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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

4 Wicks Drive, Meadowvale, NS B0P 1R0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
29Picture(s)
942Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$219000

Residential For Sale

4 Wicks Drive, Meadowvale, NS B0P 1R0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
942Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Immaculate 3 bedroom mini-home conveniently located only 6 minutes from Greenwood amenities. Situated on a generous and affordable corner lot in the Meadowvale Trailer Park, the mature trees, landscaping, privacy fence, fire pit, and front deck will make you feel right at home.
C$219000

Residential For Sale

4 Wicks Drive, Meadowvale, NS B0P 1R0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$219000

Residential For Sale

36 Rogers Drive, Lower South River, NS B2G 0E7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
21Picture(s)
1,184Sqft
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
C$227000

Residential For Sale

36 Rogers Drive, Lower South River, NS B2G 0E7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,184Sqft
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
This brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath, mini home is located in Lower South River. Just minutes away from the town of Antigonish and quick access to Highway 104. This home qualifies for the 10 YEAR Atlantic Home Warranty Program along with Prestige’s one year warranty. There is an appliance allowance of up to $5000.00 included. Already installed is a heat pump, air exchanger and eavestrough.
C$227000

Residential For Sale

36 Rogers Drive, Lower South River, NS B2G 0E7
INNOVATIVE REAL ESTATE LTD - A507
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$227000

Residential For Sale

320 Highway 311, North River, NS B6L 6G8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,228Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$310000

Residential For Sale

320 Highway 311, North River, NS B6L 6G8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,228Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Located minutes from town, but still in the country, this lovely property consists of 2 lots, each with its own PID number. The main lot with the house on it is 25,000 sq. ft., the second lot is 7900 sq. ft.
C$310000

Residential For Sale

320 Highway 311, North River, NS B6L 6G8
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$310000

Residential For Sale

439 Mountain Lee Road, Upper Brookside, NS B6L 6M6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,196Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$409000

Residential For Sale

439 Mountain Lee Road, Upper Brookside, NS B6L 6M6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,196Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Million Dollar Views with the Full Package! How often does an opportunity like this come along? Nestled in a peaceful country setting yet only 5 minutes from town, this beautifully updated family home offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and convenience — with stunning views and major upgrades throughout.
C$409000

Residential For Sale

439 Mountain Lee Road, Upper Brookside, NS B6L 6M6
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$409000

Residential For Sale

594 Highway 247, Grand Greve, NS B0E 3B0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,460Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$268900

Residential For Sale

594 Highway 247, Grand Greve, NS B0E 3B0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,460Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
They don’t build them like this anymore! Nestled on 1.5 acres in Grand Greve, this well maintained three bedroom, one bath home blends timeless charm with modern upgrades, making it an excellent choice for families, retirees, or anyone seeking comfort close to nature.
C$268900

Residential For Sale

594 Highway 247, Grand Greve, NS B0E 3B0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$268900

Residential For Sale

151 Herrett Road, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
29Picture(s)
1,011Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$169900

Residential For Sale

151 Herrett Road, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,011Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Renovated 3-Bedroom 1.5 Bath Home on a Double Lot Located on a quiet street, this fully renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home offers plenty of space inside and out. Sitting on a large double lot with a paved driveway, this home is move-in ready and close to all levels of school.
C$169900

Residential For Sale

151 Herrett Road, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$169900

Residential For Sale

21 Scotts Road, West Green Harbour, NS B0T 1L0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,092Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

21 Scotts Road, West Green Harbour, NS B0T 1L0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,092Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
Looking for an affordable, immaculate , private property on the ocean? This chalet-style home is sitting on 3 beautiful acres on the ocean. Well constructed, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Main floor bedroom and laundry and a full concrete basement with outside entrance. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout, lots of cabinets and storage.
C$369000

Residential For Sale

21 Scotts Road, West Green Harbour, NS B0T 1L0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

9 Grand Gully Road, River Tillard, NS B0E 2X0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,835Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$875000

Residential For Sale

9 Grand Gully Road, River Tillard, NS B0E 2X0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,835Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
Welcome to 9 Grand Gully Road. A private tree-lined driveway, bordered by chestnut trees, leads you to this exceptional 11.37-acre waterfront estate. Set along a sheltered estuary that flows into St. Peter’s Bay, and just minutes from the St. Peter’s Canal linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Bras d’Or Lake, this property offers both natural beauty and a prime location.
C$875000

Residential For Sale

9 Grand Gully Road, River Tillard, NS B0E 2X0
Cape Breton Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$875000

Residential For Sale

2140 Point Edward Highway, Point Edward, NS B2A 4R6

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,300Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$869900

Residential For Sale

2140 Point Edward Highway, Point Edward, NS B2A 4R6
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
3,300Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Nestled on expansive oceanfront acreage,this stunning executive home offers an unparalleled living experience with breathtaking views of the ocean from every window. Spanning 3,000 square feet, this beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained residence is designed for both comfort and elegance.
C$869900

Residential For Sale

2140 Point Edward Highway, Point Edward, NS B2A 4R6
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$869900

Residential For Sale

21 Sams Road, West Pubnico, NS B0W 3S0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,291Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
C$229500

Residential For Sale

21 Sams Road, West Pubnico, NS B0W 3S0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,291Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
This updated 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom barn-style home is located on a quiet dead-end street in the heart of the historic fishing village of Pubnico. Close to the sea, the property offers glimpses of the ocean and peaceful coastal Nova Scotia living. The first floor welcomes you with tall ceilings, sun-filled spacious kitchen and foyer, 2 bedrooms, living room, and bathroom.
C$229500

Residential For Sale

21 Sams Road, West Pubnico, NS B0W 3S0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$229500

Residential For Sale

5203 Highway 1, Salmon River, NS B5A 5B2

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
49Picture(s)
3,403Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
C$225000

Residential For Sale

5203 Highway 1, Salmon River, NS B5A 5B2
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
3,403Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
Step into timeless elegance with this spacious century home in Salmon River. Featuring 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this residence offers generous proportions throughout, from its oversized halls to its sun-filled rooms. Rich with original charm, you'll find gleaming hardwood floors, striking wood trim, built-in cabinetry, double pocket doors, and double French doors.
C$225000

Residential For Sale

5203 Highway 1, Salmon River, NS B5A 5B2
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$225000

Residential For Sale

37 Raspberry Court, Italy Cross, NS B4V 0S5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,280Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$549900

Residential For Sale

37 Raspberry Court, Italy Cross, NS B4V 0S5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,280Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Fresh, modern, and brand-spanking new! Say hello to easy living on almost 2 private acres in one of the South Shore’s most desirable subdivisions—Homestead Estates. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this gorgeous one-level home delivers comfort, style, and just the right amount of luxury.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

37 Raspberry Court, Italy Cross, NS B4V 0S5
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549900
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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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