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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.

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9 Buyer Traps & How to Avoid Them

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 Properties

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Residential For Sale

618-1048 Wellington Street, Halifax, NS B3H 0C2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
36Picture(s)
690Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$594900

Residential For Sale

618-1048 Wellington Street, Halifax, NS B3H 0C2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
690Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Park views. Killer sunsets. South End address. Welcome to 618-1048 Wellington Street, a 2-bedroom condo that blends smart design with standout style, perched on the 6th floor overlooking Gorsebrook Park. The open-concept layout is bright, modern, and flexible.
C$594900

Residential For Sale

618-1048 Wellington Street, Halifax, NS B3H 0C2
Keller Williams Select Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$594900

Residential For Sale

6 Worthington Place, Bedford, NS B4A 0C5

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,813Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1349900

Residential For Sale

6 Worthington Place, Bedford, NS B4A 0C5
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,813Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to this exceptional executive home located in The Ravines. Perfectly positioned on a beautifully landscaped corner lot, this 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence backs onto a peaceful greenbelt with direct access to the Old Coach Road trail system—offering both luxury and lifestyle in a highly desirable neighbourhood.
C$1349900

Residential For Sale

6 Worthington Place, Bedford, NS B4A 0C5
Royal LePage Atlantic
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1349900

Residential For Sale

332 Bolivar Road, Rhodes Corner, NS B4V 5N7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,964Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$549000

Residential For Sale

332 Bolivar Road, Rhodes Corner, NS B4V 5N7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,964Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Some homes are built with nails and lumber. This one was built with memory, meaning, and love. Perched atop a sun-drenched drumlin between Bridgewater, Mahone Bay, and Lunenburg, this 3-bedroom home on 60 acres is more than a place—it’s a feeling. Built in 1992, but rooted in a much older story, the house was crafted using reclaimed materials from a 200-year-old Cape Cod homestead.
C$549000

Residential For Sale

332 Bolivar Road, Rhodes Corner, NS B4V 5N7
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549000

Residential For Sale

44 Church Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0

6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
3,048Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

44 Church Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
3,048Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Located in the heart of charming Parrsboro NS sits this property has many different potentials. This is really two homes in one with a large garage to the rear which could be a hobby enthusiasts dream workshop. There are two paved driveways, one on Church street and one on Spring Street at the rear of the home which overlooks the Parrsboro Harbour and aboiteau.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

44 Church Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

71 Red Cliff Drive, Seafoam, NS B0K 1N0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
768Sqft
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
C$279900

Residential For Sale

71 Red Cliff Drive, Seafoam, NS B0K 1N0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
768Sqft
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
Wake up to the sound of the waves and breathtaking ocean views in this beautiful 2 bedroom cottage.This is the perfect retreat or turnkey investment!This fully furnished home combines rustic charm with modern convenience. Whether your sipping your morning coffee on the deck, watching the seals, or enjoying a sunset glade of wine, the unobstructed views are truly unforgettable.
C$279900

Residential For Sale

71 Red Cliff Drive, Seafoam, NS B0K 1N0
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$279900

Residential For Sale

148 Schurman Road, Mount Denson, NS B0P 1L0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,876Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$449000

Residential For Sale

148 Schurman Road, Mount Denson, NS B0P 1L0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,876Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Discover 148 Schurman Road, a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home on 1.77 private acres in Mount Denson. Enjoy views of Hantsport and the Minas Basin from the massive deck. Or have a quiet moment on the covered front porch and private kitchen patio. Inside, a bright mudroom with main-floor laundry, open dining and spacious living room await.
C$449000

Residential For Sale

148 Schurman Road, Mount Denson, NS B0P 1L0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449000

Residential For Sale

1855 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, NS B0P 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
2,048Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

1855 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, NS B0P 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,048Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom home set on a private 2.7-acre lot. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the generous outdoor space this property has to offer. The home features a functional layout designed for everyday living, with a full bathroom and two convenient half baths, including a private 2 piece ensuite off the primary bedroom.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

1855 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, NS B0P 1P0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

63 Normandy Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 3J6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,838Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$350000

Residential For Sale

63 Normandy Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 3J6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,838Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom two-storey home, ideally located in town and just minutes from schools, parks, trails, and shopping. Perfect for families or those seeking both comfort and convenience, this home offers a spacious and functional layout.
C$350000

Residential For Sale

63 Normandy Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 3J6
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$350000

Residential For Sale

10 Travis Court, Cow Bay, NS B3G 1R1

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
2,058Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$674900

Residential For Sale

10 Travis Court, Cow Bay, NS B3G 1R1
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,058Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 10 Travis Court, a home beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed for everyday living by its original owners since it was built in 2000. This spacious two-storey offers a bright and functional main floor that seamlessly connects the kitchen to a cozy living or TV room, perfect for relaxing nights in or hosting family and friends.
C$674900

