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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

6765 Highway 1, Belleisle Ns B0s 1a0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
41Picture(s)
3,564Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$499000

Residential For Sale

6765 Highway 1, Belleisle Ns B0s 1a0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
3,564Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
WOW, opportunity is knocking! Multiple parcels comprising a sprawling 144.5 acres in the serene countryside setting of Belleisle. The largest parcel stretches nearly 4km, over the crest of the North Mountain, with direct frontage on a small lake (Lake Ruggles).
C$499000

Residential For Sale

6765 Highway 1, Belleisle Ns B0s 1a0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

42 Macintosh Street, Berwick Ns B0p 1e0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,322Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$567500

Residential For Sale

42 Macintosh Street, Berwick Ns B0p 1e0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,322Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Looking for elegance in a high-end, desired neighbourhood? Look no further. This lovely side-split is situated in the beautiful town of Berwick. Within walking distance to all town amenities, Berwick school, with quick highway access, and it backs onto scenic walking trails. This 2-year-old home has been loved and designed with modern touches and practical features.
C$567500

Residential For Sale

42 Macintosh Street, Berwick Ns B0p 1e0
Exit Realty Town & Country
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$567500

Residential For Sale

88 Elderberry Drive, Malagash Point Ns B0k 1e0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,174Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$799000

Residential For Sale

88 Elderberry Drive, Malagash Point Ns B0k 1e0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,174Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Your oceanfront dream home awaits you! Welcome to 88 Elderberry, a stunning oceanfront property located within the highly sought-after community of Blue Sea Landing, in Malagash. This breathtaking property is nestled on a sprawling 2.7-acre lot, with an impressive 280 ft of pristine ocean frontage on the warmest shores of NS.
C$799000

Residential For Sale

88 Elderberry Drive, Malagash Point Ns B0k 1e0
Keller Williams Select Realty
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$799000

Residential For Sale

45 Nadine Drive, Porters Lake Ns B3e 1g8

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
3,693Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$999900

Residential For Sale

45 Nadine Drive, Porters Lake Ns B3e 1g8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
3,693Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Porters Lake perfection. This beautiful, custom designed home is ready for you to create new lakefront memories. The open concept main floor allows for gracious entertaining and has incredible views of the lake from every room, a chef's kitchen with high-end appliances, a lovely propane fireplace, and access to the expansive wrap around deck for relaxing evening sundowners.
C$999900

Residential For Sale

45 Nadine Drive, Porters Lake Ns B3e 1g8
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$999900

Residential For Sale

9 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Enfield Ns B2t 1h8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,721Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$724995

Residential For Sale

9 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Enfield Ns B2t 1h8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,721Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Grand Lake Access + Wheelchair Accessible! Welcome to 9 Sleepy Hollow Lane — a beautifully crafted, on-slab new construction offering one-level living at its finest. This 3-bedroom + den/office, 2-bath home features an open-concept layout with cathedral ceilings, in-floor electric heat, all new appliances and two ductless heat pumps.
C$724995

Residential For Sale

9 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Enfield Ns B2t 1h8
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$724995

Residential For Sale

16 Brentwood Estates, Amherst Ns B4h 4g6

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
30Picture(s)
960Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$89900

Residential For Sale

16 Brentwood Estates, Amherst Ns B4h 4g6
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
960Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Affordable & Updated Three-Bedroom Mini-Home – Ideal for First-Time Buyers or Downsizers! Located on the edge of Amherst, this well-maintained three-bedroom mini-home is a perfect fit for anyone entering the housing market or looking to downsize. A convenient side porch adds great functionality, doubling as a mudroom with extra storage space.
C$89900

Residential For Sale

16 Brentwood Estates, Amherst Ns B4h 4g6
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$89900

Residential For Sale

6188 Windsor Terrace, Halifax Ns B3k 1s4

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
36Picture(s)
3,111Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$994900

Residential For Sale

6188 Windsor Terrace, Halifax Ns B3k 1s4
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
3,111Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 6188 Windsor Terrace — a beautifully maintained, spacious home offering the very best of city living. Ideally located, you're only steps away to a multitude of local shops, restaurants, parks and transit routes. Spanning over 3,100sqft, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home offers thoughtful design across three levels.
C$994900

Residential For Sale

6188 Windsor Terrace, Halifax Ns B3k 1s4
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$994900

Residential For Sale

65 Francie Drive, Williamswood Ns B3v 1c1

5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,160Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$995000

Residential For Sale

65 Francie Drive, Williamswood Ns B3v 1c1
5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,160Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to 65 Francie Drive—a one-of-a-kind estate blending luxury, comfort, and character on a beautifully landscaped lot. From the moment you arrive, the circular concrete driveway with fountain centerpiece and charming cedar shake exterior set the tone for something special.
C$995000

Residential For Sale

65 Francie Drive, Williamswood Ns B3v 1c1
Exit Realty Metro
5Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$995000

Residential For Sale

65 Bowers Road, Lower Ohio Ns B0t 1w0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
44Picture(s)
2,528Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

65 Bowers Road, Lower Ohio Ns B0t 1w0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,528Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Nestled in a serene, private setting just minutes from the coastal town of Shelburne, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and modern upgrades. The original split-entry design, built 40 years ago, has been thoughtfully expanded with a spacious side-split addition that enhances the home’s functionality and aesthetic.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

65 Bowers Road, Lower Ohio Ns B0t 1w0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

6029 Wells Street, Halifax Peninsula Ns B3k 2m9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,340Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$574900

Residential For Sale

6029 Wells Street, Halifax Peninsula Ns B3k 2m9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,340Sqft
Red Door Realty
Welcome to 6029 Wells Street in Halifax’s North End. This three bedroom, two full bathroom home has parking for three cars, a good-sized backyard and storage shed. With proximity to parks, transit, downtown Halifax, and the Hydrostone Market; it checks a lot of boxes. Recent upgrades include : roof (2022), two heat pumps, backyard landscaping and a 125 amp panel.
C$574900

Residential For Sale

6029 Wells Street, Halifax Peninsula Ns B3k 2m9
Red Door Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$574900

Residential For Sale

1040 Corkum And Burns Road, Black River Ns B4p 2r2

2Bedroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
30Picture(s)
510Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$99000

Residential For Sale

1040 Corkum And Burns Road, Black River Ns B4p 2r2
2Bedroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
510Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
Off-Grid Paradise on Over 8.6 Acres – Ideal for Rugged Individuals and Nature Enthusiasts Discover the perfect blend of rugged charm and off-grid living with this unique 8.6-acre property, offering a cozy yet functional camp. This place is ideal for those seeking seclusion and independence.
C$99000

Residential For Sale

1040 Corkum And Burns Road, Black River Ns B4p 2r2
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
2Bedroom(s)
C$99000

Residential For Sale

115 Lindforest Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 3j2

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,884Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$819000

Residential For Sale

115 Lindforest Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 3j2
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GarageParking(s)
1,884Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to this exceptional 2-year-old home situated on a large 1.6-acre lot in the heart of Sackville. This well maintained property boasts four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, providing ample space for comfortable living. The main level features a large, modern kitchen with a central island and generous storage, a welcoming dining room, and a cozy living room perfect for gatherings.
C$819000

Residential For Sale

115 Lindforest Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 3j2
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$819000
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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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