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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

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North Ns B0j 2c0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North Ns B0j 2c0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
Rarely do you find a unique opportunity such as this, to own your own little piece of oceanfront paradise on historic, storied Schooner Cove in Stonehurst, Nova Scotia. Formerly the old community school house, this exquisite renovation sits on 2.4 acres with over 300 feet of ocean frontage, just 10 minutes from the Town of Lunenburg.
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North Ns B0j 2c0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North Ns B0j 2c0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North Ns B0j 2c0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,148Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
Rarely do you find a unique opportunity such as this, to own your own little piece of oceanfront paradise on historic, storied Schooner Cove in Stonehurst, Nova Scotia. Formerly the old community school house, this exquisite renovation sits on 2.4 acres with over 300 feet of ocean frontage, just 10 minutes from the Town of Lunenburg.
C$988800

Residential For Sale

317 Stonehurst Road, Stonehurst North Ns B0j 2c0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Mahone Bay)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$988800

Residential For Sale

Highway 2, Portapique Ns B0m 1b0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
11Picture(s)
960Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$388229

Residential For Sale

Highway 2, Portapique Ns B0m 1b0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
960Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Introducing The Bayfield, a thoughtfully designed mini home by Citadel Homes located on this charming country building lot! Nestled on 3 acres, this parcel is located just 25 minutes from Truro with the Cobequid Bay just a hop skip and a jump away. This property provides the best of both worlds, being a peaceful rural setting while also conveniently close to urban amenities.
C$388229

Residential For Sale

Highway 2, Portapique Ns B0m 1b0
Exit Real Estate Professionals
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$388229

Residential For Sale

Lot 12 Rubys Way, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
18Picture(s)
1,022Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$424900

Residential For Sale

Lot 12 Rubys Way, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,022Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Introducing The Dahlia -Under Construction (Photos are of previously built model homes)- a stunning new construction property nestled within a vibrant development community. This ideal single-level home spans 1,022 sq ft and epitomizes modern living with its thoughtful design and premium features.
C$424900

Residential For Sale

Lot 12 Rubys Way, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$424900

Residential For Sale

Lot 13 Rubys Way, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
16Picture(s)
1,170Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$434900

Residential For Sale

Lot 13 Rubys Way, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,170Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Introducing the Magnolia – Under Construction (Photos of previously built Model Home)-a modern bungalow designed for effortless one-level living. Spanning 1,170 sq ft, this thoughtfully crafted new construction property promises comfort and style.
C$434900

Residential For Sale

Lot 13 Rubys Way, Stewiacke Ns B0n 2j0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$434900

Residential For Sale

111 Grandview Avenue, Trenton Ns B0k 1x0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,932Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$320000

Residential For Sale

111 Grandview Avenue, Trenton Ns B0k 1x0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,932Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Your Next Home Awaits! Looking for space, comfort, and modern updates? This 3+1 bedroom home has everything you need—and then some! Step inside to find a big, bright kitchen that’s perfect for cooking, gathering, and making memories. The spacious living room is just as inviting, offering plenty of room to relax and unwind.
C$320000

Residential For Sale

111 Grandview Avenue, Trenton Ns B0k 1x0
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$320000

Residential For Sale

N-17 Tully Lake, Elderbank Ns B0n 1k0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
C$398000

Residential For Sale

N-17 Tully Lake, Elderbank Ns B0n 1k0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
Don't sacrifice quality to stay within budget when it comes to your first/next home! Meet Adrianna from Citadel Homes. This brand new, 1,200 square foot mini home is bright, inviting and comes with 2.1 acres of land that you own.
C$398000

Residential For Sale

N-17 Tully Lake, Elderbank Ns B0n 1k0
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$398000

Residential For Sale

N-15 Tully Lake, Elderbank Ns B0n 1k0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

N-15 Tully Lake, Elderbank Ns B0n 1k0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
Don't sacrifice quality to stay within budget when it comes to your first/next home! Meet Kensington from Citadel Homes. This brand new, 1,200 square foot mini home is open, comfortable and comes with 2.5 acres of land that you own.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

N-15 Tully Lake, Elderbank Ns B0n 1k0
RE/MAX Nova (Enfield)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

123 French Cove Road, French Cove Ns B0e 3b0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,792Sqft
Harvey Realties Limited (St.Peters)
C$559000

Residential For Sale

123 French Cove Road, French Cove Ns B0e 3b0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,792Sqft
Harvey Realties Limited (St.Peters)
Have you been on the hunt for the perfect waterfront property? This is the property for you! Incredible Bras d'Or Lake water front site. This property has over 400 feet of water frontage. The shore has extensive stone protection. There is a built-in boat launch and a dock, 8'x22', large enough for your boat. Protected cove! This is an excellent chalet style home with beautiful walk-out basement.
C$559000

Residential For Sale

123 French Cove Road, French Cove Ns B0e 3b0
Harvey Realties Limited (St.Peters)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$559000

Residential For Sale

2121 Highway 376, Lyons Brook Ns B0k 1h0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,880Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

2121 Highway 376, Lyons Brook Ns B0k 1h0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,880Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Discover a rare gem in Nova Scotia's picturesque countryside: a meticulously maintained century home on 18 acres of partially-cleared land, once owned by the Hogg Family estate. This versatile property, with flexible zoning, offers panoramic views of the Harbour and just 10 minutes from Pictou. The 3 bedroom, 2.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

2121 Highway 376, Lyons Brook Ns B0k 1h0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

545 Young Avenue, Halifax Ns B3h 2v4

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
46Picture(s)
10,000Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$3300000

Residential For Sale

545 Young Avenue, Halifax Ns B3h 2v4
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
10,000Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Nestled in a prime location and brimming with history, this magnificent estate was originally built in 1898 and has been thoughtfully renovated in 2014 to seamlessly blend it's timeless Victorian charm with modern updates.
C$3300000

Residential For Sale

545 Young Avenue, Halifax Ns B3h 2v4
Royal LePage Atlantic
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$3300000

Residential For Sale

8431 Highway 215, Cambridge Ns B0n 2r0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
32Picture(s)
938Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$239000

Residential For Sale

8431 Highway 215, Cambridge Ns B0n 2r0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
938Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has been lovingly cared for by the same family for decades. Set to be subdivided from a larger parcel, the property offers a full acre of land? - ideal for gardening, outdoor enjoyment, or future expansion. Inside, you'll find a large kitchen, a bright living room, and hardwood floors throughout the main level.
C$239000

Residential For Sale

8431 Highway 215, Cambridge Ns B0n 2r0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239000
4767 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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