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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

39 Falkland Lane, Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
2,100Sqft
SCELES REALTY LIMITED - ANTIGONISH - D0090
C$399700

Residential For Sale

39 Falkland Lane, Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,100Sqft
SCELES REALTY LIMITED - ANTIGONISH - D0090
How do you make stunning harbour breezes & BAY views even more special? Add 368 sq.ft of decking!! This sweet home is nestled on its half acre + lot on the fringe of the Coastal Town of Guysborough Nova Scotia. Embraced by shady trees, mature shrubs & flowers, this home beckons.
C$399700

Residential For Sale

39 Falkland Lane, Guysborough, NS B0H 1N0
SCELES REALTY LIMITED - ANTIGONISH - D0090
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399700

Residential For Sale

13 Onslow Road, Central Onslow, NS B6L 5K3

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,326Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$510000

Residential For Sale

13 Onslow Road, Central Onslow, NS B6L 5K3
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,326Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Check out the new photos. Country living with a flair! 13 Onslow Road is located just outside of town but has the access & proximity to everything that an in-town property has! This vintage home has had some amazing upgrades - lifted in 2014, set back on the land, and with a new ICF foundation, much of the original character has been kept but revitalized.
C$510000

Residential For Sale

13 Onslow Road, Central Onslow, NS B6L 5K3
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$510000

Residential For Sale

5755 West Dalhousie Road, West Dalhousie, NS B0S 1C0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
16Picture(s)
945Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$60000

Residential For Sale

5755 West Dalhousie Road, West Dalhousie, NS B0S 1C0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
945Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Bring Your Vision to Life! This partially gutted home is ready for your creative touch. With no kitchen or bathroom currently in place, this property is being sold as is, where is, offering a rare opportunity for a full restoration or custom finish.
C$60000

Residential For Sale

5755 West Dalhousie Road, West Dalhousie, NS B0S 1C0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$60000

Residential For Sale

169 Murphy Lake Drive, Murphy Lake, NS B4N 3V8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,660Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$650000

Residential For Sale

169 Murphy Lake Drive, Murphy Lake, NS B4N 3V8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,660Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Lovely raised bungalow on popular Murphy Lake! Main floor features an open concept with custom kitchen, dining and living space with an economical heat pump to keep you cozy or cool. You'll enjoy amazing views inside and out in the bug-free screen room, overlooking the lake. Primary bedroom and updated full bath with walk-in, tiled shower and stackable laundry completes this level.
C$650000

Residential For Sale

169 Murphy Lake Drive, Murphy Lake, NS B4N 3V8
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$650000

Residential For Sale

6 Westwind Drive, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
34Picture(s)
2,000Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

6 Westwind Drive, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,000Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
SEAWINDS, CHESTER. Quiet upscale, residential neighbourhood on Chester's edge, ideal for little ones to safely ride their bikes or play road hockey. Walking distance to the Chester Connection Trail for hiking and convenient to all Chester has to offer- golf, sailing, schools, curling, tennis, shops, and restaurants.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

6 Westwind Drive, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

169 Murphy Lake Drive, Murphy Lake, NS B4N 3V8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,660Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$650000

Residential For Sale

169 Murphy Lake Drive, Murphy Lake, NS B4N 3V8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,660Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Lovely raised bungalow on popular Murphy Lake! Main floor features an open concept with custom kitchen, dining and living space with an economical heat pump to keep you cozy or cool. You'll enjoy amazing views inside and out in the bug-free screen room, overlooking the lake. Primary bedroom and updated full bath with walk-in, tiled shower and stackable laundry completes this level.
C$650000

Residential For Sale

169 Murphy Lake Drive, Murphy Lake, NS B4N 3V8
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$650000

Residential For Sale

1114 Trout Lake Road, New Albany, NS B0S 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,284Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$374900

Residential For Sale

1114 Trout Lake Road, New Albany, NS B0S 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,284Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Come for the summer or stay all year—this well-kept 3-bdrm, 1-bath all-season home on Trout Lake is move-in ready and made for memory-making. Set on a beautifully landscaped lot with stunning sunrise views, highlights include 103' of lake frontage, cozy woodstove, covered deck, walkout basement, invisible fencing and high-speed internet access.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

1114 Trout Lake Road, New Albany, NS B0S 1P0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

1114 Trout Lake Road, New Albany, NS B0S 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,284Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$374900

Residential For Sale

1114 Trout Lake Road, New Albany, NS B0S 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,284Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Come for the summer or stay all year—this well-kept 3-bdrm, 1-bath all-season home on Trout Lake is move-in ready and made for memory-making. Set on a beautifully landscaped lot with stunning sunrise views, highlights include 103' of lake frontage, cozy woodstove, covered deck, walkout basement, invisible fencing and high-speed internet access.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

1114 Trout Lake Road, New Albany, NS B0S 1P0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

12 Hunter Road, Milford, NS B0N 1Y0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,838Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

12 Hunter Road, Milford, NS B0N 1Y0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,838Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Hobby farm heaven awaits! This beautifully restored and updated 5 -bedroom, 2.5-bath century home on over 6 acres is perfect for those who cherish four-legged friends or crave the tranquility of rural living. The thoughtfully designed main floor features a stylish eat-in kitchen with a cozy wood stove and charming bay window bench seating.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

12 Hunter Road, Milford, NS B0N 1Y0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

13 Convoy Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P5

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,113Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$499900

Residential For Sale

13 Convoy Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P5
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,113Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
This charming starter home is eagerly awaiting a new family! $499,900. This lovely property features four bedrooms, or three bedrooms and a den, providing flexible living options. The eat-in kitchen comes complete with appliances, and you'll find a spacious entry and a large living room perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

13 Convoy Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P5
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

70 Skinners Cove East Road, Melville, NS B0K 1N0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
1,452Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

70 Skinners Cove East Road, Melville, NS B0K 1N0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,452Sqft
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
Welcome to 70 Skinners Cove East Rd in Melville. This property would suit the needs of just about anybody. A year-round single family home with access to the ocean on 2.3 private acres with a garage, a garden shed, and a fenced in back yard to keep the critters and or kiddos safe.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

70 Skinners Cove East Road, Melville, NS B0K 1N0
Sunrise Brokerage & Sales Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

12443 Shore Road, Port George, NS B0S 1P0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,527Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
C$419000

Residential For Sale

12443 Shore Road, Port George, NS B0S 1P0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,527Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
Don't just dream it! Begin your new lifestyle by the sea, or invest in a lucrative holiday rental. This recently renovated, low maintenance property on the Bay of Fundy with approx. 200 feet of shore front offers panoramic ocean views, dramatic sunsets and abundant wildlife, with the bonus of being close to Annapolis Valley amenities.
C$419000

Residential For Sale

12443 Shore Road, Port George, NS B0S 1P0
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$419000
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