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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

227 Haven Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 4E4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,152Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
C$260000

Residential For Sale

227 Haven Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 4E4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,152Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
When you pull into the double driveway, you can already feel the privacy that this lovely home will bring you. This well-kept 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on one of the nicest lots in the park. The rear yard boasts a lovely level and landscaped lot overlooking greenspace.
C$260000

Residential For Sale

227 Haven Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 4E4
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$260000

Residential For Sale

17 Howie Drive, Sydney River, NS B1S 1K8

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
23Picture(s)
780Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$334000

Residential For Sale

17 Howie Drive, Sydney River, NS B1S 1K8
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
780Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Don't overlook this extra-special property in Sydney River with extensively renovated and appealing 2 bedroom home & double detached garage & just under 3/4 acre of desirable yard space. In 2015-2016, house interior was taken down to the studs and restored with insulation, drywall, flooring, plumbing, electrical panel, ducted heat pump, most windows, exterior doors and roofing shingles(2024).
C$334000

Residential For Sale

17 Howie Drive, Sydney River, NS B1S 1K8
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$334000

Residential For Sale

41 Macdonald Park Road, Kentville, NS B4N 1P2

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,390Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$525000

Residential For Sale

41 Macdonald Park Road, Kentville, NS B4N 1P2
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
2,390Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
The beautiful property backs on a greenspace, so no one can build behind you. It was mostly rebuilt in 2009 due to a fire. It offers approximately 2390 finished sf. You’ll enjoy the spacious entries found at the front, back and lower level of this home. The concrete drive & vinyl exterior & faux stone accents, allow for low maintenance. The front entry offers shelves for shoe storage.
C$525000

Residential For Sale

41 Macdonald Park Road, Kentville, NS B4N 1P2
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$525000

Residential For Sale

49 Village Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 1J3

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,915Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$649900

Residential For Sale

49 Village Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 1J3
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,915Sqft
Engel & Volkers
This is Bedford's best kept secret - Bedford Hills boasts a park-like setting with mature trees, natural beauty, and convenient access to everything you need. At 49 Village Crescent, you'll discover why discerning buyers are drawn to this exceptional neighbourhood.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

49 Village Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 1J3
Engel & Volkers
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

944 Cape John Road, Cape John, NS B0K 1N0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
19Picture(s)
900Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
C$274900

Residential For Sale

944 Cape John Road, Cape John, NS B0K 1N0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
900Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
Welcome to 944 Cape John Rd in the very well sought after community of Cape John. This 3-bedroom bungalow on 2.27 acres with deeded access to the ocean would be a great starter home, retirement home, family home, or cottage. It would pretty much suit the needs of just about anybody.
C$274900

Residential For Sale

944 Cape John Road, Cape John, NS B0K 1N0
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$274900

Residential For Sale

944 Cape John Road, Cape John, NS B0K 1N0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
19Picture(s)
900Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
C$274900

Residential For Sale

944 Cape John Road, Cape John, NS B0K 1N0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
900Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
Welcome to 944 Cape John Rd located in the very well sought after community of Cape John. This 3-bedroom bungalow sits on 2.27 acres with deeded access to the ocean would be a great starter home, retirement home, family home, or cottage. It would pretty much suit the needs of just about anybody.
C$274900

Residential For Sale

944 Cape John Road, Cape John, NS B0K 1N0
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$274900

Residential For Sale

1126 Highway 2, Hants, NS B2S 1M8

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
14Picture(s)
632Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$299900

Residential For Sale

1126 Highway 2, Hants, NS B2S 1M8
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
632Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Charming home in the heart of Lantz. Located right off the roundabout, this charming home offers unbeatable walkability to local restaurants, shopping, and the East Hants Sportsplex. Perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize, this property sits on a fully serviced lot and features a beautifully renovated kitchen and an open-concept kitchen/living area ideal for modern living.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

1126 Highway 2, Hants, NS B2S 1M8
Royal LePage Atlantic
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

67 South Street, Donkin, NS B1A 6T1

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,235Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$195000

Residential For Sale

67 South Street, Donkin, NS B1A 6T1
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,235Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Welcome home to this inviting 3 bedroom bungalow perfectly situated on a generous lot with a peaceful country-like setting. Ideal for families or anyone seeking tranquility without giving up convenience, this property offers comfort, charm and room to grow while just minutes away from local amenities and shops.
C$195000

Residential For Sale

67 South Street, Donkin, NS B1A 6T1
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$195000

Residential For Sale

Lot 227 Surf Drive, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1W8

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3Picture(s)
1,921Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$649900

Residential For Sale

Lot 227 Surf Drive, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1W8
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,921Sqft
Engel & Volkers
On the scenic Lighthouse Route, Surf Drive offers residents the beauty and serenity of living near the ocean, without having to give up the convenience of the city. The Hollyhock is a gorgeous, contemporary split entry home, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, approx. 2000 sq ft of living space.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

Lot 227 Surf Drive, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1W8
Engel & Volkers
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

374 Alexandra Street, Sydney, NS B1S 2G4

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
9Picture(s)
1,126Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$199900

Residential For Sale

374 Alexandra Street, Sydney, NS B1S 2G4
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1,126Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
374 Alexandra Street offers a practical housing option in a convenient, central location. This 1.5-storey home is situated close to everyday amenities, schools, shopping, and services, with easy access to public transit right on the bus route. The property provides a straightforward layout. Main level features living room, kitchen and dining room.
C$199900

Residential For Sale

374 Alexandra Street, Sydney, NS B1S 2G4
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199900

Residential For Sale

3381 Claremont Street, Halifax, NS B3L 3L6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,815Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$600000

Residential For Sale

3381 Claremont Street, Halifax, NS B3L 3L6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,815Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Located on a quiet, established stretch of Claremont Street in Halifax’s highly sought-after ?North End, this well-maintained family residence offers the kind of solid 1950s construction that buyers actively search for and rarely find. This home has been owned by a professional couple with an undeniable sense of long-term pride of ownership.
C$600000

Residential For Sale

3381 Claremont Street, Halifax, NS B3L 3L6
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$600000

Residential For Sale

69 Outrigger Cres, Halifax, NS B3M 4V9

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,980Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$589000

Residential For Sale

69 Outrigger Cres, Halifax, NS B3M 4V9
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,980Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Discover the charm of 69 Outrigger, perfectly nestled in the prestigious Hemlock Ravines community—a location known for its natural beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and unbeatable convenience. Step inside to a welcoming main floor designed for everyday living and effortless entertaining.
C$589000

Residential For Sale

69 Outrigger Cres, Halifax, NS B3M 4V9
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$589000
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