There is no favorite listings!

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.

Leave a comment

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.

Leave a comment

Residential Properties

Sort Option
  • Listing ID
  • Total Finished Area
  • Price
  • Add date
  • Listing Status
Grid
List
Map
RSS

Residential For Sale

6760 Highway 105, Upper River Denys Ns B0e 3m0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
32Picture(s)
908Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$190000

Residential For Sale

6760 Highway 105, Upper River Denys Ns B0e 3m0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
908Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
This cute and cozy hobby farm is perfect for anyone looking to embrace country living. With many upgrades, including new living room windows and trim, a wood stove, volcano vinyl flooring, a new septic tank and bed, and durable steel roofing, this property is move-in ready. Sitting on nearly 4.
C$190000

Residential For Sale

6760 Highway 105, Upper River Denys Ns B0e 3m0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$190000

Residential For Sale

166 Hilltop Drive, Lower Sackville Ns B4c 2p5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
22Picture(s)
952Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$159900

Residential For Sale

166 Hilltop Drive, Lower Sackville Ns B4c 2p5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
952Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Discover cozy living in this delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom mini home located in the peaceful Sackville Manor community. This home features a bright, open-concept living area, a functional kitchen, and two bedrooms perfect for small families, couples, or downsizers. Enjoy the convenience of single-level living with a low-maintenance yard and a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.
C$159900

Residential For Sale

166 Hilltop Drive, Lower Sackville Ns B4c 2p5
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$159900

Residential For Sale

200 Middle Road, Kingsburg Ns B0j 2x0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,629Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$1395000

Residential For Sale

200 Middle Road, Kingsburg Ns B0j 2x0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,629Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
Appropriately named The Black Pearl, this new home is a rare gem with a contemporary chic design, clad with black metal siding and roof, and set in the sought-after village community of Kingsburg, moments from quiet Kingsburg beach, world-renowned hiking trail Gaff Point and Hirtles Beach. Well set back on solid rock, approx. 150 ft of oceanfront and 4.7 acres.
C$1395000

Residential For Sale

200 Middle Road, Kingsburg Ns B0j 2x0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1395000

Residential For Sale

36 Lent Road, Digby Ns B0w 3t0

6Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,953Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
C$249000

Residential For Sale

36 Lent Road, Digby Ns B0w 3t0
6Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,953Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
Located slightly off Highway 1 on a quiet country road, what was once a prominent equestrian stable and riding arena, a home and family gathering place is now for sale.
C$249000

Residential For Sale

36 Lent Road, Digby Ns B0w 3t0
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
6Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$249000

Residential For Sale

91 Lower Lahave Road, Riverport Ns B0j 2w0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
WiredParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,600Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

91 Lower Lahave Road, Riverport Ns B0j 2w0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
WiredParking(s)
1,600Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
This classic and very pretty Riverport home sits at the mouth of where the LaHave River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The sailing is wonderful and the sunsets even better. The home features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, original staircase, high ceilings, enclosed porch and much more. Outside there is an outdoor shower, a private fenced in deck area and garage.
C$499000

Residential For Sale

91 Lower Lahave Road, Riverport Ns B0j 2w0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

197 Somerset Road, Italy Cross Ns B4v 0m1

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,600Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$1195000

Residential For Sale

197 Somerset Road, Italy Cross Ns B4v 0m1
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,600Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
A rare opportunity to own a custom designed, executive home on a secluded, pristine lake. With its lush gardens, and an exceptional 425 feet of lakefront, this easily accessible location may be the family retreat you have dreamed of.
C$1195000

Residential For Sale

197 Somerset Road, Italy Cross Ns B4v 0m1
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1195000

Residential For Sale

139 Main Street, Joggins Ns B0l 1a0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,024Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$289900

Residential For Sale

139 Main Street, Joggins Ns B0l 1a0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,024Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
This updated and versatile 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home is nestled in the picturesque oceanside village of Joggins, Nova Scotia, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the “Joggins Fossil Cliffs.” Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, the location offers easy access to ATV and snowmobile trails, as well as some of the best bass fishing on the stunning beaches of neighboring Lower Cove.
C$289900

Residential For Sale

139 Main Street, Joggins Ns B0l 1a0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$289900

Residential For Sale

35 Sarah Ingraham Drive, Williamswood Ns B3v 1n2

6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,081Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

35 Sarah Ingraham Drive, Williamswood Ns B3v 1n2
6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,081Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
Located in the peaceful Broadfalls Park Subdivision with river frontage, this private home offers open-plan living and space for extended family or guests. The bright main level features hardwood floors, a propane fireplace, a kitchen with pantry shelving, and French doors leading to a fenced backyard overlooking the river.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

35 Sarah Ingraham Drive, Williamswood Ns B3v 1n2
Engel & Volkers (Wolfville)
6Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

25 Parkdale Crescent, Inverness Ns B0e 1n0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
26Picture(s)
798Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$365000

Residential For Sale

25 Parkdale Crescent, Inverness Ns B0e 1n0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
798Sqft
Engel & Volkers
This exquisite newly built two-bedroom residence perfectly blends contemporary design, comfort, and elegance. This property offers an unparalleled lifestyle that combines tranquility with convenience.
C$365000

Residential For Sale

25 Parkdale Crescent, Inverness Ns B0e 1n0
Engel & Volkers
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$365000

Residential For Sale

1233 Hastings Road, Hastings Ns B4h 3y3

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,901Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$569900

Residential For Sale

1233 Hastings Road, Hastings Ns B4h 3y3
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,901Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Nestled within the tranquil embrace of mature trees, this exceptional home is set on a private 2.6-acre lot, offering the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience, just minutes from the amenities of downtown Amherst! Entering along the long, paved drive, you’re welcomed by a picturesque setting adorned with lush perennials and a sense of serenity.
C$569900

Residential For Sale

1233 Hastings Road, Hastings Ns B4h 3y3
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$569900

Residential For Sale

432 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Ns B0w 3t0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,100Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$499000

Residential For Sale

432 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Ns B0w 3t0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,100Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Opportunity is knocking! This incredible estate is situated on over 20 acres of pasture and forest with 250 feet of waterfront on Provost Lake. This updated home has been meticulously maintained and it shows. Walking into the large foyer, the sunlight fills the room and shows off the hardwood floors.
C$499000

Residential For Sale

432 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Ns B0w 3t0
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$499000

Residential For Sale

78 Aralia Lane, Upper Tantallon Ns B3z 0p8

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
9Picture(s)
2,443Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$899000

Residential For Sale

78 Aralia Lane, Upper Tantallon Ns B3z 0p8
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,443Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to 78 Aralia Lane. This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom split entry is located in the beautiful subdivision of Westwood Hills. This home sits on a treelined 1.69 acres with 260 feet of water frontage on Bull Pond. The main floor consists of an open concept kitchen/dining/living space, 3 great sized bedrooms and two full baths, including a primary ensuite.
C$899000

Residential For Sale

78 Aralia Lane, Upper Tantallon Ns B3z 0p8
Exit Realty Metro
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$899000
4754 Results returned.Per Page
Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern