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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

4185 Hwy 12, South Alton, NS B4N 3V8

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,464Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$559900

Residential For Sale

4185 Hwy 12, South Alton, NS B4N 3V8
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,464Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Spacious and meticulously maintained Split Entry home nestled on a private 1.34-acre lot! This home is truly move-in ready and perfectly set up for modern living. The main level features a desirable open-concept layout, connecting the bright living room to the huge kitchen—a chef's dream with tons of cupboard and counter space.
C$559900

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4185 Hwy 12, South Alton, NS B4N 3V8
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$559900

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1716 Barss Corner Road, Scarsdale, NS B0R 1A0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,519Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
C$549000

Residential For Sale

1716 Barss Corner Road, Scarsdale, NS B0R 1A0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,519Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
So beautifully maintained, you'll think this eight-year-young home is brand new. With three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, it offers comfort, style, and functionality all in one. The main level features an open-concept kitchen and dining area with gleaming quartz countertops, an island, and modern finishes that make it a joy to cook and entertain in.
C$549000

Residential For Sale

1716 Barss Corner Road, Scarsdale, NS B0R 1A0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549000

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35 Sylvan Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 3B2

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,056Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$205000

Residential For Sale

35 Sylvan Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 3B2
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,056Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to Springfield Estates in Middle Sackville, where opportunity awaits! This 3 bed, 1 bath mini home offers 1,056 sqft of living space and is an excellent choice for first-time buyers, families, or anyone looking to get into the market at an affordable price. The home is vacant and ready for a new owner to give it the tender loving care it deserves.
C$205000

Residential For Sale

35 Sylvan Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4B 3B2
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$205000

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104-5505 Inglis Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1J9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,357Sqft
Verve Realty Group
C$539900

Residential For Sale

104-5505 Inglis Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1J9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
1,357Sqft
Verve Realty Group
This two level Halifax south end condo in Inglis Manor is very close to universities, hospitals, shopping, grocery stores, public and private schools, business district, Point Pleasant Park, Spring Garden Road, night clubs, library, harbour board walk, everything is within an easy walk. This must see condo has a private entrance next to your exclusive parking which is enough for 2 cars.
C$539900

Residential For Sale

104-5505 Inglis Street, Halifax, NS B3H 1J9
Verve Realty Group
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$539900

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102 Maple Boulevard, Bible Hill, NS B2N 4N3

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,062Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$615000

Residential For Sale

102 Maple Boulevard, Bible Hill, NS B2N 4N3
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,062Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Spacious & Versatile 5-Bedroom Home in the Heart of Bible Hill – Steps from Dalhousie AC Welcome to this beautifully maintained, move-in ready home in the desirable community of Bible Hill—just minutes from the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus.
C$615000

Residential For Sale

102 Maple Boulevard, Bible Hill, NS B2N 4N3
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$615000

Residential For Sale

503 Robie Street, Truro, NS B2N 1M5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
39Picture(s)
1,259Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

503 Robie Street, Truro, NS B2N 1M5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,259Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 503 Robie Street, a well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in a prime downtown Truro location. Perfectly situated within walking distance to grocery stores, shopping, restaurants, and everyday amenities, this property offers both convenience and charm.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

503 Robie Street, Truro, NS B2N 1M5
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299900

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9153 Highway 201 Highway, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
22Picture(s)
890Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
C$219900

Residential For Sale

9153 Highway 201 Highway, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
890Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
Country living, in this spacious 3-bedroom Mini home. Almost 1 acre of privacy with a horse barn and a shed to enjoy woodworking or whatever your mind creates. This home offers a large open concept kitchen and 1 bedroom at one end and 2 bedrooms at the other end, and a 4-pc bath.
C$219900

Residential For Sale

9153 Highway 201 Highway, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$219900

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9 Lynwood Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 1Y8

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,171Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1299900

Residential For Sale

9 Lynwood Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 1Y8
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,171Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 9 Lynwood Drive - where everyday life melts away and magazine-worthy living begins. Perfectly perched in historic Sherwood Park with commanding Bedford Basin views, this fully reimagined & refined 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home blends bold designer vision with refined luxury finishes.
C$1299900

Residential For Sale

9 Lynwood Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 1Y8
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1299900

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863 Gray Road, Debert, NS B0M 1G0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,769Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$569900

Residential For Sale

863 Gray Road, Debert, NS B0M 1G0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,769Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. This bright, spacious, and immaculate one-level home offers modern comfort and style on a beautiful 0.88-acre lot! Custom-built in 2023, the home features 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a thoughtful open-concept design perfect for family living and entertaining.
C$569900

Residential For Sale

863 Gray Road, Debert, NS B0M 1G0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$569900

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126 Haliburton Road, Pictou, NS B2H 2A3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,425Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

126 Haliburton Road, Pictou, NS B2H 2A3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,425Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
This 3-bedroom bungalow in Pictou’s sought-after West End subdivision offers a beautiful view of Pictou Harbour and a clean, updated feel throughout. The home was extensively renovated just a few years ago, including new roof shingles, windows, electrical, flooring, kitchen, and bath — and it’s continued to improve since.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

126 Haliburton Road, Pictou, NS B2H 2A3
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

Lot 12-2 Rodney Road, Rodney, NS B0M 1P0

No GarageParking(s)
19Picture(s)
160Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$79900

Residential For Sale

Lot 12-2 Rodney Road, Rodney, NS B0M 1P0
No GarageParking(s)
160Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Escape to your very own retreat with this charming secluded camp situated on 43 picturesque acres. Located just off the Cleveland Brook Trail, this property offers direct access to a well-known snowmobile and ATV trail, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
C$79900

Residential For Sale

Lot 12-2 Rodney Road, Rodney, NS B0M 1P0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$79900

Residential For Sale

19 Cumberland Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 5K4

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,576Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$684900

Residential For Sale

19 Cumberland Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 5K4
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,576Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
This beautifully restored century home combines timeless appeal with exceptional quality. Completely renovated from top to bottom, every detail reflects skilled craftsmanship, with attention to detail, and energy efficient updates in mind.
C$684900

Residential For Sale

19 Cumberland Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 5K4
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$684900
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