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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

120 Second Street, Howie Centre, NS B1L 1C9

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
11Picture(s)
784Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$107500

Residential For Sale

120 Second Street, Howie Centre, NS B1L 1C9
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
784Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Affordable and well maintained Mini Home in the Heather Trailer Park. Appealing floor plan. 784 square feet. 2 bedrooms. Heat pump to provide heating & cooling and lower energy bills.
C$107500

Residential For Sale

120 Second Street, Howie Centre, NS B1L 1C9
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$107500

Residential For Sale

83/85 Russia Road, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,480Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$699999

Residential For Sale

83/85 Russia Road, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
1,480Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Spectacular Bay of Fundy Views | Turn-Key 2-Unit Home | 3.6 Acres Waterfront (Bluff) in Harbourville Perched on over 3.5 private acres with unobstructed views of the Bay of Fundy, this near-new property is a rare offering in beautiful Harbourville, Nova Scotia. The sunsets here are truly next-level—and with the ocean as your backdrop, every day feels like a getaway.
C$699999

Residential For Sale

83/85 Russia Road, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$699999

Residential For Sale

83/85 Russia Road, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,480Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$699999

Residential For Sale

83/85 Russia Road, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
1,480Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Spectacular Bay of Fundy Views | Turn-Key 2-Unit Home | 3.6 Acres Waterfront (Bluff) in Harbourville Perched on over 3.5 private acres with unobstructed views of the Bay of Fundy, this near-new property is a rare offering in beautiful Harbourville, Nova Scotia. The sunsets here are truly next-level—and with the ocean as your backdrop, every day feels like a getaway.
C$699999

Residential For Sale

83/85 Russia Road, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$699999

Residential For Sale

603 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
28Picture(s)
672Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$119900

Residential For Sale

603 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
672Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Welcome to a private and inviting one-bedroom, one-bath home nestled on 1.79 acres in a quiet, well-located setting.. With a mix of practicality and charm, this 670-square-foot residence features a generously sized eat in kitchen, at the heart of the home, from which all other rooms branch off.
C$119900

Residential For Sale

603 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$119900

Residential For Sale

443 Murry Street, Mulgrave, NS B0E 2G0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
9Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$139000

Residential For Sale

443 Murry Street, Mulgrave, NS B0E 2G0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,100Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Welcome to this delightful home in the heart of Mulgrave, where classic charm meets modern living. This beautifully updated residence offers 3 spacious bedrooms, all thoughtfully placed on the upper level for privacy and comfort.Two well-appointed bathrooms, one on each floor, enhance the convenience of daily living.
C$139000

Residential For Sale

443 Murry Street, Mulgrave, NS B0E 2G0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$139000

Residential For Sale

603 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
28Picture(s)
672Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$119900

Residential For Sale

603 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
672Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Tucked away on 1.79 peaceful acres, this one-bedroom, one-bath cottage feels like something out of a fairytale. Surrounded by trees and birdsong, it offers a magical, whimsical atmosphere with a cozy interior, a wood-burning stove, and a modern heat pump to keep you comfortable year-round. At the heart of the home is a quaint eat-in kitchen, from which all other rooms branch off.
C$119900

Residential For Sale

603 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$119900

Residential For Sale

41 Sunset Avenue, Phinneys Cove, NS B0S 1L0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,158Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$399000

Residential For Sale

41 Sunset Avenue, Phinneys Cove, NS B0S 1L0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,158Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Beautiful year-round home has been extensively renovated in the past 2 years. Including vinyl siding and windows; a renovated bathroom and custom built kitchen with new appliances included. Open concept living area with woodstove features large windows that provide lots of natural light and water views in all directions.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

41 Sunset Avenue, Phinneys Cove, NS B0S 1L0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

306-5572 North Ridge Road, Halifax, NS B3K 5K2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
12Picture(s)
850Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

306-5572 North Ridge Road, Halifax, NS B3K 5K2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
850Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. This unit is perfect for anyone who wants to be in a great location of the Halifax peninsula! Close to the Hydrostone, NSCC, schools or hop on the Metro transit just outside your door. This pet friendly building is very well maintained and has an on site superintendent.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

306-5572 North Ridge Road, Halifax, NS B3K 5K2
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

70 Water Street, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,440Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$990000

Residential For Sale

70 Water Street, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,440Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Welcome to 70 Water Street, Baddeck. Perfectly situated in one of the most desirable neighborhoods on Cape Breton Island; where luxury meets tranquility. This picturesque residence boasts breathtaking water views and is just a stone's throw away from the Baddeck Marina, making it the ideal haven for boating enthusiasts.
C$990000

Residential For Sale

70 Water Street, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0
Engel & Volkers
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$990000

Residential For Sale

72 Harbourview Crescent, Louisdale, NS B0E 1V0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
29Picture(s)
2,359Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$439900

Residential For Sale

72 Harbourview Crescent, Louisdale, NS B0E 1V0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,359Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to 72 Harbourview Crescent in the village of Louisdale, Cape Breton. Located on a quiet side street, this home sits on a large manicured lot of mature trees and shrubs, and features a picturesque view of Seal Cove. The sunny kitchen boasts Corian countertops and a lovely corner window design with views of the harbour and property.
C$439900

Residential For Sale

72 Harbourview Crescent, Louisdale, NS B0E 1V0
Exit Realty Metro
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$439900

Residential For Sale

9222 3 Highway, Maders Cove, NS B0J 2E0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
4,407Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
C$1190000

Residential For Sale

9222 3 Highway, Maders Cove, NS B0J 2E0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,407Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
This completely renovated contemporary style home with its large wrap around deck overlooks the sparkling waters of Mahone Bay and enjoys spectacular ocean views from almost every room in the house.
C$1190000

Residential For Sale

9222 3 Highway, Maders Cove, NS B0J 2E0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1190000

Residential For Sale

38 Rogers Drive, Lower South River, NS B2G 0E7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
11Picture(s)
1,024Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
C$230000

Residential For Sale

38 Rogers Drive, Lower South River, NS B2G 0E7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,024Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
A beautiful custom built on site 3 bedroom two bathroom mini home ready for immediate occupancy with front and back entries - This home has been engineered for superior structural stability. Triple glazed windows and doors and one inch of rigid foam under floor system to keep heating/cooling costs economical.
C$230000

Residential For Sale

38 Rogers Drive, Lower South River, NS B2G 0E7
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$230000
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