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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

11 Tamarac Drive, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 3E6

6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
36Picture(s)
2,080Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
C$244900

Residential For Sale

11 Tamarac Drive, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 3E6
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,080Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
Charming 4 BDRM bungalow located in the town of Port Hawkesbury, conveniently situated to the amenities in the town including schools. This home offers an excellent opportunity for first time home buyers or families looking to establish themselves in a welcoming community. The single car garage is convenient for storing your vehicle or for your garden tools.
C$244900

Residential For Sale

11 Tamarac Drive, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 3E6
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$244900

Residential For Sale

155 Old Sambro Road, Halifax, NS B3R 1R1

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
22Picture(s)
2,610Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$489000

Residential For Sale

155 Old Sambro Road, Halifax, NS B3R 1R1
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,610Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
***DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY**** This property has options - choose to keep the original structure and renovate it or turn it into two units - with having the R2 zoning you could put buildup to 4 doors - or purchase the property next door and have an over 25,000 sqft property with lots of road frontage to use as a development site to put a building on. Either way you can't loose.
C$489000

Residential For Sale

155 Old Sambro Road, Halifax, NS B3R 1R1
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$489000

Residential For Sale

157 Old Sambro Road, Halifax, NS B3R 1R4

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
5Picture(s)
760Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$479000

Residential For Sale

157 Old Sambro Road, Halifax, NS B3R 1R4
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
760Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
*** DEVELOPERS - INVESTORS -FLIPPERS *** Take note of this rare opportunity. The current property has been gutted and could easily be put back together making it the perfect flip - or with the R2 zoning you could put up to 4 doors - or you can go big buy the neighboring property to give you a 25,000 sqft lot with lots of road frontage that could easily be used to put an apartment building on it.
C$479000

Residential For Sale

157 Old Sambro Road, Halifax, NS B3R 1R4
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$479000

Residential For Sale

1879 Wentworth Road, Newport Station, NS B0N 2T0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,033Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$359900

Residential For Sale

1879 Wentworth Road, Newport Station, NS B0N 2T0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,033Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
This well-maintained 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom bungalow is set on a spacious 1.23 acre lot in Newport Station! Inside, the home features a kitchen that flows seamlessly into the dining area, which opens onto a lovely screened-in back porch. Also on the main level is a bright living room, a large primary bedroom, a 4 piece bath, second bedroom, and a convenient 2 piece bath with laundry.
C$359900

Residential For Sale

1879 Wentworth Road, Newport Station, NS B0N 2T0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$359900

Residential For Sale

5641 Highway 3, East Jordan, NS B0T 1L0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,260Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
C$959000

Residential For Sale

5641 Highway 3, East Jordan, NS B0T 1L0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,260Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
Oceanfront Luxury Living on Nearly 10 Acres – Brand New 5-Bedroom Home with 300 Ft of Waterfront Welcome to your dream coastal retreat! This stunning brand new 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath oceanfront home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort, privacy, and breathtaking natural beauty.
C$959000

Residential For Sale

5641 Highway 3, East Jordan, NS B0T 1L0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$959000

Residential For Sale

14 Limardo Drive, Dartmouth, NS B3A 3X4

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,240Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$400000

Residential For Sale

14 Limardo Drive, Dartmouth, NS B3A 3X4
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,240Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Opportunity Knocks! This cozy 3-bedroom bungalow is located in a sought-after neighbourhood within the Crichton Park Elementary school area. Perfect for first-time buyers, this home offers comfortable one-level living with plenty of potential. Features include original hardwood floors, newer windows, a refreshed bathroom, and efficient natural gas forced-air heating.
C$400000

Residential For Sale

14 Limardo Drive, Dartmouth, NS B3A 3X4
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$400000

Residential For Sale

15 Zinck Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
44Picture(s)
2,570Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

15 Zinck Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,570Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
Location, location, location! This spacious and well maintained 3 level home is walking distance to everything in Chester while being on a quiet road in a great neighbourhood. The grassy and flat yard offers tons of room for recreational activities and fun with its 2-level back deck, fire pit, and two sheds to safely store your toys and gardening tools.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

15 Zinck Road, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

214 Stokil Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3C3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,370Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$379900

Residential For Sale

214 Stokil Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3C3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,370Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Your search is over! Welcome home to 214 Stokil Drive. This semi-detached home in the heart of Lower Sackville offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a thoughtfully designed layout across three finished levels. Recent upgrades provide peace of mind, including a new roof (2023), New hot water heater, oil tank (2024), and energy-efficient vinyl windows & siding.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

214 Stokil Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3C3
Exit Realty Metro
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$379900

Residential For Sale

42 Andrea Lynn Avenue, Waverley, NS B2R 1A1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,604Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$649000

Residential For Sale

42 Andrea Lynn Avenue, Waverley, NS B2R 1A1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,604Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Cape Cod–style home that perfectly blends cozy farmhouse charm with modern comfort. Just 28 years young, this home offers timeless character with the peace and privacy of nature all around. Set on a beautiful, private lot teeming with wildlife, you’ll enjoy picking wild berries and apples right in your own yard.
C$649000

Residential For Sale

42 Andrea Lynn Avenue, Waverley, NS B2R 1A1
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$649000

Residential For Sale

130 Highway 331, Mill Village, NS B0J 2H0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,222Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$489000

Residential For Sale

130 Highway 331, Mill Village, NS B0J 2H0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,222Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Tucked in the heart of this spirited South Shore community, this gorgeous 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers all the curb appeal, cozy feels and the right touch of modern. Mill Village is known for its small-town spirit, complete with a local general store, post office, and a culture that makes you feel right at home. Inside, the bright layout instantly feels welcoming.
C$489000

Residential For Sale

130 Highway 331, Mill Village, NS B0J 2H0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$489000

Residential For Sale

60 Weymouth Falls Road, Weymouth, NS B0W 3T0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,300Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$479000

Residential For Sale

60 Weymouth Falls Road, Weymouth, NS B0W 3T0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,300Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
From the moment you step inside, this remarkable home wraps you in warmth and comfort—the kind of place where lasting family memories are made. Designed with both space and flow in mind, the kitchen offers abundant cupboard and counter space, serving as the true heart of the home.
C$479000

Residential For Sale

60 Weymouth Falls Road, Weymouth, NS B0W 3T0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$479000

Residential For Sale

25 Gorsebud Close, Halifax, NS B3S 1P7

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,263Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$674900

Residential For Sale

25 Gorsebud Close, Halifax, NS B3S 1P7
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,263Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 25 Goorsebud Close, a well cared for family home located just off Parkland Drive in the highly desirable Clayton Park area, within an excellent school district. Situated on a quiet cul de sac, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath property offers both space and convenience.
C$674900

Residential For Sale

25 Gorsebud Close, Halifax, NS B3S 1P7
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$674900
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