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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

90 Orchard Heights, Maders Cove Ns B0j 2e0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,383Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
C$925000

Residential For Sale

90 Orchard Heights, Maders Cove Ns B0j 2e0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,383Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
Located in the desirable Mader's Cove between Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, this property is very private and set back from the main roads down a little private lane. Inside, the home has an abundance of natural light with the entire front of the home enjoying floor to ceiling windows and taking in pretty ocean views.
C$925000

Residential For Sale

90 Orchard Heights, Maders Cove Ns B0j 2e0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$925000

Residential For Sale

3107 Granville Road, Karsdale Ns B0s 1a0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
24Picture(s)
1,713Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Annapolis Royal)
C$199000

Residential For Sale

3107 Granville Road, Karsdale Ns B0s 1a0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,713Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Annapolis Royal)
Century home located in a pastoral country setting only a short drive from the popular town of Annapolis Royal. Situated on a 16-acre lot that borders on the North Mountain, this property offers the potential for a hobby farm or market gardens and features a large outbuilding.
C$199000

Residential For Sale

3107 Granville Road, Karsdale Ns B0s 1a0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Annapolis Royal)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199000

Residential For Sale

A-9 Woodchuck Lane, Goffs Ns B2t 1b9

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
2,207Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$623400

Residential For Sale

A-9 Woodchuck Lane, Goffs Ns B2t 1b9
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,207Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Dann plan by Marchand Homes. Split entry with open concept living room/dining room/kitchen with 3'x6'center island in the kitchen. Primary bedroom with ensuite bath and 2 additional bedrooms on the upper level as well as a 4 pc main bath. Lower level has a 2 car garage as well as rec large rec room home office, 3rd full bath and laundry.
C$623400

Residential For Sale

A-9 Woodchuck Lane, Goffs Ns B2t 1b9
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$623400

Residential For Sale

13573 Highway 6 Highway, Wallace Bridge Ns B0k 1y0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
3,430Sqft
Parachute Realty
C$1175000

Residential For Sale

13573 Highway 6 Highway, Wallace Bridge Ns B0k 1y0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,430Sqft
Parachute Realty
Escape to the serene beauty of Wallace Bay, where this expansive chalet-style home blends luxury with natural tranquility. Set on a sprawling lot with 400 feet of private waterfront, this A-frame retreat offers breathtaking views of the Northumberland Strait, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and a thoughtfully designed interior that seamlessly balances modern upgrades with timeless charm.
C$1175000

Residential For Sale

13573 Highway 6 Highway, Wallace Bridge Ns B0k 1y0
Parachute Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1175000

Residential For Sale

407-53 Bedros Lane, Halifax Ns B3m 4x4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,910Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$689900

Residential For Sale

407-53 Bedros Lane, Halifax Ns B3m 4x4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,910Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to Beaubassin Place! This incredible 1910 sq ft condo is a must see! Beautifully designed, this 3 bed, 2 full bath condo offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bedford Basin from every room. The open concept layout seamlessly combines the living room, kitchen, and dining area perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
C$689900

Residential For Sale

407-53 Bedros Lane, Halifax Ns B3m 4x4
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$689900

Residential For Sale

213 Arnold Road, Grafton Ns B0p 1v0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,501Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
C$649900

Residential For Sale

213 Arnold Road, Grafton Ns B0p 1v0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
1,501Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
Nestled on the Annapolis Valley floor at the foot of the north mountain,this quaint setting holds the desires of those awaiting a relaxing rural lifestyle. This property is located in a well respected area of farmland highlighted by a charming historic home.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

213 Arnold Road, Grafton Ns B0p 1v0
RE/MAX Advantage
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

12 Clam Point Road, Clam Point Ns B0w 1g0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
29Picture(s)
1,488Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

12 Clam Point Road, Clam Point Ns B0w 1g0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,488Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
Coastal Gem- Priced to Sell! Just a few minutes from stunning white sand beach with rolling ocean waves , this 2 to 3 bedroom contemporary retreat offers the perfect blend of modern updates and chalet style charm.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

12 Clam Point Road, Clam Point Ns B0w 1g0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

8505 Hwy#209 Highway, Port Greville Ns B0m 1s0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
28Picture(s)
894Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$160000

Residential For Sale

8505 Hwy#209 Highway, Port Greville Ns B0m 1s0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
894Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
This adorable and quaint home is located in Port Greville Nova Scotia! Port Greville is a small seaside community with various beach access points and gorgeous scenery. The home itself sits on 0.46 of an acre of land that is perfect for gardening etc. There is a circular driveway and a storage shed in the yard.
C$160000

Residential For Sale

8505 Hwy#209 Highway, Port Greville Ns B0m 1s0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$160000

Residential For Sale

Leaside Court Lot 108a, Port Williams Ns B0p 1t0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,489Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$597900

Residential For Sale

Leaside Court Lot 108a, Port Williams Ns B0p 1t0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,489Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
New one level energy efficient home under construction in Lawrence Gate Subdivision. This 1,489 sf house is ideal for anyone wanting the convenience of limited maintenance that a new home provides. The open concept Kitchen, Living and Dining rooms feature a large sit-up island in the kitchen, quartz countertops and a tray ceiling in the Living Room.
C$597900

Residential For Sale

Leaside Court Lot 108a, Port Williams Ns B0p 1t0
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$597900

Residential For Sale

Leaside Court Lot 109, Port Williams Ns B0p 1t0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,458Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$599900

Residential For Sale

Leaside Court Lot 109, Port Williams Ns B0p 1t0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,458Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
New one level energy efficient home under construction in Lawrence Gate Subdivision. This 1,458 sf house is ideal for anyone wanting the convenience of limited maintenance that a new home provides. The open concept Kitchen, Living and Dining rooms feature a large sit-up island in the kitchen, quartz countertops and a tray ceiling in the Living/Dining rooms.
C$599900

Residential For Sale

Leaside Court Lot 109, Port Williams Ns B0p 1t0
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$599900

Residential For Sale

201 Lynwood Drive, Brookside Ns B3t 0j8

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
3,901Sqft
Bryant Realty Atlantic
C$1980000

Residential For Sale

201 Lynwood Drive, Brookside Ns B3t 0j8
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
3,901Sqft
Bryant Realty Atlantic
Peaceful, luxurious, lakefront living just 20 minutes from downtown Halifax. Nestled on a beautifully landscaped 1.4-acre lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this executive three-level home offers a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. With breathtaking west-facing views, you’ll enjoy stunning sunsets from the expansive main deck, saltwater hot tub, or your private primary suite balcony.
C$1980000

Residential For Sale

201 Lynwood Drive, Brookside Ns B3t 0j8
Bryant Realty Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1980000

Residential For Sale

19 Brick Lane, Halifax Ns B3p 0g4

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
25Picture(s)
2,405Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$724900

Residential For Sale

19 Brick Lane, Halifax Ns B3p 0g4
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,405Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Welcome to 19 Brick Lane, a delightful home situated in the heart of Governor's Brook, one of Spryfield's most sought-after, family-friendly neighborhoods. This charming property combines comfort, convenience, and a true sense of community, making it the perfect choice for families.
C$724900

Residential For Sale

19 Brick Lane, Halifax Ns B3p 0g4
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$724900
4742 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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