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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

1894 West Jeddore Road, West Jeddore Ns B0j 1p0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,266Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
C$690000

Residential For Sale

1894 West Jeddore Road, West Jeddore Ns B0j 1p0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,266Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
This stunning converted church, formerly the Baptist Church of West Jeddore established in 1885, was fully renovated in 2011. Blending historical architecture with modern elegance, it features cathedral ceilings, original wooden buttresses, stained glass windows, and hardwood floors throughout.
C$690000

Residential For Sale

1894 West Jeddore Road, West Jeddore Ns B0j 1p0
Press Realty Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$690000

Residential For Sale

513-45 Vimy Avenue, Halifax Ns B3m 4c5

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,064Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

513-45 Vimy Avenue, Halifax Ns B3m 4c5
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,064Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to The Grandbury! From the moment you step into this stunning and updated very large one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo, you’ll be wowed. Immaculately maintained, it features modern flooring, stylish stone countertops, and high-end finishes throughout. The convenience of in-suite laundry adds to the ease of everyday living.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

513-45 Vimy Avenue, Halifax Ns B3m 4c5
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

909 Main Street, Kingston Ns B0p 1r0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
38Picture(s)
2,223Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$399900

Residential For Sale

909 Main Street, Kingston Ns B0p 1r0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
2,223Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
EASY DUPLEX CONVERSION! Looking for a large home with two different living space options or a house hacking opportunity? Or maybe you're looking for an investment opportunity? Check this out. 909 Main Street Kingston has 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms! Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms including a primary with an ensuite bathroom.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

909 Main Street, Kingston Ns B0p 1r0
Exit Realty Town & Country
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

67 Tern Lane, Seabright Ns B3z 3b9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
36Picture(s)
2,761Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
C$950000

Residential For Sale

67 Tern Lane, Seabright Ns B3z 3b9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,761Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
West Facing, Open Ocean Views, Beautiful Sunsets, 1.3 acres, Private, Quiet and Charming Ocean Front Home on St Margaret's Bay. This well-loved home is situated on a quiet, tree-filled street surrounded by Mother Nature and Ocean sounds. This property will not disappoint with 1.3 acres that will accommodate your backyard dreams.
C$950000

Residential For Sale

67 Tern Lane, Seabright Ns B3z 3b9
Engel & Volkers (Chester)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$950000

Residential For Sale

500 Mill Village East Road, Charleston Ns B0j 2h0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,329Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$469900

Residential For Sale

500 Mill Village East Road, Charleston Ns B0j 2h0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,329Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Looking for a quiet place to slow down and enjoy nature? This lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow might be just what you’ve been searching for. Set on 3.56 acres of land, it overlooks the serene Medway River—a picture-perfect spot for anyone craving a little space, fresh air, and natural beauty. Built just 15 years ago, the home is in great shape and offers a warm, welcoming layout.
C$469900

Residential For Sale

500 Mill Village East Road, Charleston Ns B0j 2h0
Exit Real Estate Professionals
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$469900

Residential For Sale

Lot 115a Jessome Avenue, Lantz Ns B2s 0c5

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2Picture(s)
1,823Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$549900

Residential For Sale

Lot 115a Jessome Avenue, Lantz Ns B2s 0c5
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,823Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Semi detached home in Lantz by Marchand Homes. This family friendly home is located at the end of a cul de sac with a landscaped lot, single car garage and many additional features. Inside you will find a main floor that has an open concept living room, dining area and kitchen. The kitchen has quartz counter tops, white shaker style cabinets to the ceiling and a 3'x5' center island.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

Lot 115a Jessome Avenue, Lantz Ns B2s 0c5
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

16 Low Tide Road, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
44Picture(s)
938Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$247900

Residential For Sale

16 Low Tide Road, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
938Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Located at 16 Low Tide Road, Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, this beautifully maintained 2008 Maple Leaf mobile home offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and affordability. Nestled on a lovely lot in a welcoming community, this home is ideal for families, first-time buyers, or seniors looking for a peaceful and affordable place to call home.
C$247900

Residential For Sale

16 Low Tide Road, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0
Exit Realty Metro
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$247900

Residential For Sale

506 Back Road, Lansdowne Ns B0s 1s0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$295000

Residential For Sale

506 Back Road, Lansdowne Ns B0s 1s0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
This beautifully maintained, like-new home (2023) showcases custom trim and moulding throughout, reflecting true pride of ownership. High-end appliances, upgraded bathrooms, flooring, windows, siding, and fixtures enhance its charm and functionality. The spacious primary bedroom, tucked away from the main living space, features a walk-in closet and a luxurious ensuite, creating a private retreat.
C$295000

Residential For Sale

506 Back Road, Lansdowne Ns B0s 1s0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$295000

Residential For Sale

130 Agate Trail, Gaetz Brook Ns B0j 2l0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
44Picture(s)
2,400Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$575000

Residential For Sale

130 Agate Trail, Gaetz Brook Ns B0j 2l0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,400Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
MODERN COUNTRY LIVING JUST 20 MINUTES FROM DARTMOUTH Set on 5 acres located at the end of a quiet private road with wonderful neighbors.This beautifully maintained 3 year young family home is just waiting for you to make it your own.
C$575000

Residential For Sale

130 Agate Trail, Gaetz Brook Ns B0j 2l0
RE/MAX Nova
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$575000

Residential For Sale

16 Mcnamara Bend, Evanston Ns B0e 1j0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
13Picture(s)
704Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$215000

Residential For Sale

16 Mcnamara Bend, Evanston Ns B0e 1j0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
704Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and efficiency in this nearly new mini home, designed to maximize natural light with large windows throughout. At 16 McNamara Bend you can enjoy year-round comfort with electric baseboard heating and a ductless heat pump, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The angled metal roof ensures snow slides right off, minimizing maintenance.
C$215000

Residential For Sale

16 Mcnamara Bend, Evanston Ns B0e 1j0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$215000

Residential For Sale

81 Chemin Des Cottreau Road, Wedgeport Ns B0w 3p0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
2,987Sqft
Modern Realty
C$329900

Residential For Sale

81 Chemin Des Cottreau Road, Wedgeport Ns B0w 3p0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,987Sqft
Modern Realty
Charming Family Home with Privacy, Space, and Coastal Charm – Wedgeport, NS If you’re searching for a spacious family home that offers privacy, comfort, and a touch of nature, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath property could be just what you’ve been looking for! Nestled on a private 2.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

81 Chemin Des Cottreau Road, Wedgeport Ns B0w 3p0
Modern Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329900

Residential For Sale

428 Highway 1, Deep Brook Ns B0s 1j0

6Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
5,114Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$650000

Residential For Sale

428 Highway 1, Deep Brook Ns B0s 1j0
6Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
5,114Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Presenting the ideal family home, designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, this property embodies seamless living in a picturesque setting. Featuring 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with the oversized main bedroom and a spacious washroom conveniently located on the main floor, this home caters to a comfortable lifestyle.
C$650000

Residential For Sale

428 Highway 1, Deep Brook Ns B0s 1j0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
6Bedroom(s)
6Bathroom(s)
C$650000
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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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