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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

763 Conrod Road, Middle Musquodoboit Ns B0n 1x0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,961Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$1599900

Residential For Sale

763 Conrod Road, Middle Musquodoboit Ns B0n 1x0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,961Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Discover 763 Conrod Road: a rare blend of agricultural opportunity and refined living nestled in Musquodoboit’s countryside. This expansive 75-acre estate features six state-of-the-art, fully operational greenhouses-each equipped with modern irrigation, heating tables, and a recently upgraded propane heating system-once producing over half a million seedlings per season.
C$1599900

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763 Conrod Road, Middle Musquodoboit Ns B0n 1x0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1599900

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6698 St. Margarets Bay Road, Head Of St. Margarets Bay, NS B3Z 1X8

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
546Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$419900

Residential For Sale

6698 St. Margarets Bay Road, Head Of St. Margarets Bay, NS B3Z 1X8
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
546Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Newly installed septic and cistern" Once a boathouse, now a renovated open concept bachelor style home perched overlooking the waters of St. Margarets Bay with amazing views. Looking down from the deck you can watch the schools of fish and the occasional porpoise swim by. Across the Bay is Shining Waters Marina.
C$419900

Residential For Sale

6698 St. Margarets Bay Road, Head Of St. Margarets Bay, NS B3Z 1X8
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$419900

Residential For Sale

32 Albion Street, Amherst Ns B4h 2v5

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,972Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$239900

Residential For Sale

32 Albion Street, Amherst Ns B4h 2v5
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
1,972Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
HOME IN THE HEART OF Amherst minutes from downtown needs! This well-appointed home is ideal for a family home or home business. The main floor offers a larger entry way, living room, office, bathroom with laundry, eat in kitchen, dining room & kitchen pantry! Upstairs you will find two bedrooms, the primary bedroom has a massive walk in closet and full bathroom.
C$239900

Residential For Sale

32 Albion Street, Amherst Ns B4h 2v5
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$239900

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1380 Lake Road, Sandy Point Ns B0t 1w0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,189Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
C$394999

Residential For Sale

1380 Lake Road, Sandy Point Ns B0t 1w0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,189Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
Immaculate 4-Bedroom Split Entry in Prime Shelburne Location Tucked away in a quiet, sought-after neighbourhood near the hospital, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 1-bath split entry home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and style.
C$394999

Residential For Sale

1380 Lake Road, Sandy Point Ns B0t 1w0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$394999

Residential For Sale

70 Croft Street, Amherst Ns B4h 3a1

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
24Picture(s)
1,538Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

70 Croft Street, Amherst Ns B4h 3a1
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,538Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Beautiful bungalow on a large corner lot within walking distance to schools, parks the stadium and downtown. The main floor opens to a sizable living room with hardwood floors, there is a spacious updated eat in kitchen with newer Stainless Steel appliances. Down the hall you will find three good sized bedrooms and a four piece bathroom.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

70 Croft Street, Amherst Ns B4h 3a1
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$329900

Residential For Sale

6698 St. Margarets Bay Road, Head Of St. Margarets Bay, NS B3Z 1X8

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
546Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$419900

Residential For Sale

6698 St. Margarets Bay Road, Head Of St. Margarets Bay, NS B3Z 1X8
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
546Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Newly installed septic and cistern" Once a boathouse, now a renovated open concept bachelor style home perched overlooking the waters of St. Margarets Bay with amazing views. Looking down from the deck you can watch the schools of fish and the occasional porpoise swim by. Across the Bay is Shining Waters Marina.
C$419900

Residential For Sale

6698 St. Margarets Bay Road, Head Of St. Margarets Bay, NS B3Z 1X8
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$419900

Residential For Sale

143 Murphy, Tangier Ns B0j 3h0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
2,075Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$265000

Residential For Sale

143 Murphy, Tangier Ns B0j 3h0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,075Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Quick closing available on this large family home in the seaside community of Tangier! Situated on a 1/2 acre lot this this home is ideal for the first time buyer looking to put in some sweat equity. The main level consists of an eat in kitchen, formal dining room and large family room - all easily openened up for a open concept floor plan.
C$265000

Residential For Sale

143 Murphy, Tangier Ns B0j 3h0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$265000

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18 Merganser Avenue, Timberlea Ns B3t 1j1

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
44Picture(s)
2,824Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$669900

Residential For Sale

18 Merganser Avenue, Timberlea Ns B3t 1j1
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,824Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 18 Merganser Avenue in Timberlea, NS. This charming and move-in-ready family home is nestled on a spacious landscaped lot and just minutes from parks, lakes, trails, and schools—with quick access to the 103 and Metro Transit—this location makes everyday life easy.
C$669900

Residential For Sale

18 Merganser Avenue, Timberlea Ns B3t 1j1
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$669900

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2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
16Picture(s)
576Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$194900

Residential For Sale

65 Owl Pass, Vaughan Ns B0n 1z0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
576Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to the Community of Falls Lake!! Enjoy the peace and quiet of cottage life at an affordable price. Spacious open concept living room, dining area and kitchen. 2 cozy bedrooms and a bathroom with a fully functional compost toilet. This little gem is well maintained and being sold fully furnished.
C$194900

Residential For Sale

65 Owl Pass, Vaughan Ns B0n 1z0
Keller Williams Select Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$194900

Residential For Sale

62 Hadley Crescent, Halifax Ns B3p 1p1

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
2,690Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$769900

Residential For Sale

62 Hadley Crescent, Halifax Ns B3p 1p1
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,690Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 62 Hadley Crescent, Halifax – A Stunning Home in the Coveted Long Lake Village Step into this meticulously crafted Mayabella-built home, just 9 years young, offering exceptional quality and thoughtful design throughout.
C$769900

Residential For Sale

62 Hadley Crescent, Halifax Ns B3p 1p1
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$769900

Residential For Sale

6-1061 South Park Street, Halifax Ns B2h 2w5

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
21Picture(s)
800Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$449999

Residential For Sale

6-1061 South Park Street, Halifax Ns B2h 2w5
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
800Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Sunny South End Condo! This bright and inviting 1 Bedroom plus Den/Office, 1 Bath unit offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in one of Halifax’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Ideal for university students, young professionals, doctors, and travel nurses, the condo features in-unit laundry, a wood-burning fireplace, and an underground parking spot.
C$449999

Residential For Sale

6-1061 South Park Street, Halifax Ns B2h 2w5
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$449999

Residential For Sale

700 River Road, Springville Ns B0k 1b0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,600Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

700 River Road, Springville Ns B0k 1b0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,600Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Discover this stunning family home set on a picturesque 2-acre lot, offering exceptional privacy, a serene pond, and breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The spacious layout features a welcoming entry, a cozy living room with a fireplace, and a bright eat-in kitchen with patio doors leading to a private outdoor entertaining area.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

700 River Road, Springville Ns B0k 1b0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$449900
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