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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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213 Spinnaker Drive, Halifax, NS B3N 3C3

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,825Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$699900

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213 Spinnaker Drive, Halifax, NS B3N 3C3
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,825Sqft
Red Door Realty
This charming townhouse offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in sought-after Regatta Point. Nestled in a serene neighbourhood, this townhouse features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and ensures ample space for relaxation and privacy. The interior boasts gleaming hardwood floors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
C$699900

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213 Spinnaker Drive, Halifax, NS B3N 3C3
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3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$699900

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24 Oceanic Drive, East Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1P4

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
34Picture(s)
3,253Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$579900

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24 Oceanic Drive, East Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1P4
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,253Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
Coastal Living with Killer Views! Here’s your chance to grab a slice of East Coast paradise! This home has 3,200 square feet of finished living space and sits on 1.2 acres with unreal ocean views overlooking the Lawrencetown Beach area. A little extra branch trimming would open up the views extensively. A little TLC will transform this home into a gorgeous retreat.
C$579900

Residential For Sale

24 Oceanic Drive, East Lawrencetown, NS B2Z 1P4
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$579900

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11484 Shore Road E, Mount Hanley, NS B0S 1P0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
18Picture(s)
468Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$299000

Residential For Sale

11484 Shore Road E, Mount Hanley, NS B0S 1P0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
468Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Like-new and move-in ready, this 2022-built tiny home sits tucked away on a very private 4.5 acre lot just moments from the Bay of Fundy, where cool summer breezes and the scent of salt air greet you daily. Set back from a quiet, low-traffic road and surrounded by mature shade trees, this peaceful setting offers space to relax, roam, and explore.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

11484 Shore Road E, Mount Hanley, NS B0S 1P0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299000

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6560 Highway 332, Upper Lahave, NS B4V 7B4

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
1,500Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

6560 Highway 332, Upper Lahave, NS B4V 7B4
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,500Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
Salt water view of Burns Cove and southerly exposure with this two bedroom home (presently a seasonal spot for present owners). Features include water in-floor heating on main level, main level laundry, open concept kitchen, dining space with centre island for entertaining, spacious living area with water views, updated septic tank set up.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

6560 Highway 332, Upper Lahave, NS B4V 7B4
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

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435 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 0A8

2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
17Picture(s)
1,594Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
C$389900

Residential For Sale

435 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 0A8
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,594Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
Great location for most of Bridgewater's amenities with this 2 bedroom Town house offering 3 baths, full basement (developed with access to lower patio are), five appliances, in-floor heating (lower level) and hot water baseboard on the main level. The main level is very spacious and offers an open concept living, dining and kitchen spaces.
C$389900

Residential For Sale

435 Glen Allan Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 0A8
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$389900

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9781 Highway 311, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,487Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$415000

Residential For Sale

9781 Highway 311, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,487Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
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C$415000

Residential For Sale

9781 Highway 311, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$415000

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2804 Highway 320, Poulamon, NS B0E 1K0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
40Picture(s)
858Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
C$165000

Residential For Sale

2804 Highway 320, Poulamon, NS B0E 1K0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
858Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
Picturesque Isle Madame with Spectacular ocean views await the new buyer, 6.4 acres of beautiful countryside leading to an ATV trail where one can enjoy, hiking, walking, snow- shoeing + walking distance to a small lake for swimming. Cape Breton offers peace, tranquility, beauty and a slower pace of life.
C$165000

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2804 Highway 320, Poulamon, NS B0E 1K0
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$165000

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13187 Highway 2, Central Onslow, NS B6L 5C7

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
11Picture(s)
816Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$339000

Residential For Sale

13187 Highway 2, Central Onslow, NS B6L 5C7
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
816Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
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C$339000

Residential For Sale

13187 Highway 2, Central Onslow, NS B6L 5C7
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$339000

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293 Greg Rd, Greenfield, NS B6L 3N5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,506Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

293 Greg Rd, Greenfield, NS B6L 3N5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,506Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to your private paradise! This stunning three-bedroom, two-bathroom log home is a rare gem nestled in nature – just five minutes from the breathtaking Greenfield waterfalls, with direct access through your own backyard trail.
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Residential For Sale

293 Greg Rd, Greenfield, NS B6L 3N5
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$475000

Residential For Sale

1111 Rockcliffe Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y7

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,292Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
C$2100000

Residential For Sale

1111 Rockcliffe Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y7
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,292Sqft
Domus Realty Limited
Discover a rare opportunity to own a piece of Halifax's prestigious Rockcliffe Street. This meticulously maintained, west-facing home at 1111 Rockcliffe, held by the same family since 1942, masterfully blends classic elegance with modern comfort, all while preserving its original character.
C$2100000

Residential For Sale

1111 Rockcliffe Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y7
Domus Realty Limited
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$2100000

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13 Lynwood Avenue, Kentville, NS B4N 1A9

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,633Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$379900

Residential For Sale

13 Lynwood Avenue, Kentville, NS B4N 1A9
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,633Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
In today's market, it's a rare find to discover a home with so many completed upgrades. This beautifully maintained property allows you to avoid additional expenses beyond your mortgage, making it truly move-in ready. Just pack your belongings and settle right in! This home boasts numerous features that any new homeowner will appreciate.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

13 Lynwood Avenue, Kentville, NS B4N 1A9
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$379900

Residential For Sale

32 Massie Road, West Dublin, NS B0R 1C0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
17Picture(s)
812Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$289900

Residential For Sale

32 Massie Road, West Dublin, NS B0R 1C0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
812Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Perched on a hill overlooking the breathtaking landscapes of Crescent Beach and Bush Island, this 3- bedroom, 1-bath mobile home offers an unbeatable combination of privacy, potential, and panoramic coastal views.
C$289900

Residential For Sale

32 Massie Road, West Dublin, NS B0R 1C0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$289900
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