,706Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$494500

Residential For Sale

200 Lantz Road, Bramber, NS B0N 2A0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,706Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to this updated 5 bedroom bungalow set on a private, 2 acre lot, just a short stroll to the scenic shoreline of the Bay of Fundy. The spacious home offers everything you need on the main floor, from the generous mudroom, to the big country kitchen, separate dining room, and a large living room.
C$494500

Residential For Sale

200 Lantz Road, Bramber, NS B0N 2A0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$494500

Residential For Sale

19 Brick Lane, Halifax, NS B3P 0G4

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
2,388Sqft
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
C$699995

Residential For Sale

19 Brick Lane, Halifax, NS B3P 0G4
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,388Sqft
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
Welcome to 19 Brick Lane, a brand-new, newly constructed 3-bedroom, 4-bath home located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Governor’s Brook, one of Spryfield’s most sought-after, family-friendly communities.
C$699995

Residential For Sale

19 Brick Lane, Halifax, NS B3P 0G4
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$699995

Residential For Sale

51 Shelby Crescent, New Minas, NS B4N 5J1

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
10Picture(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$169000

Residential For Sale

51 Shelby Crescent, New Minas, NS B4N 5J1
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Welcome to this open-concept 2-bedroom, 1-bath mini home tucked away in a quiet area just minutes from all amenities in New Minas. A covered deck provides the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of the weather. Out back, a gently sloping yard borders a peaceful stream, creating a calm and private setting.
C$169000

Residential For Sale

51 Shelby Crescent, New Minas, NS B4N 5J1
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$169000

Residential For Sale

15 Brick Lane, Halifax, NS B3P 0G4

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
32Picture(s)
2,388Sqft
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
C$699995

Residential For Sale

15 Brick Lane, Halifax, NS B3P 0G4
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,388Sqft
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
Welcome to 15 Brick Lane, this brand newly constructed 3-bedroom, 4-bath home situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in Governor's Brook, one of Spryfield's most sought-after, family-friendly neighbourhoods.
C$699995

Residential For Sale

15 Brick Lane, Halifax, NS B3P 0G4
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$699995

Residential For Sale

2841 Clementsvale Road, Bear River East, NS B0S 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,167Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

2841 Clementsvale Road, Bear River East, NS B0S 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,167Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Welcome to Rove Acres, where historic charm meets modern sophistication. Originally a quaint schoolhouse, this home has been thoughtfully renovated into a bright and airy home. Enter through the cozy mudroom—perfect for kicking off your boots—before stepping into a space defined by high ceilings and sun-drenched windows.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

2841 Clementsvale Road, Bear River East, NS B0S 1B0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

17 Nicholson Court, Antigonish, NS B2G 2V5

5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
4,690Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
C$1050000

Residential For Sale

17 Nicholson Court, Antigonish, NS B2G 2V5
5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,690Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
Welcome to Springwood - One of a kind property! Architecturally designed executive home situated on 1.5 acres bounded by Brierly Brook in a very private location. The home consists of five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, formal dining area, living room with propane fireplace, chef's style eat-in kitchen with space for everything in the ample cupboards and pantry space. Wet bar.
C$1050000

Residential For Sale

17 Nicholson Court, Antigonish, NS B2G 2V5
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$1050000

Residential For Sale

614-61 Nelsons Landing Boulevard, Bedford, NS B4A 3X3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,379Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$449900

Residential For Sale

614-61 Nelsons Landing Boulevard, Bedford, NS B4A 3X3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
1,379Sqft
Red Door Realty
Welcome to Nelsons Landing! This spacious three bedroom, two full bath condo is ideally located near the Bedford waterfront. Thoughtfully designed and carpet-free, the condo features a beautiful white kitchen with timeless finishes and an open, airy feel. Enjoy morning coffee or evening relaxation on the private balcony.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

614-61 Nelsons Landing Boulevard, Bedford, NS B4A 3X3
Red Door Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

8793 Highway 1, Meteghan River, NS B0W 2K0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
37Picture(s)
2,800Sqft
PMCO Corporate Real Estate
C$375000

Residential For Sale

8793 Highway 1, Meteghan River, NS B0W 2K0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,800Sqft
PMCO Corporate Real Estate
Built in 1885 and lovingly maintained, this beautifully preserved home blends timeless character with modern updates. The spacious kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring solid oak cabinetry, granite countertops, and a convenient recycling chute. A sunroom offers views of St. Mary’s Bay, while the adjoining summer kitchen provides extra space for seasonal cooking.
C$375000

Residential For Sale

8793 Highway 1, Meteghan River, NS B0W 2K0
PMCO Corporate Real Estate
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$375000

Residential For Sale

38 Deepwood Crescent, Rockingham, NS B3M 2Y6

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
27Picture(s)
2,777Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$579900

Residential For Sale

38 Deepwood Crescent, Rockingham, NS B3M 2Y6
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
2,777Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Proudly offered by the original owner, this executive split-entry 4 bedroom 3 bath TLA 2770 sq.ft home is a great opportunity for families and investors alike. Featuring generously sized rooms and a functional layout, this property is ready for you to put your own stamp on it and add equity.
C$579900

Residential For Sale

38 Deepwood Crescent, Rockingham, NS B3M 2Y6
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$579900

Residential For Sale

42 Bell Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2A9

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,232Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$211500

Residential For Sale

42 Bell Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2A9
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,232Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Centrally located and priced below assessed value, this three-bedroom home offers strong upside in a sought-after New Glasgow neighbourhood.
C$211500

Residential For Sale

42 Bell Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2A9
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$211500

Residential For Sale

21 Boyd Avenue, Enfield, NS B2T 1C6

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,268Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

21 Boyd Avenue, Enfield, NS B2T 1C6
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,268Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Seller's unexpected career move is the only reason this one of a kind property is on the market. It was a tough decision! This 2,268 sq. ft. bungalow is set well back from the road with municipal water & sewer. When you walk in the front door you will feel right at home.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

21 Boyd Avenue, Enfield, NS B2T 1C6
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

3216 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4H1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,150Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$589900

Residential For Sale

3216 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4H1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,150Sqft
Red Door Realty
Welcome to 3216 Agricola Street, a fully renovated North End home updated from top to bottom, offering modern comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. Ideal for first-time buyers! The home was professionally lifted approximately 4 feet, creating a fully finished lower level that feels like true living space rather than a basement.
C$589900

Residential For Sale

3216 Agricola Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4H1
Red Door Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$589900
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