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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

109 Old School Hill Road, Cornwallis Park, NS B0S 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
17Picture(s)
950Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$174900

Residential For Sale

109 Old School Hill Road, Cornwallis Park, NS B0S 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
950Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Charming, well-maintained post-war semi-detached house in the scenic community of Cornwallis. Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout, generous back deck with a view of the basin. Two comfortable bedrooms on the second floor with closets and modern windows. Upstairs is rounded out with a three piece bathroom and landing with a hallway and closet.
C$174900

Residential For Sale

109 Old School Hill Road, Cornwallis Park, NS B0S 1H0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$174900

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302-5561 Heatherwood Court, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS B3K 5N7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,452Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$474900

Residential For Sale

302-5561 Heatherwood Court, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS B3K 5N7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
1,452Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo in Halifax’s desirable North End! Welcome to 5561 Heatherwood Court, Unit 302, located in a well maintained, pet friendly community offering nearly 1,500 sq ft of bright and functional living space.
C$474900

Residential For Sale

302-5561 Heatherwood Court, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS B3K 5N7
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$474900

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20 Pentz Lake Drive, Mount Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,590Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$659000

Residential For Sale

20 Pentz Lake Drive, Mount Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,590Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
STOP the car! This stunning property is a head turner! Beautiful curb appeal, landscaped to perfection! Let's go inside and take a look at all this home has to offer. Boasting 3 spacious bedrooms, a 4 ~pc main modern bathroom with stone countertop, tasteful colour palette and bright lighting.
C$659000

Residential For Sale

20 Pentz Lake Drive, Mount Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
Century 21 Optimum Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$659000

Residential For Sale

89 Bastion Avenue, Louisbourg, NS B1C 0A1

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
3,555Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$729000

Residential For Sale

89 Bastion Avenue, Louisbourg, NS B1C 0A1
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,555Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Step into this stunning executive-style home where sophistication meets country living. This impressive three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of modern living and small-town charm, a quick twenty-minute drive from Sydney.
C$729000

Residential For Sale

89 Bastion Avenue, Louisbourg, NS B1C 0A1
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$729000

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205 Wentworth Drive, Corberrie, NS B0W 3T0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
36Picture(s)
682Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$398000

Residential For Sale

205 Wentworth Drive, Corberrie, NS B0W 3T0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
682Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Welcome to 205 Wentworth Drive, Corberrie – Your Private Lakefront Retreat Discover your dream escape at this stunning lakefront log home nestled on the shores of the Wentworth Lake.
C$398000

Residential For Sale

205 Wentworth Drive, Corberrie, NS B0W 3T0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$398000

Residential For Sale

290 Eastside Grand River, Grand River, NS B0E 1M0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,088Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$419000

Residential For Sale

290 Eastside Grand River, Grand River, NS B0E 1M0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,088Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
Welcome to 290 Eastside Grand River – a secluded waterfront retreat offering the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and natural beauty. Situated on 8.5 acres of pristine land, this property boasts over 900 feet of stunning shoreline, providing breathtaking views and endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.
C$419000

Residential For Sale

290 Eastside Grand River, Grand River, NS B0E 1M0
Cape Breton Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$419000

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445 Astral Drive, Colby South, NS B2V 2V1

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,753Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$695000

Residential For Sale

445 Astral Drive, Colby South, NS B2V 2V1
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,753Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to 445 Astral Drive — a beautifully maintained 4-bed, 3-bath home in the highly sought-after Colby South community. Offering nearly 2,800 sq. ft. of living space, this property is perfect for families, multigenerational living, or those seeking income potential.
C$695000

Residential For Sale

445 Astral Drive, Colby South, NS B2V 2V1
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$695000

Residential For Sale

6672 Highway 332, Upper Lahave, NS B4V 7C1

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
20Picture(s)
2,989Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$599000

Residential For Sale

6672 Highway 332, Upper Lahave, NS B4V 7C1
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,989Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Century Home situated on a 5.78 acres with fruit trees and perennial gardens. Property borders on a tributary and waterfrontage across the road on Hwy 332 on Rudolf's Cove and the La Have River. Large barn, wired garage/workshop, shed, boat house and in ground pool (needs a new liner).
C$599000

Residential For Sale

6672 Highway 332, Upper Lahave, NS B4V 7C1
RE/MAX Nova
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$599000

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55 Whos Hill Road, Lower East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,968Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$699500

Residential For Sale

55 Whos Hill Road, Lower East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,968Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
BEACH OCEAN FRONT property in HRM! Perched atop 55 Whos Hill in charming East Chezzetcook, on Nova Scotia's fabled Eastern Shore, awaits a truly unparalleled coastal sanctuary. This 5.4-acre oceanfront paradise boasts an astonishing 270-degree panorama of the Atlantic, offering some of the most breathtaking ocean views in Nova Scotia – truly the most beautiful I've witnessed in my career.
C$699500

Residential For Sale

55 Whos Hill Road, Lower East Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0
Sutton Group Professional Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699500

Residential For Sale

211 Indian Point Road, Glen Haven, NS B3Z 2S2

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,731Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$1475000

Residential For Sale

211 Indian Point Road, Glen Haven, NS B3Z 2S2
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3,731Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Nestled on a large peaceful and private lot overlooking the sparkling waters of St. Margaret’s Bay, this one-of-a-kind Cape Cod-style character home offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle in sought-after Glen Haven. This property offers a rare blend of old-world charm, modern updates, and unmatched natural beauty.
C$1475000

Residential For Sale

211 Indian Point Road, Glen Haven, NS B3Z 2S2
Sutton Group Professional Realty
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1475000

Residential For Sale

4 Gill Court, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,614Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
C$429000

Residential For Sale

4 Gill Court, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,614Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
Welcome to 4 Gill Court – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Pictou Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, 4 Gill Court offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and everyday convenience. This well-maintained 3-bedroom split entry home is move-in ready and ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle in a friendly, established neighborhood.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

4 Gill Court, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$429000

Residential For Sale

90 Shannonvale Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1Y5

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,572Sqft
One Percent Realty East Inc.
C$764000

Residential For Sale

90 Shannonvale Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1Y5
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,572Sqft
One Percent Realty East Inc.
Tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern living on a 1.89-acre lot. With plenty of space inside and out, this property is ideal for growing families or those who value privacy, comfort, and timeless design.
C$764000

Residential For Sale

90 Shannonvale Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1Y5
One Percent Realty East Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$764000
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