Residential For Sale

10 Travis Court, Cow Bay, NS B3G 1R1
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$674900

Residential For Sale

1174 Highway #2, Lantz, NS B2S 1T4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,700Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

1174 Highway #2, Lantz, NS B2S 1T4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,700Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Gorgeous 3 bedroom/2 bath Cape Cod style home on sprawling, picturesque property in Lantz outside Halifax, just 11 mins to airport. This solidly built brick home is situated on an impeccably manicured lot (just under one acre) with mature flowering shrubs, breathtaking weeping willow, fruit trees and shed for gardening equipment.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

1174 Highway #2, Lantz, NS B2S 1T4
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

55 Brown Street, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,184Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
C$255000

Residential For Sale

55 Brown Street, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,184Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
Charming 3-Bedroom Mini Home in Desirable Berwick Park Setting Welcome to 55 Brown Street in beautiful Berwick—this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath mini home offers comfort, convenience, and great value in a family-friendly park. This 8 year old Maple Leaf home features a bright, open-concept layout with 1184 sq. ft. of living space.
C$255000

Residential For Sale

55 Brown Street, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$255000

Residential For Sale

71 Dorothea Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4B5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,753Sqft
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
C$699900

Residential For Sale

71 Dorothea Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4B5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,753Sqft
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
Nestled across from Bell Lake Park with public lake access, this meticulously renovated three-bedroom home shows like new. The extra-large lot, with stunning landscaping and perennial gardens, hardscaped stone features, and gorgeous patios overlooking the treed backyard, this home has everything. Fully renovated in 2020, the main living area features an open-concept design that flows beautifully.
C$699900

Residential For Sale

71 Dorothea Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 4B5
Assist-2-Sell Homeworks Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699900
4719 Results returned.Per Page
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Tatamagouche

TATAMAGOUCHE, NOVA SCOTIA

Full of character, Tatamagouche is a thriving seaside village that embraces quality of life along Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore. In addition to its proximity to several warm water beaches, Tatamagouche is a destination for those with great taste!

Why Tatamagouche?

Since last year, 10 new businesses have launched in Tatamagouche.

The village’s charm, friendly people, affordability, and the desire for change are all converging to contribute to its mini boom. Since last year, 10 new businesses have launched in Tatamagouche.

Read CBC News Story, July 13, 2017:  Mini boom in Nova Scotia village attracts young entrepreneurs.

Culinary Experiences 

Tatamagouche Museums 

  • The Creamery Square is a waterside attraction in the heart of the village that also features a performing arts centre and an award-winning heritage centre. The heritage centre is a particularly fascinating way to get to get to know this quirky little community with stories of two-headed calves, Giantess Anna Swan, and incredible fossil discoveries.
  • Balmoral Grist Mill: During demonstrations, see the mill in action, just as it would have been when Alexander McKay built it in 1874
  • Sutherland Steam Mill: Explore this 1894 saw mill and discover Nova Scotian ingenuity in a mill once powered by steam 
  • Wallace and Area Museum: Visitors are invited to stroll through the museum (with over 1000 artifacts) and garden areas, where many of the original plants and trees can still be found. The museum also offers short walking trails, as well as a wilderness trail

Tatamagouche Accommodations 

  • Train Station Inn: Carefully restored, the dining car offers the charm and nostalgia of years gone by. Homemade seafood chowder, fish cakes, steak and lobster make for a truly first-class dining experience.
  • The Cottages at Cambra Sands: Seven 4.5 star luxury cottages located on a private sandy warm water beach.
  • Fox Harb’r Golf Resort and Spa has been consistently ranked among the top Destination Resorts in Canada by leading travel consumer reports and industry peers. Fox Harb’r is one of only five 5-star resorts in Canada.
  • Balmoral Motel: Located alongside Waugh’s River and Trans Canada Trail and near warm saltwater beaches, golf and museums.

Tatamagouche Golf

Seaside golf is at its best along the Northumberland Shore.

  • Brule Point Golf: Oceanfront course, beautiful views and14 holes. 5 new dunes-style holes with traditional Scottish links mounding, fescues, bunkering, and generous bent-grass greens.
  • Fox Harb’r Golf Resort and Spa: visitors can enjoy our 18-hole championship course and our par-3 course, both designed by Golf Hall of Fame architect Graham Cooke. This par-72 (7253 yards) course is a magnificent blend of both Scottish links and traditional parkland golf situated along the spectacular rugged sea coast of the Northumberland Strait.
  • Northumberland Links: The 6313 (white tees), par 72 course, minutes from Pugwash, overlooking the Northumberland Strait, is one of Atlantic Canada’s most picturesque and challenging layouts.

Source Nova Scotia.com: http://www.novascotia.com/about-nova-scotia/regions/northumberland-shore/tatamagouche

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