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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

223 Scotch Hill Road, Scotch Hill, NS B0K 1H0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,243Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$1495000

Residential For Sale

223 Scotch Hill Road, Scotch Hill, NS B0K 1H0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
3,243Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to the property at 223 Scotch Hill, an exceptional estate that seamlessly combines modern comfort with the beauty of nature.
C$1495000

Residential For Sale

223 Scotch Hill Road, Scotch Hill, NS B0K 1H0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1495000

Residential For Sale

12 Cedar Court, Sydney, NS B1P 6S1

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
30Picture(s)
1,005Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
C$249000

Residential For Sale

12 Cedar Court, Sydney, NS B1P 6S1
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,005Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
Discover the incredible potential and unbeatable location of 12 Cedar Court! Nestled on a peaceful and highly desirable cul-de-sac in a welcoming Sydney neighbourhood, this home presents a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers, down sizers, or savvy investors ready to make a property their own. Step inside and be greeted by a home that is flooded with beautiful natural light.
C$249000

Residential For Sale

12 Cedar Court, Sydney, NS B1P 6S1
3% Realty Nova Scotia
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$249000

Residential For Sale

318 Highway 1, Deep Brook, NS B0S 1J0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,494Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
C$335000

Residential For Sale

318 Highway 1, Deep Brook, NS B0S 1J0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,494Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
Are you looking for a property with land that you can share with family, but live seperately and set up a homestead lifestyle together? Or maybe a chance to live in the country, but have a mortgage helper? Or simply as an investment to add to your portfolio? This hard to find, side by side country home duplex, sits on 2.25 acres and has a view of the picturesque Annapolis Basin.
C$335000

Residential For Sale

318 Highway 1, Deep Brook, NS B0S 1J0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$335000

Residential For Sale

30 Sunset Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 2R8

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,542Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$1595000

Residential For Sale

30 Sunset Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 2R8
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,542Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 30 Sunset Drive, where European-inspired elegance meets peaceful lakefront living on beautiful Lake Charles. Tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this enchanting property spans a 17,136 sq. ft. pie-shaped lot with 183 feet of southwest-facing lake frontage—perfect for soaking in golden sunsets. From the moment you arrive, the setting feels like a European countryside escape.
C$1595000

Residential For Sale

30 Sunset Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 2R8
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1595000

Residential For Sale

937 Penny Lane, North Kentville, NS B4N 4P3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,629Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$369900

Residential For Sale

937 Penny Lane, North Kentville, NS B4N 4P3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,629Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
North Kentville — no deed transfer tax, municipal taxes, and municipal water and sewer? Now we’re talking! Welcome to 937 Penny Lane. This well-maintained home is bright, charming, and offers plenty of living space both inside and out. The main floor of this split-entry home features a spacious open-concept layout, including a large living room, kitchen, and dining area.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

937 Penny Lane, North Kentville, NS B4N 4P3
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

5 Acadia Street, Bridgewater, NS B4V 2A9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,959Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$424900

Residential For Sale

5 Acadia Street, Bridgewater, NS B4V 2A9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,959Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
There’s something special about this Bridgewater beauty—it’s more than just four walls. It’s a home that’s raised a family, grown with love, and is now ready for its next chapter. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath split-entry sits on a quiet, tree-lined street with park-like vibes, next-level neighbours, and a real sense of community.
C$424900

Residential For Sale

5 Acadia Street, Bridgewater, NS B4V 2A9
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$424900

Residential For Sale

248 Acadia Mill Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 3Z4

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,585Sqft
Verve Realty Group
C$938000

Residential For Sale

248 Acadia Mill Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 3Z4
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,585Sqft
Verve Realty Group
Welcome to your next family home in sought-after Papermill Lake neighbourhood! Nestled in a quiet, family-friendly subdivision just steps from parks, scenic walking trails, and the beloved Papermill Lake, this spacious and beautifully maintained home is for both everyday living and entertaining.
C$938000

Residential For Sale

248 Acadia Mill Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 3Z4
Verve Realty Group
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$938000

Residential For Sale

55 Acadia Mill Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 3W2

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
3,185Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$845000

Residential For Sale

55 Acadia Mill Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 3W2
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,185Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
An excellent family home in the heart of Moirs Mill, Bedford. With numerous renovations and a ton of updates, this house is fully ready for its next family. The main floor features both a living room and a family room, a fully modernized kitchen and an actual dining room, which is somewhat of a unicorn these days.
C$845000

Residential For Sale

55 Acadia Mill Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 3W2
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$845000

Residential For Sale

36 Anderson Boulevard, Kentville, NS B4N 5H2

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
46Picture(s)
5,003Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
C$1340000

Residential For Sale

36 Anderson Boulevard, Kentville, NS B4N 5H2
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
5,003Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Perched in the highly sought-after community of Bonavista Estates, home to many of Kentville’s finest properties, this exceptionally well-maintained, 3-storey, 5-bedroom estate offers unmatched privacy, space, and sophistication. Set on a sprawling 2.
C$1340000

Residential For Sale

36 Anderson Boulevard, Kentville, NS B4N 5H2
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1340000

Residential For Sale

340 Mountain View Road, Dingwall, NS B0C 1G0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,250Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$715000

Residential For Sale

340 Mountain View Road, Dingwall, NS B0C 1G0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,250Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Welcome to your private waterfront acreage on North Harbour, Aspy Bay—where beauty, adventure, and opportunity converge. This exceptional 16.5-acre property boasts over 750 feet of accessible waterfront, cleared fields, and a stunning natural backdrop of Sugarloaf and Tenerife Mountains, all part of the dramatic Aspy Fault landscape.
C$715000

Residential For Sale

340 Mountain View Road, Dingwall, NS B0C 1G0
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$715000

Residential For Sale

6 Cottage Lane, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
858Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$199900

Residential For Sale

6 Cottage Lane, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
858Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Have you ever wanted to escape the city? To fall asleep to the sound of the ocean? To have a glass of wine and watch the sunset over the Bay of Fundy? To settle down in a quiet little seaside village? Well 6 Cottage Lane may just be the home for you! This charming home sits on the Bay of Fundy, nestled in the heart of Harbourville Nova Scotia! You'll fall in love with the warmth of the main floor,
C$199900

Residential For Sale

6 Cottage Lane, Harbourville, NS B0P 1E0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199900

Residential For Sale

Lot Jc2 Highway 215, Lower Burlington, NS B0N 2A0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,600Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$510000

Residential For Sale

Lot Jc2 Highway 215, Lower Burlington, NS B0N 2A0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,600Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Brand new construction! One level living at its finest, this brand new 1600 sq ft, 3-bedroom home with slab on grade foundation has the space & style you’ve been searching for! The home was professionally designed and features an open concept floor plan that is ideal for entertaining! The kitchen is a chef’s dream boasting central island and a $5000 appliance allowance.
C$510000

Residential For Sale

Lot Jc2 Highway 215, Lower Burlington, NS B0N 2A0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$510000
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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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