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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

Lot 16 +cabin Bridge Street, Sherbrooke Lake Ns B0j 3c0

17Picture(s)
256Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
C$225000

Residential For Sale

Lot 16 +cabin Bridge Street, Sherbrooke Lake Ns B0j 3c0
256Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
This lake front paradise is waiting for you to create your own paradise. Situated in a covenant protected community this lovely bunkie style cottage us ready for you to expand your seasonal or future year round location. Well known for your sense of community this location is a short drive to the Annapolis Valley, South Shore region and New Ross.
C$225000

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Lot 16 +cabin Bridge Street, Sherbrooke Lake Ns B0j 3c0
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3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
40Picture(s)
724Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
C$265000

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14962 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp Ns B0e 1h0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
724Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
Unbeatable Location! This captivating property is the perfect blend of a serene summer escape/rental or a charming year-round residence, with an up-close and panoramic view of Cheticamp Harbour. Nestled on the renowned Cabot Trail, it's just a short walk from the heart of the vibrant Acadian village of Cheticamp, where you'll find everything you need, restaurants, and cultural experiences.
C$265000

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14962 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp Ns B0e 1h0
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
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60 Cove Road, Halls Harbour Ns B0p 1j0

6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,592Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
C$475000

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60 Cove Road, Halls Harbour Ns B0p 1j0
6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,592Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to 60 Cove Road – Coastal Charm in Halls Harbour Set in the heart of Halls Harbour, just minutes from the iconic Lobster Pound, this six-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers beautiful views of the Bay of Fundy and the natural beauty that surrounds it. Inside, you'll find two comfortable living areas, including a cozy main space with a wood stove—perfect for cooler evenings.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

60 Cove Road, Halls Harbour Ns B0p 1j0
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$475000

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210 Highway 1, Smiths Cove Ns B0s 1s0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
50Picture(s)
1,406Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
C$320000

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210 Highway 1, Smiths Cove Ns B0s 1s0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
1,406Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
Charming Country Home with Bay of Fundy Views in Smith's Cove Welcome to your dream country retreat in scenic Smith’s Cove! Nestled on 6.32 serene acres, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home boasts incredible views of the Bay of Fundy and combines rustic charm with modern upgrades for ultimate comfort.
C$320000

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210 Highway 1, Smiths Cove Ns B0s 1s0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$320000

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2639 Cabot Trail, Middle River Ns B0e 1b0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,748Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$949900

Residential For Sale

2639 Cabot Trail, Middle River Ns B0e 1b0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,748Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath hobby farm, a true gem nestled on 54 acres in beautiful Cape Breton. Offering a peaceful country lifestyle with modern conveniences, this property provides the perfect escape while keeping you close to essential amenities.
C$949900

Residential For Sale

2639 Cabot Trail, Middle River Ns B0e 1b0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$949900

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27-101 Terradore Lane, Bedford Ns B4b 1s7

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4Picture(s)
3,546Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1149900

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27-101 Terradore Lane, Bedford Ns B4b 1s7
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,546Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Cresco's newest 2-storey masterpiece sets the standard for luxury living on Terradore Lane in the Parks of West Bedford. Purchase now and collaborate directly with Cresco's design team to choose all your selections on this 3,546 sqft, 4-bed, 3.5-bath double car garage home with walkout basement.
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Residential For Sale

27-101 Terradore Lane, Bedford Ns B4b 1s7
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
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248 Main Street, Canso Ns B0h 1h0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,377Sqft
Del Mar Realty Inc.
C$405000

Residential For Sale

248 Main Street, Canso Ns B0h 1h0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,377Sqft
Del Mar Realty Inc.
Situated on 2.90 acres - Built in 1977, and delivered by train, this Lindal Cedar Home (Lexington Post and Beam Construction) arrived as a package, taking up an entire box car on the train. The train, which was traveling from British Columbia, stopped in Antigonish where materials had to be picked up, and brought back to Canso (Town).
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Residential For Sale

248 Main Street, Canso Ns B0h 1h0
Del Mar Realty Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$405000

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40 Jacksons Point Road, Tidnish Bridge Ns B4h 3x9

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
30Picture(s)
768Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$210000

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40 Jacksons Point Road, Tidnish Bridge Ns B4h 3x9
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
768Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
Cottage Life Starts Here! Welcome to this cozy and bright 2-bedroom cottage, thoughtfully updated inside and out for comfort and peace of mind. Recent upgrades include a new septic system, on-demand hot water, UV light, PEX plumbing, skirting, fire pit, and fresh landscaping.
C$210000

Residential For Sale

40 Jacksons Point Road, Tidnish Bridge Ns B4h 3x9
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$210000

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Redland Avenue, Amherst Ns B4h 2s5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4Picture(s)
960Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$314500

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Redland Avenue, Amherst Ns B4h 2s5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
960Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Welcome to Orchard Park, Amherst's newest residential development offering affordable new home ownership options. Enjoy the convenience of a prime location with easy access to key amenities such as excellent schools, essential services, the region's full-service hospital and major highways.
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Residential For Sale

Redland Avenue, Amherst Ns B4h 2s5
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$314500

Residential For Sale

387 Church Hill Road, Sandy Cove Ns B0v 1e0

8Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
4,225Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$575000

Residential For Sale

387 Church Hill Road, Sandy Cove Ns B0v 1e0
8Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
4,225Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Nestled on the charming Church Hill Road in the picturesque village of Sandy Cove, this grand century home offers endless possibilities and immense potential. Hosting views of Sandy Cove Harbour and St. Mary's Bay, this substantial property presents a unique opportunity for those seeking an exceptional residence or an entrepreneurial venture, such as a bed and breakfast.
C$575000

Residential For Sale

387 Church Hill Road, Sandy Cove Ns B0v 1e0
Exit Realty Town & Country
8Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
C$575000

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315 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke Ns B0n 1z0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
3,145Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$1500000

Residential For Sale

315 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke Ns B0n 1z0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,145Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
This is a very rare opportunity with endless possibilities! This gorgeous well maintained one level, three bedroom home boasts nine foot ceilings with open concept kitchen and living room and sits on over five acres! This home also has a large rec room with hot tub, pool table, exercise equipment, gaming station and bar included! Don't worry about heating costs as this home is heated with an ou
C$1500000

Residential For Sale

315 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke Ns B0n 1z0
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1500000

Residential For Sale

103 Charleton Road, West Springhill Ns B0s 1a0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,944Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$549900

Residential For Sale

103 Charleton Road, West Springhill Ns B0s 1a0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,944Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Welcome to your year-round lakeside retreat ! Located on the very popular Sandy Bottom Lake. This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility, nestled on the shores of a serene lake. Step inside to find an inviting open living space complete with large windows that flood the interior with natural light and stunning water views.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

103 Charleton Road, West Springhill Ns B0s 1a0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$549900
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