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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

708-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
31Picture(s)
573Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$489900

Residential For Sale

708-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
573Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to this brand new harbour view 2-bedroom condo at NRTH. Close to all facilities, walking distance to resturants, retailers, cafes. Easily accessible by transit. Lots of surface and street parking options nearby. Equipped with fitness room, yoga room, and social terrace, NRTH offers a healthy and relaxing lifestyle.Low condo fees includes almost everything but electricity.
C$489900

Residential For Sale

708-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$489900

Residential For Sale

100 Walker Cut, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

10Bedroom(s)
9Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
6,101Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
C$10000000

Residential For Sale

100 Walker Cut, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
10Bedroom(s)
9Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
6,101Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
Chester – Nova Scotia’s most prestigious and storied village. Welcome to this all-encompassing, multi-generational retreat/estate; an impressive private “end of the road” 19 acres on four PID’s of ocean panorama, looking down from a hilltop on the village of Chester, the back harbour, and the islands of Mahone Bay.
C$10000000

Residential For Sale

100 Walker Cut, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
10Bedroom(s)
9Bathroom(s)
C$10000000

Residential For Sale

30 Monteith Avenue, Westmount, NS B1R 1K4

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
24Picture(s)
780Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$159900

Residential For Sale

30 Monteith Avenue, Westmount, NS B1R 1K4
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
780Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
This charming two-bedroom, one-bath home offers incredible potential in one of Sydney’s more desirable neighborhoods. Featuring a large, bright porch entry and deck. The property has views of the harbour and is just minutes from parks, shopping, and schools. Set on a park-like street with a private backyard with mature trees. It’s perfect for first-time buyers, investors, or renovators.
C$159900

Residential For Sale

30 Monteith Avenue, Westmount, NS B1R 1K4
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$159900

Residential For Sale

46 Catherine Street, Sydney, NS B1N 2W1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
37Picture(s)
2,454Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

46 Catherine Street, Sydney, NS B1N 2W1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
2,454Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
This beautifully renovated home sits on a large lot, offering plenty of space inside and out. Recently updated from top to bottom, the property combines modern finishes with comfort and functionality. The main level features gleaming hardwood floors, a brand-new kitchen, and three spacious bedrooms along with two full bathrooms.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

46 Catherine Street, Sydney, NS B1N 2W1
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

166 Hillside Drive, Boutiliers Point, NS B3Z 1W8

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
34Picture(s)
724Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1399900

Residential For Sale

166 Hillside Drive, Boutiliers Point, NS B3Z 1W8
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
724Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Opportunity awaits at 166 Hillside Drive. Set on 45 acres of MU-2 zoned land with sweeping ocean views, this property offers incredible potential for those looking to build, develop, or simply enjoy a peaceful retreat on the coast. With preliminary approval already in place for up to 8 lots, the possibilities are endless.
C$1399900

Residential For Sale

166 Hillside Drive, Boutiliers Point, NS B3Z 1W8
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$1399900

Residential For Sale

5021-330 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,815Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$899900

Residential For Sale

5021-330 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,815Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
The Sienna by Marchand Homes. Welcome to the market, a facsimile listing for a custom slab-on-grade bungalow by Marchand Homes, set on 1.47 acres cul-de-sac lot in the desirable community of Indigo Shores. This executive residence is designed with modern living in mind, offering quartz countertops, kitchen cabinets extended to the ceiling, and upgrades throughout.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

5021-330 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X1
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

32 Glissade Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 2K5

6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
4,720Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$1620000

Residential For Sale

32 Glissade Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 2K5
6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4,720Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
32 Glissade Crt. is being built with care, attention to detail, and all high-quality end finishes. It’s designed to impress and to create incredible value on this lot.
C$1620000

Residential For Sale

32 Glissade Court, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 2K5
RE/MAX Nova
6Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$1620000

Residential For Sale

Unit 1 769 Pictou Road, East Mountain, NS B6L 2M8

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
9Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$369900

Residential For Sale

Unit 1 769 Pictou Road, East Mountain, NS B6L 2M8
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,200Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
This is beautifully appointed home, features a primary suite with walk-in closet and full bath along with a laundry room adjoining the bathroom and both boast in floor heat for the ultimate comfort. The spacious open concept, living area features solid Cherrywood, cabinetry, and ample working space and large detached island with eating area as well.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

Unit 1 769 Pictou Road, East Mountain, NS B6L 2M8
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

40 Maland Drive, Springville, NS B2H 5C5

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
1,764Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

40 Maland Drive, Springville, NS B2H 5C5
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,764Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Perched on a hill with beautiful views you will find 40 Maland Drive in Springville. This charming Cape Cod home welcomes you with a wrap around deck, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The spacious entry way offers three closets for storage and leads into a bright main level. As an added convenience there is a main floor laundry room as well as a full bath.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

40 Maland Drive, Springville, NS B2H 5C5
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

140 Hartling Road, West Quoddy, NS B0J 2R0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
624Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$149900

Residential For Sale

140 Hartling Road, West Quoddy, NS B0J 2R0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
624Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
see emailLocated just under two hours from Halifax in the quiet oceanside community of West Quoddy, this unique property offers just over two acres of land, a short walk from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The true value in this property lies in the land itself, a blank canvas for anyone dreaming of building a custom cottage retreat.
C$149900

Residential For Sale

140 Hartling Road, West Quoddy, NS B0J 2R0
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$149900

Residential For Sale

1229 Conquerall Mills Road, Conquerall Mills, NS B4V 6A5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,452Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$479900

Residential For Sale

1229 Conquerall Mills Road, Conquerall Mills, NS B4V 6A5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,452Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Welcome to Conquerall Mills, where privacy, style, and a sought-after location all come together in this nearly new, stunning bungalow. With 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, this home is only three years old and designed for today’s lifestyle—low-maintenance, open-concept, and filled with thoughtful details that stand out. Inside, the feeling is bright, fresh, and functional.
C$479900

Residential For Sale

1229 Conquerall Mills Road, Conquerall Mills, NS B4V 6A5
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$479900

Residential For Sale

405-96 Regency Park Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1S5

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,525Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$481900

Residential For Sale

405-96 Regency Park Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1S5
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,525Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Welcome to this beautifully designed two-bedroom, two-bathroom one-owner condo with a versatile den, perfectly blending comfort and functionality! As you enter, a spacious foyer with a large coat closet and storage room sets the tone for the thoughtful layout.
C$481900

Residential For Sale

405-96 Regency Park Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1S5
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$481900
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