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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

51 Eagle Point Drive, Windsor Junction, NS B2T 1K1

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
3,089Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$1150000

Residential For Sale

51 Eagle Point Drive, Windsor Junction, NS B2T 1K1
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,089Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to the exquisite lakefront property at 51 Eagle Point Drive, nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac in Windsor Junction. This stunning home offers a unique blend of tranquility and convenience, with downtown Halifax and the international airport just minutes away, along with easy highway access.
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51 Eagle Point Drive, Windsor Junction, NS B2T 1K1
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4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
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1,444Sqft
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3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,444Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
In real estate, location can be everything...welcome to 109 Alexander St. With a family friendly neighbourhood, church and schools close by, and a short distance from shopping and grocery, this family home is ready for you. The kitchen is large and updated and has 4 newer appliances, and opens to the large dining room with a 1/2 bath near by....a perfect space for entertaining.
C$230000

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109 Alexander Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4A6
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3Bedroom(s)
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399 Leville Road, New Ross, NS B0J 2M0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
21Picture(s)
780Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$254900

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399 Leville Road, New Ross, NS B0J 2M0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
780Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
It's Summer!!!Wonderful cottage on a quiet lake and the location couldn’t be better! Just an hour outside Halifax and 30 minutes to Chester, this is the ideal ‘escape to the country’ cottage. A large lot with approx 120’ of waterfront, this three bedroom, one bath home can be your summer getaway or with a few upgrades, a year round home.
C$254900

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399 Leville Road, New Ross, NS B0J 2M0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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3931 Highway 4, Cleveland, NS B0E 1J0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
2,428Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
C$344500

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3931 Highway 4, Cleveland, NS B0E 1J0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,428Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
Original owners- Beautiful 4 BDRM, 1.5 BATH Cape Cod style home that sits on a nicely landscaped 1.28 Acre lot just 8 minutes from the town of Port Hawkesbury and a 10 minute drive to the Bras d'Or Lakes. Detached double garage, completely finished (2009). Ample parking. Also a 10x12 shed ideal for extra storage.
C$344500

Residential For Sale

3931 Highway 4, Cleveland, NS B0E 1J0
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,763Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$489900

Residential For Sale

120 Zwicker Mill Road, New Germany, NS B0R 1E0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,763Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Step into a home that truly has it all, character, comfort, and room to grow. This beautifully maintained century home blends old charm with thoughtful modern updates, making it welcoming, unique and full of potential. Inside, you’ll find expansive ceilings, classic pillars, and a spacious living area featuring a vintage bar—perfect for entertaining friends and family.
C$489900

Residential For Sale

120 Zwicker Mill Road, New Germany, NS B0R 1E0
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$489900

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2881 Highway 2, Fall River, NS B2T 1W3

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,880Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$1195000

Residential For Sale

2881 Highway 2, Fall River, NS B2T 1W3
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,880Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Nestled along the shores of Lake Thomas, 2881 Highway 2 offers a one-of-a-kind lakeside escape just minutes from Fall River. This custom-built home is an absolute gem, thoughtfully designed for luxury, comfort, and connection to nature. Enjoy 345’ of lake frontage stretching the full width of the property, perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking or paddleboarding.
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2881 Highway 2, Fall River, NS B2T 1W3
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1195000

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5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
31Picture(s)
2,138Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$419900

Residential For Sale

2133 New Cheverie Road, Cheverie, NS B0N 2A0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,138Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Ocean View Historic Home - Built in 1875 for the town’s mayor, this historic home blends timeless character withmodern updates. Once the local storefront and one of the area's most prestigious homes, it features highceilings, original woodwork, wainscoting, and a servants' staircase.
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Keller Williams Select Realty
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$419900

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6Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,350Sqft
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C$419900

Residential For Sale

2968 West Lake Ainslie Road, West Lake Ainslie, NS B0E 1N0
6Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,350Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Escape to the tranquility of Lake Ainslie, where this stunning 6-bedroom home sits on over 105 acres of woodlands, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Originally built in 1977, the main part of this bungalow was extensively modified and added to over time, resulting in a spacious and versatile layout ideal for family living or multi-use potential.
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Engel & Volkers
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2842 Highway 311, Upper North River, NS B6L 6J7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
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38Picture(s)
1,605Sqft
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Residential For Sale

2842 Highway 311, Upper North River, NS B6L 6J7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,605Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Your Country Escape, Just Minutes from Town! Tucked away on a peaceful 1.65-acre lot, this very well maintained charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow offers the perfect mix of privacy and convenience — just 15 minutes from Truro. Whether you’re starting out, slowing down, or dreaming of a beautiful garden, this property checks all the boxes.
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2842 Highway 311, Upper North River, NS B6L 6J7
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299000

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40 Sutherland Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1M1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
39Picture(s)
2,055Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$839900

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40 Sutherland Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1M1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,055Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
High quality finishes, modem comforts and premium upgrades abound, in this fabulous Fall River home, The private setting is so appealing, with the attractive landscaping blending into the natural setting.
C$839900

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40 Sutherland Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1M1
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$839900

Residential For Sale

17987 Highway 316, Country Harbour, NS B0H 0B1

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3Picture(s)
736Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$231000

Residential For Sale

17987 Highway 316, Country Harbour, NS B0H 0B1
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
736Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Turnkey Mini Home by Stone’s Prestige Homes – Facsimile Build on This Lot 17987 Highway 316 Welcome to the perfect turnkey home or cottage retreat, featuring a facsimile 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom mini home by Stone’s Prestige Homes, to be constructed right on this lot.
C$231000

Residential For Sale

17987 Highway 316, Country Harbour, NS B0H 0B1
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$231000

Residential For Sale

40 Broad Street, Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3Picture(s)
736Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$233900

Residential For Sale

40 Broad Street, Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
736Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Turnkey Mini Home by Stone’s Prestige Homes – Facsimile Build on this Lot 40 Broad St Welcome to the perfect turnkey mini home, featuring a facsimile 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom mini home by Stone’s Prestige Homes, to be constructed right on this lot.
C$233900

Residential For Sale

40 Broad Street, Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$233900
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