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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

4 Spring Street, Sydney, NS B1P 3P2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
14Picture(s)
648Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$164900

Residential For Sale

4 Spring Street, Sydney, NS B1P 3P2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
648Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Welcome to 4 Spring Street — a charming Sydney bungalow offering comfort, convenience, and the ease of one-level living. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath, this home is ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone seeking a manageable, low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy paved parking and a convenient carport, making vehicle access a breeze.
C$164900

Residential For Sale

4 Spring Street, Sydney, NS B1P 3P2
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$164900

Residential For Sale

4319 Highway 1, South Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,155Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

4319 Highway 1, South Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,155Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Located just mins away from the Town of Berwick, with county taxes, this 2 bed 1 bath home on 1/4 acre lot is the perfect starter home! Main floor has mudroom/laundry, kitchen with plenty of cabinets/counter space, separate dining room, cosy living room, sunroom (which could easily be a main floor bedroom) and 4 pc main bath.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

4319 Highway 1, South Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

Lot 834 Belvar Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 2S6

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,470Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$1398800

Residential For Sale

Lot 834 Belvar Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 2S6
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,470Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Imagine starting every day in a stunning home designed around your life style needs...Wake up to the serene sounds of nature, looking out to the beautiful vistas through your huge expanse of windows facing your private yard. Your beautifully detailed custom shower provides the perfect invigorating aromas tingling your senses until the smell of fresh brewed coffee takes over...
C$1398800

Residential For Sale

Lot 834 Belvar Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 2S6
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1398800

Residential For Sale

949 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant, NS B0R 1G0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
35Picture(s)
854Sqft
Red Door Realty(20036)
C$362500

Residential For Sale

949 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant, NS B0R 1G0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
854Sqft
Red Door Realty(20036)
Brand new with charm! Two bedroom, one bathroom with an idyllic view. A large parcel of land that comprises a little creek that connects to Huey Lake. One level living adaptable for numerous accessibility features. Built with passive solar principles, a heat pump, and 15% extra insulation for ultra efficient heating and cooling.
C$362500

Residential For Sale

949 Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant, NS B0R 1G0
Red Door Realty(20036)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$362500

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North, NS B0J 2C0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North, NS B0J 2C0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
Rarely do you find a unique opportunity such as this, to own your own little piece of oceanfront paradise on historic, storied Schooner Cove in Stonehurst, Nova Scotia. Formerly the old community school house, this exquisite renovation sits on 2.4 acres with over 300 feet of ocean frontage, just 10 minutes from the Town of Lunenburg.
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North, NS B0J 2C0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

231-75 Colllins Grove, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6B3

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
30Picture(s)
766Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$329000

Residential For Sale

231-75 Colllins Grove, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6B3
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
766Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Welcome to this bright and pet-friendly two-story condo located in the sought-after Nantucket area of Dartmouth. This well-designed home offers a comfortable layout — the main level features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area perfect for both relaxing and entertaining, while the upper level provides privacy with two spacious bedrooms and a full bath.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

231-75 Colllins Grove, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6B3
Engel & Volkers
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

15 Ross Creek Drive, Ross Creek, NS B0P 1H0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
38Picture(s)
953Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
C$379000

Residential For Sale

15 Ross Creek Drive, Ross Creek, NS B0P 1H0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
953Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
Welcome to 15 Ross Creek Drive where the ocean breeze, fresh air, and soothing sounds surround you. This three bedroom cottage is located on a quiet and peaceful private road with beach access only a short walk away. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, walks on the beach or being cozy inside by the wood fire.
C$379000

Residential For Sale

15 Ross Creek Drive, Ross Creek, NS B0P 1H0
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$379000

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North, NS B0J 2C0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North, NS B0J 2C0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
Rarely do you find a unique opportunity such as this, to own your own little piece of oceanfront paradise on historic, storied Schooner Cove in Stonehurst, Nova Scotia. Formerly the old community school house, this exquisite renovation sits on 2.4 acres with over 300 feet of ocean frontage, just 10 minutes from the Town of Lunenburg.
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North, NS B0J 2C0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

3030 Macleod Avenue, River Ryan, NS B1H 1J7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
24Picture(s)
996Sqft
Royal Lepage Anchor Realty(North Sydney)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

3030 Macleod Avenue, River Ryan, NS B1H 1J7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
996Sqft
Royal Lepage Anchor Realty(North Sydney)
Professionally Renovated 3-Bedroom Bungalow on Over an Acre This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom bungalow offers the perfect combination of modern amenities and timeless charm. Thoughtfully transformed from its original design, the home now features a fully renovated interior, and a move-in-ready layout ideal for a variety of lifestyles.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

3030 Macleod Avenue, River Ryan, NS B1H 1J7
Royal Lepage Anchor Realty(North Sydney)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

130 Waynesboro Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 2S6

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
28Picture(s)
2,980Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$1239000

Residential For Sale

130 Waynesboro Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 2S6
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,980Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to HRM's newest gem wrapping the shores of iconic McCabe Lake and providing an amazing peaceful environment for your new custom build bungalow! This gorgeous lot is the perfect location across from the lake and surrounded by mature hardwoods enveloping you in nature as the backdrop to your stunning new bungalow.
C$1239000

Residential For Sale

130 Waynesboro Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 2S6
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1239000

Residential For Sale

243 Queen Street, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,924Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
C$545000

Residential For Sale

243 Queen Street, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,924Sqft
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
At just under 2,000 square feet on three floors, this 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, newly renovated home is at the end of a private cul-de-sac. Energy efficiency was top of mind with the heat pump, wood burning stove, in floor radiant heating, air exchanger and ICF construction. There are so many features, once you move in, you’ll be tap dancing on the maple hardwood flooring.
C$545000

Residential For Sale

243 Queen Street, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Duckworth Real Estate(Chester)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$545000

Residential For Sale

53-281 Meek Arm Trail, Mount Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,040Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$479000

Residential For Sale

53-281 Meek Arm Trail, Mount Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,040Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Welcome to the desirable Villages of Long Lake Cottage Country, where nature, comfort, and convenience meet! This bright and inviting bungalow sits on a beautiful 1.10-acre corner lot with a peaceful babbling brook and a backdrop of trees offering privacy and tranquility.
C$479000

Residential For Sale

53-281 Meek Arm Trail, Mount Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$479000
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