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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

1413 West Caledonia Road, West Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
33Picture(s)
2,340Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
C$365000

Residential For Sale

1413 West Caledonia Road, West Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,340Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
Renovated Country Church on 5.2 Acres Near Kejimkujik National Park. Discover a truly unique opportunity to own a beautifully renovated country church nestled in the scenic wilderness of West Caledonia, just a short drive from Kejimkujik National Park. Set on 5.2 acres of peaceful, wooded land, this one-of-a-kind property blends timeless character with rustic living.
C$365000

Residential For Sale

1413 West Caledonia Road, West Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$365000

Residential For Sale

516 Burgess Mountain Road, Woodville, NS B0P 1G0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,891Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
C$799000

Residential For Sale

516 Burgess Mountain Road, Woodville, NS B0P 1G0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,891Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
Exceptional opportunity,15 minutes from services. Built as an intentional retirement home, wheelchair accessible, on a wooded mountainside 5-A lot, offering extraordinary winter sunrises, Valley & North Mtn views; a perfect blend of sustainable living and quietude.
C$799000

Residential For Sale

516 Burgess Mountain Road, Woodville, NS B0P 1G0
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$799000

Residential For Sale

29 Narrows Basin Road, Martins River, NS B0J 2E0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
29Picture(s)
997Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$449000

Residential For Sale

29 Narrows Basin Road, Martins River, NS B0J 2E0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
997Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Land and Sea Cottage – A Coastal Gem in Martins Point Welcome to Land and Sea Cottage, a charming A-frame retreat nestled in the heart of Martins Point—ideally situated on Nova Scotia’s scenic South Shore, just minutes between the picturesque seaside villages of Chester and Mahone Bay.
C$449000

Residential For Sale

29 Narrows Basin Road, Martins River, NS B0J 2E0
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$449000

Residential For Sale

2017 Highway 236, Mosherville, NS B0N 2A0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,086Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$219900

Residential For Sale

2017 Highway 236, Mosherville, NS B0N 2A0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,086Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Opportunity Awaits! Whether you're looking to personalize a home, start a hobby farm, or enjoy privacy outside the city, this 2-bedroom + loft, 1-bath home on a private 2.43 acre lot is full of potential. The main living area features a spacious, bright eat-in kitchen, a comfortable living room with beautiful backyard views, a cozy nook, and a full bathroom. .
C$219900

Residential For Sale

2017 Highway 236, Mosherville, NS B0N 2A0
Exit Realty Metro
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$219900

Residential For Sale

148 Sherbrooke Avenue, Bridgewater, NS B4V 4E1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
16Picture(s)
960Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$219000

Residential For Sale

148 Sherbrooke Avenue, Bridgewater, NS B4V 4E1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
960Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Location , Location, Location LaHave Heights Land Leased park is known as one of the best maintained in the province and is only an Hour from the capital city of Halifax. It is within easy walking distance to a major hospital, 2 medical clinics, drug store 2 dental offices, a new to you clothing store, motels, car wash ,gas stations and 3 car dealerships.
C$219000

Residential For Sale

148 Sherbrooke Avenue, Bridgewater, NS B4V 4E1
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$219000

Residential For Sale

52 Jefferson Road, Laconia, NS B4V 5W5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,096Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$550000

Residential For Sale

52 Jefferson Road, Laconia, NS B4V 5W5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,096Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Escape the ordinary! Tucked away on the quiet shores of Lewie Lake in Laconia, this year-round home blends the beauty of nature with thoughtful design and effortless comfort. With no neighbours in sight and a front-row seat to shimmering sunsets, this is lake life at its most peaceful.
C$550000

Residential For Sale

52 Jefferson Road, Laconia, NS B4V 5W5
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$550000

Residential For Sale

623 Morley Road, Portage, NS B1L 1E2

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,288Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

623 Morley Road, Portage, NS B1L 1E2
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,288Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
Set on over five acres of land with a mix of cleared and wooded space, this property offers a rare combination of comfortable living, hobbyist features, and room for future development. Only 15 mins to Sydney River, hospital and shopping centre. The double lot includes 2.7 acres with the home and multiple outbuildings, while the second 2.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

623 Morley Road, Portage, NS B1L 1E2
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

1618 Mcleans Lake Road, Port Lhebert, NS B0T 1V0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,500Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$1295000

Residential For Sale

1618 Mcleans Lake Road, Port Lhebert, NS B0T 1V0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,500Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Built mid 1990’s in the New England Arts and Crafts Lodge style and set amid 42+/- very private surveyed acres with1800+/- feet of dramatic ocean frontage. Access is by public year-round serviced road. The land is mostly wooded with a large beach meadow, a freshwater pond and a small sand cove/ beach.
C$1295000

Residential For Sale

1618 Mcleans Lake Road, Port Lhebert, NS B0T 1V0
RE/MAX Nova
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1295000

Residential For Sale

2504 Highway 1, Darlings Lake, NS B5A 4A5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,802Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$319900

Residential For Sale

2504 Highway 1, Darlings Lake, NS B5A 4A5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,802Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Charming Country Retreat with Lake and Ocean Views. Discover the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and opportunity with this unique 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath country home, nestled on a landscaped +/- 4-acre lot just minutes from Yarmouth.
C$319900

Residential For Sale

2504 Highway 1, Darlings Lake, NS B5A 4A5
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$319900

Residential For Sale

1994 Highway 2, Economy, NS B0M 1B0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
3,276Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$260000

Residential For Sale

1994 Highway 2, Economy, NS B0M 1B0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,276Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Set for an immediate close and ready for new memories, this exceptional property offers over 3,200 square feet of charm, comfort, and stunning views of the Bay of Fundy from nearly every room. Featuring four spacious bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and expansive living spaces, this home is ideal as a year-round residence, relaxing family getaway, or potential short-term rental.
C$260000

Residential For Sale

1994 Highway 2, Economy, NS B0M 1B0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$260000

Residential For Sale

20 Wild Rose Drive, East Mountain, NS B6L 2N3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2Picture(s)
1,370Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

20 Wild Rose Drive, East Mountain, NS B6L 2N3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,370Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Brand-New Semi-Detached Homes in East Mountain – Steps from the Golf Green, Minutes from Town Located within walking distance of the golf course and nestled on a quiet dead-end street, these newly built semi-detached homes in East Mountain offer the perfect blend of peaceful country living and modern comfort.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

20 Wild Rose Drive, East Mountain, NS B6L 2N3
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

22 Wild Rose Drive, East Mountain, NS B6L 2N3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2Picture(s)
1,370Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

22 Wild Rose Drive, East Mountain, NS B6L 2N3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,370Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Brand-New Semi-Detached Homes in East Mountain – Steps from the Golf Green, Minutes from Town Located within walking distance of the golf course and nestled on a quiet dead-end street, these newly built semi-detached homes in East Mountain offer the perfect blend of peaceful country living and modern comfort.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

22 Wild Rose Drive, East Mountain, NS B6L 2N3
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399000
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