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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

580 Masons Beach Road, First South Ns B0j 2c0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,168Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
C$2850000

Residential For Sale

580 Masons Beach Road, First South Ns B0j 2c0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,168Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
If you are looking for that spectacular "Wow" factor, look no more! Jaw dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean over Faders Cove and the captivating sunrises are simply breathtaking. This gorgeous home sits on a spacious and elevated lot only minutes from the UNESCO Town of Lunenburg and thoughtfully designed for entertaining family and friends.
C$2850000

Residential For Sale

580 Masons Beach Road, First South Ns B0j 2c0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$2850000

Residential For Sale

86 Hearthwood Crescent, Halifax Ns B3p 0g5

5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
5,719Sqft
Parachute Realty
C$1749900

Residential For Sale

86 Hearthwood Crescent, Halifax Ns B3p 0g5
5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5,719Sqft
Parachute Realty
Claim your place among some of Halifax's most distinguished addresses at Boscobel on the Arm. 86 Hearthwood Crescent is where timeless architecture, refined design, and over 5700 square feet of living space come together in a home that is both grand and grounded; where luxury feels effortless and scale feels personal.
C$1749900

Residential For Sale

86 Hearthwood Crescent, Halifax Ns B3p 0g5
Parachute Realty
5Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
C$1749900

Residential For Sale

148 Blue Sea Road, Malagash Centre Ns B0k 1e0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
41Picture(s)
800Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$304900

Residential For Sale

148 Blue Sea Road, Malagash Centre Ns B0k 1e0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
800Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Escape to the charm of north shore living with this adorable turn key 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage nestled in the heart of Malagash. Set on one acre, this peaceful retreat is just a short stroll to the Malagash Wharf and only 3 km from the stunning Blue Sea Beach Provincial Park.
C$304900

Residential For Sale

148 Blue Sea Road, Malagash Centre Ns B0k 1e0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$304900

Residential For Sale

934 Mira Bay Drive, Catalone Gut Ns B1c 2b8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,520Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$194900

Residential For Sale

934 Mira Bay Drive, Catalone Gut Ns B1c 2b8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,520Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
Your Coastal Paradise Awaits! Have you been searching for your slice of heaven? Can you imagine breathing in the salt-kissed ocean air on warm summer days? Look no further than 934 Mira Bay Dr. This charming farmhouse presents an ideal opportunity for anyone seeking the perfect summer retreat.
C$194900

Residential For Sale

934 Mira Bay Drive, Catalone Gut Ns B1c 2b8
Century 21 Optimum Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$194900

Residential For Sale

9 Catherine Street, Glace Bay Ns B1a 2j7

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,561Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$205000

Residential For Sale

9 Catherine Street, Glace Bay Ns B1a 2j7
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,561Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Step into this historic Glace Bay home, located directly across from the enchanting Renwick Park and it's lush scenery, walking trails and duck ponds. 9 Catherine Street is a rare find at an affordable price! A home that blends the character and charm of original hardwood floors and a wood burning fire place, paired with a renovated farmhouse style kitchen and bathroom.
C$205000

Residential For Sale

9 Catherine Street, Glace Bay Ns B1a 2j7
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$205000

Residential For Sale

21067 316 Highway, Goshen Ns B0h 1m0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,399Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

21067 316 Highway, Goshen Ns B0h 1m0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,399Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
A unique listing! This beautiful, newly renovated, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sits on 1.8 acres. Landscaped with shrubs and flowering bushes. 3 large outbuildings on the property to use as you wish. Plus 2 other garages which could be used as shops. The ideas are endless. Also included is a new hot tub and above ground swimming pool to relax after a busy day or enjoy on weekends.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

21067 316 Highway, Goshen Ns B0h 1m0
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

3057 Point Michaud Road, Gracieville Ns B0e 1w0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
26Picture(s)
828Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$188000

Residential For Sale

3057 Point Michaud Road, Gracieville Ns B0e 1w0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
828Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Experience the perfect blend of country living near the beach and modern upgrades at 3057 Point Michaud Road in Gracieville on Cape Breton Island. This charming two-bedroom, one-bath home sits in a peaceful rural setting just under 3 km from the stunning Point Michaud Provincial Park (pictures in listing) and conveniently near a local general store.
C$188000

Residential For Sale

3057 Point Michaud Road, Gracieville Ns B0e 1w0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$188000

Residential For Sale

647 7 Highway, Ecum Secum Ns B0j 2k0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
25Picture(s)
851Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$159900

Residential For Sale

647 7 Highway, Ecum Secum Ns B0j 2k0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
851Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to this cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house nestled in Ecum Secum. Built in the late 1950s this property offers the perfect blend of vintage character with modern potential, making it an ideal retreat for year-round living, a seasonal getaway or an rental opportunity.
C$159900

Residential For Sale

647 7 Highway, Ecum Secum Ns B0j 2k0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$159900

Residential For Sale

155 Pelham Street, Lunenburg Ns B0j 2c0

5Bedroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,600Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$265000

Residential For Sale

155 Pelham Street, Lunenburg Ns B0j 2c0
5Bedroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,600Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
This house is a survivor. Relatively few buildings of the Georgian period have escaped being architecturally 're-invented' by the Victorians.
C$265000

Residential For Sale

155 Pelham Street, Lunenburg Ns B0j 2c0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
5Bedroom(s)
C$265000

Residential For Sale

846 Placide Comeau Road, Meteghan Station Ns B0w 2l0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,842Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$104900

Residential For Sale

846 Placide Comeau Road, Meteghan Station Ns B0w 2l0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,842Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Welcome to this charming fixer-upper, a historic gem built in 1890 with immense potential. This two-story home features three bedrooms and one bathroom, offering a wonderful canvas for renovation enthusiasts. The property is equipped with two chimney's but only the back chimney has a liner and the house currently lacks a heat source.
C$104900

Residential For Sale

846 Placide Comeau Road, Meteghan Station Ns B0w 2l0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$104900

Residential For Sale

1981 Antigonish Guysborough Road, Marydale Ns B0h 1x0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
12Picture(s)
2,505Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$420000

Residential For Sale

1981 Antigonish Guysborough Road, Marydale Ns B0h 1x0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,505Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Tucked away on nearly two acres, this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers space, comfort, and privacy just 15–20 minutes from Antigonish. With bathrooms on every level, a fully finished walk-out basement, and flexible bonus rooms, it’s designed for convenience and versatility.
C$420000

Residential For Sale

1981 Antigonish Guysborough Road, Marydale Ns B0h 1x0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$420000

Residential For Sale

81 Belair Drive, Conway Ns B0v 1a0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,224Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$239900

Residential For Sale

81 Belair Drive, Conway Ns B0v 1a0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
1,224Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Welcome to Lot 32 - 81 Belair Drive, a quiet cul de sac in Conway. House was moved onto a new concrete basement in 2000. Upon entering through the back door you are greeted into a spacious kitchen with ample cupboards. The large living room has original hardwood flooring. (electric fireplace not included).
C$239900

Residential For Sale

81 Belair Drive, Conway Ns B0v 1a0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239900
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