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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

328 King Street, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0

6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
39Picture(s)
2,923Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$435000

Residential For Sale

328 King Street, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,923Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Boutique hotel? Apartments? AirBnB? Just a couple of possibilities for this lovely gem! Consider the opportunities. Lovely character home on Kings St in Windsor. Within easy walking distance of parks, eateries and downtown. 6 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a stunning Decoste eat-in kitchen with solid cherry cabinets that fits perfectly with the style of the home.
C$435000

Residential For Sale

328 King Street, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$435000

Residential For Sale

110 Given Drive, Grand Lake, NS B2T 0K1

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
2,647Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$809000

Residential For Sale

110 Given Drive, Grand Lake, NS B2T 0K1
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,647Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome home to this absolutely stunning open-concept bungalow, nestled on a private, tree-lined lot with over 2.3 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the curb appeal, with a fully paved driveway leading to the spacious double car attached garage.
C$809000

Residential For Sale

110 Given Drive, Grand Lake, NS B2T 0K1
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$809000

Residential For Sale

47519 Cabot Trail, Tarbot, NS B0E 1B0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,066Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$349999

Residential For Sale

47519 Cabot Trail, Tarbot, NS B0E 1B0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,066Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Welcome to your newly constructed accessible-living home in beautiful Tarbot. Offering easy, one-level living in a beautiful rural property. Built in 2022 and crafted for the current owners. As you arrive, you're greeted by a full-length screened-in patio, the perfect spot to relax and enjoy mountain views and vibrant sunsets.
C$349999

Residential For Sale

47519 Cabot Trail, Tarbot, NS B0E 1B0
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$349999

Residential For Sale

87 Old Orchard Lane Beaverdam Lake, Beaver Dam Lake, NS B0T 1W0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
24Picture(s)
1,280Sqft
Coldwell Banker Tri-Key Realty (Barrington Passage)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

87 Old Orchard Lane Beaverdam Lake, Beaver Dam Lake, NS B0T 1W0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,280Sqft
Coldwell Banker Tri-Key Realty (Barrington Passage)
This stunning home is located on Old Orchard Lane, near Beaverdam Lake. The front and back of the property offer lake views. It is only 1 year old, as of March, and features plenty of amenities.
C$499000

Residential For Sale

87 Old Orchard Lane Beaverdam Lake, Beaver Dam Lake, NS B0T 1W0
Coldwell Banker Tri-Key Realty (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

4 Ridge Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,817Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$85000

Residential For Sale

4 Ridge Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,817Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Tucked away in the quiet countryside of South Branch, this 1.5-storey character home is waiting for your personal touch. Surrounded by large fields and fresh country air, it's the kind of place where life slows down and sunsets feel a little bit sweeter. Only 20 minutes from the amenities of Brookfield, it offers the best of both worlds, peaceful rural living with town conveniences close by.
C$85000

Residential For Sale

4 Ridge Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$85000

Residential For Sale

34 Young Street, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 1V5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
11Picture(s)
1,120Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$34900

Residential For Sale

34 Young Street, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 1V5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,120Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Located just minutes from downtown Sydney Mines and close to all local amenities, this single-family homeoffers stunning ocean views and great potential. The property features a 200 Amp electrical panel and is ideal for investors or renovators looking for their next project.This home requires substantial interior work, as shown in the photos, and is being sold "as is, where is.
C$34900

Residential For Sale

34 Young Street, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 1V5
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$34900

Residential For Sale

3419 Malagash Road, Malagash Centre, NS B0K 1E0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,337Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

3419 Malagash Road, Malagash Centre, NS B0K 1E0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,337Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
Welcome to this beautiful property at 3419 Malagash Road! What views out to the ocean! Enjoy your own apple trees, and blueberry bush and other flowering plants and shrubs. The home is three bedrooms with one bath, with a 30 x 10 wrap around deck. There is a recreation room on the lower level, along with a ducted heat pump furnace to give you heating and cooling year-round.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

3419 Malagash Road, Malagash Centre, NS B0K 1E0
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

19 River Road, Milton, NS B0T 1P0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,514Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$259900

Residential For Sale

19 River Road, Milton, NS B0T 1P0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,514Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
This nicely maintained home boasts many extras completed in the last year. Please refer to the LBO for a detailed list of upgrades and repairs. This two-bedroom home features a brand-new bathroom, a large living room, and a combined dining area and kitchen, all nicely laid out over approximately 1,514 sq. ft. of living space.
C$259900

Residential For Sale

19 River Road, Milton, NS B0T 1P0
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$259900

Residential For Sale

273 Main Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,390Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
C$275000

Residential For Sale

273 Main Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,390Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
Well maintained historic home situated on a tidy, landscaped double lot in the centre of the coastal community of Parrsboro.
C$275000

Residential For Sale

273 Main Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$275000

Residential For Sale

5040b-39 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
3,059Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$934900

Residential For Sale

5040b-39 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,059Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Welcome to Marchand Homes’ newest model, The Harper, located in the sought-after Indigo Shores community. Situated on 3.48 acres of land on a quiet, desirable street, this stunning two-storey home offers the perfect blend of space, style, and function—ideal for family living.
C$934900

Residential For Sale

5040b-39 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$934900

Residential For Sale

13510 Hwy 6, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,730Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$269000

Residential For Sale

13510 Hwy 6, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,730Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Welcome to this charming and inviting home, where character meets comfort. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and 1.5 baths, this property offers a perfect blend of classic details and thoughtful updates. Recent upgrades include new insulation in the exterior walls, many new vinyl windows, a new oil tank, and a heat pump—keeping energy costs low and the home cozy year-round.
C$269000

Residential For Sale

13510 Hwy 6, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$269000

Residential For Sale

23 Perry Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
41Picture(s)
928Sqft
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
C$388800

Residential For Sale

23 Perry Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
928Sqft
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
Another NEW Build in Stewiacke River Crossing. ONLY $388,800. Just paved the driveway. FIVE New Appliances just delivered. This one is 2 Bedroom with 2 full baths. Infloor heat includiung garage. 9 foot ceilings and cathederal ceiling in living room. Quartz Countertops. Heat pump. Finished and ready to go. All landscaped with green grass. Town services sewer and water..
C$388800

Residential For Sale

23 Perry Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$388800
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