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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

906 Point Aconi Road, Point Aconi Ns B1y 1z9

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
18Picture(s)
996Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$130000

Residential For Sale

906 Point Aconi Road, Point Aconi Ns B1y 1z9
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
996Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Are you looking for country living? Look no further than this delightful mini home, complete with a generous addition that offers extra space and comfort. This property combines the charm of rural life with the convenience of modern amenities. Inside, you'll find two large bedrooms filled with natural light, perfect for relaxation and rest.
C$130000

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906 Point Aconi Road, Point Aconi Ns B1y 1z9
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$130000

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40 Holmes Hill Road, Hantsport Ns B0p 1p0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
36Picture(s)
2,168Sqft
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C$467000

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40 Holmes Hill Road, Hantsport Ns B0p 1p0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,168Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
Located in the sought after town of Hantsport this lovingly maintained 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home sits on a double lot and has much to offer.
C$467000

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40 Holmes Hill Road, Hantsport Ns B0p 1p0
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$467000

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122 Hargrove Lane, Whites Lake Ns B3t 0h8

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,825Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$1350000

Residential For Sale

122 Hargrove Lane, Whites Lake Ns B3t 0h8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,825Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Sitting on the dock of the bay watching the tide roll away. Make this dock your home and enjoy the striking vistas afforded by the SW exposure along with the six years young 4 bedroom 3.5 bath custom home that is perfectly perched to take it all in. Welcoming front veranda and foyer, generous staircases and a thoughtful layout on three levels.
C$1350000

Residential For Sale

122 Hargrove Lane, Whites Lake Ns B3t 0h8
Engel & Volkers
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1350000

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109 Jackson Street, Oxford Ns B0m 1p0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,582Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$309900

Residential For Sale

109 Jackson Street, Oxford Ns B0m 1p0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,582Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
HUGE PRICE DROP! SELLERS MOTIVATED! Charming & Spacious Four-Bedroom Home on a Corner Lot in Oxford This beautifully maintained four-bedroom home sits on a generous corner lot in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood of Oxford—just a short walk from the local school and the new Recreation Centre. Everyday essentials are conveniently close, with a grocery store and pharmacy just up the street.
C$309900

Residential For Sale

109 Jackson Street, Oxford Ns B0m 1p0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$309900

Residential For Sale

29 Keiferd Shore Lane, Gulf Shore Ns B0k 1y0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,291Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
C$619000

Residential For Sale

29 Keiferd Shore Lane, Gulf Shore Ns B0k 1y0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,291Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
Step off the deck, wander past the landscaped firepit and right down to the over 500ft long sandy beach and you will know you are home at 29 Keiferd Shore Lane. This three bedroom, two bathroom bungalow has all the new conveniences, because it is also new! In-floor heating system, and ductless heat-pumps keep it the perfect temperature all year.
C$619000

Residential For Sale

29 Keiferd Shore Lane, Gulf Shore Ns B0k 1y0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$619000

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3619 Highway 331, Lahave Ns B0r 1c0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,054Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$499999

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3619 Highway 331, Lahave Ns B0r 1c0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,054Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Charming Bungalow with Stunning Water Views in Sought-After LaHave Welcome to this spacious and well-maintained bungalow, circa 1973, nestled in the picturesque village of LaHave. This incredible property boasts expansive views of the LaHave River, Ritcey’s Cove, Dublin Bay, and overlooks the historic Fort Point Museum—a local gem rich in heritage.
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Residential For Sale

3619 Highway 331, Lahave Ns B0r 1c0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499999

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291 Central Port Mouton Road, Port Mouton Ns B0t 1t0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,334Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$379900

Residential For Sale

291 Central Port Mouton Road, Port Mouton Ns B0t 1t0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,334Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Coastal Paradise with Ocean Views – 291 Central Port Mouton Tucked away on an elevated private lot, this stunning Nova Scotia seaside home offers the ultimate coastal retreat, where you can relax knowing your just minutes from Carter’s Beach Provincial Park, known for its turquoise waters and white sand.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

291 Central Port Mouton Road, Port Mouton Ns B0t 1t0
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$379900

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1154 Ridge Road Lot 2, North Range Ns B0w 1h0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$479000

Residential For Sale

1154 Ridge Road Lot 2, North Range Ns B0w 1h0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,200Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Welcome to 1154 Ridge Road, North Range—where exceptional lake living meets peaceful seclusion in this like-new 2-bedroom, 1-bath lake house perched on Range Corner Lake. Perfectly set on approximately 27+/- acres with elevated panoramic views and 365+/- feet of waterfront, this rare hidden gem is a soul-soothing retreat.
C$479000

Residential For Sale

1154 Ridge Road Lot 2, North Range Ns B0w 1h0
Exit Realty Town & Country
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$479000

Residential For Sale

1154 Ridge Road Lot 2, North Range Ns B0w 1h0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$479000

Residential For Sale

1154 Ridge Road Lot 2, North Range Ns B0w 1h0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,200Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Welcome to 1154 Ridge Road, North Range—where exceptional lake living meets peaceful seclusion in this like-new 2-bedroom, 1-bath lake house perched on Range Corner Lake. Perfectly set on approximately 27+/- acres with elevated panoramic views and 365+/- feet of waterfront, this rare hidden gem is a soul-soothing retreat.
C$479000

Residential For Sale

1154 Ridge Road Lot 2, North Range Ns B0w 1h0
Exit Realty Town & Country
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$479000

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57 Alicia Boulevard, Kentville Ns B4n 4y7

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,245Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$559900

Residential For Sale

57 Alicia Boulevard, Kentville Ns B4n 4y7
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,245Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Nestled in a sought-after Kentville subdivision just minutes from town amenities and within walking distance to schools and scenic recreation trails, this meticulously maintained two-story home showcases true pride of ownership. The main floor offers a spacious eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, a large living room, and a convenient 2-piece bath.
C$559900

Residential For Sale

57 Alicia Boulevard, Kentville Ns B4n 4y7
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$559900

Residential For Sale

20 The Lane, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,236Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

20 The Lane, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,236Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
Nestled in the coastal village of Blue Rocks, this century home blends classic charm with modern upgrades. Situated less than 5 minutes from the UNESCO Town of Lunenburg, this home is just a short walk to the ocean and within an ocean view, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility by the sea.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

20 The Lane, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

2 Merion Court, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 2r1

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
2,970Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

2 Merion Court, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 2r1
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,970Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to the Knolls of Glen Arbour – where modern living meets comfort in this beautifully constructed bungalow. With 2970 sq. ft. of finished space, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers a thoughtful layout ideal for families, down sizers, or anyone seeking a mix of luxury and practicality.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

2 Merion Court, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 2r1
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$799900
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