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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

2285 Highway 221, Dempseys Corner, NS B0P 1C0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,240Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$447500

Residential For Sale

2285 Highway 221, Dempseys Corner, NS B0P 1C0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,240Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
JUST RE-LISTED! Looking for a place to call home where you can relax & enjoy a beautiful view while sitting on your deck or sunroom? Well, You have found it! Located at the base of the North Mountain (just minutes away from Berwick Heights Golf Course & about 10min from Greenwood Mall), rests this beautiful 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home.
C$447500

Residential For Sale

2285 Highway 221, Dempseys Corner, NS B0P 1C0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$447500

Residential For Sale

163 Orchard Street, Berwick Ns B0p 1e0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,232Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
C$514900

Residential For Sale

163 Orchard Street, Berwick Ns B0p 1e0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,232Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
Step up to an outstanding neighborhood, a community within a community on the outskirts of the ever popular Town of Berwick. Complete with a large lot and partially fenced area this home offers more space in and out that meets the eye on a drive by. Inside the style is open concept with opportunities for various lifestyles.
C$514900

Residential For Sale

163 Orchard Street, Berwick Ns B0p 1e0
RE/MAX Advantage
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$514900

Residential For Sale

185 Highway 224, Sheet Harbour Ns B0j 3b0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,832Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$329900

Residential For Sale

185 Highway 224, Sheet Harbour Ns B0j 3b0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,832Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Well cared for 5 Bedroom home located in the friendly town of Sheet Harbour with shop and garage. All the amenities of Sheet Harbour are a minute drive down the road. Enjoy the convenience of main floor laundry,2 good sizes main floor bedrooms and a sunroom with heat pump.Head Upstairs to find 3 more well appointed bedrooms and a full bath with bathtub.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

185 Highway 224, Sheet Harbour Ns B0j 3b0
Keller Williams Select Realty
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329900

Residential For Sale

14 Breakwater Lane, Brooklyn Ns B0j 1h0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,873Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake Liverpool
C$389900

Residential For Sale

14 Breakwater Lane, Brooklyn Ns B0j 1h0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,873Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake Liverpool
Located in Brooklyn this 3 bedroom oceanfront home is ready to move into and enjoy the views and all the work that has been done to it. The roof has been reshingled , the whole house outside has been scraped and painted also the inside the floors and walls have been redone.
C$389900

Residential For Sale

14 Breakwater Lane, Brooklyn Ns B0j 1h0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake Liverpool
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$389900

Residential For Sale

1011 14 Highway, Upper Vaughan Ns B0n 2t0

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,340Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$1049000

Residential For Sale

1011 14 Highway, Upper Vaughan Ns B0n 2t0
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4,340Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
New Price! Gorgeous Lakefront Property in Nova Scotia just one hour from Halifax and 30 min from Chester! This exquisite lakefront property offers a luxurious and serene living experience with unparalleled amenities. The 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom executive bungalow with over 4300 s.f.
C$1049000

Residential For Sale

1011 14 Highway, Upper Vaughan Ns B0n 2t0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1049000

Residential For Sale

1480 103 Highway, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
14Picture(s)
1,792Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$315000

Residential For Sale

1480 103 Highway, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,792Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to your new peaceful retreat on the South Shore. Everything inside this home is brand new right down to the insulation and drywall. Brand new electrical and plumbing was done in 2024. Brand new kitchen and bathrooms were also done in 2024. The attention to detail in this home needs to be seen to be believed. The lighting, the floors, absolutely everything is brand new.
C$315000

Residential For Sale

1480 103 Highway, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$315000

Residential For Sale

56 Lonesome Hunters Inn Lane, Upper Ohio Ns B0t 1w0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$239000

Residential For Sale

56 Lonesome Hunters Inn Lane, Upper Ohio Ns B0t 1w0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,200Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Riverfront Cottage For Sale – Beautifully Upgraded & Move-in Ready! Enjoy your own private retreat with over 300 feet of serene river frontage along the Roseway River. Swim directly from your property or kayak downstream to Phillip Lake when water levels allow. A charming creek transforms into a rushing brook each spring, adding to the tranquility.
C$239000

Residential For Sale

56 Lonesome Hunters Inn Lane, Upper Ohio Ns B0t 1w0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239000

Residential For Sale

38 Moores Road, Glen Margaret Ns B3z 3g3

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,600Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$999000

Residential For Sale

38 Moores Road, Glen Margaret Ns B3z 3g3
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,600Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Swimming, sailing and spectacular sunsets all in your own backyard. Wonderful deep water anchorage, a rare find with over 2 fathoms just off shore and a little further out is a channel dropping to 5.4 fathoms for mooring. This private paradise is located on coveted and beautiful St. Margaret’s Bay with easy access to the city but far from the hustle and bustle of the madding crowd.
C$999000

Residential For Sale

38 Moores Road, Glen Margaret Ns B3z 3g3
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$999000

Residential For Sale

523 Westwood Boulevard, Upper Tantallon Ns B3z 4k2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
3,059Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$889900

Residential For Sale

523 Westwood Boulevard, Upper Tantallon Ns B3z 4k2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,059Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Better than new, 4 bedroom, 4 baths, finished basement with walkout and double garage. The main level is open concept with a beautiful kitchen with a large pantry, upgraded larger Kitchen island with Aria Quartz top. Large family room, dining room and office half bathroom.
C$889900

Residential For Sale

523 Westwood Boulevard, Upper Tantallon Ns B3z 4k2
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$889900

Residential For Sale

1736 Highway 277, Carrolls Corner Ns B0n 1y0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
816Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

1736 Highway 277, Carrolls Corner Ns B0n 1y0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
816Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
This charming little spot sits perfectly at the front of a half acre lot with tiered slope. Featuring 2 bedrooms and a host of upgrades, this cute and cozy home is only 10 mins from Elmsdale. Large wired shed would make an ideal workshop and the private clearing at the rear is perfect for autumn bonfires. Lots of potential to be unearthed here.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

1736 Highway 277, Carrolls Corner Ns B0n 1y0
Hants Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$329900

Residential For Sale

Grant 12417 Rushy Lake, Jacksons Mountain Ns B0w 3m0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
27Picture(s)
576Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$325000

Residential For Sale

Grant 12417 Rushy Lake, Jacksons Mountain Ns B0w 3m0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
576Sqft
The Real Estate Store
If you are looking for a remote and unique property this may be for you. 76 acres on Rushy Lake and adjoining waterway offers solitude and off grid living. The 24X24 well-built cottage is well done and can be operated by generator. Two storage buildings offer lots of storage and the frontage on Rushy Lake is good and has boat launching access.
C$325000

Residential For Sale

Grant 12417 Rushy Lake, Jacksons Mountain Ns B0w 3m0
The Real Estate Store
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$325000

Residential For Sale

28 Kwyet Lane, Chester Ns B0j 1j0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,088Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$260000

Residential For Sale

28 Kwyet Lane, Chester Ns B0j 1j0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,088Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Nestled in the tranquil 55+ community of Kwyet Waters, this beautifully designed 5 year old 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath mini home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The open-concept layout centers around a chef’s dream kitchen, featuring a large island, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances including a new fridge, and a spacious pantry.
C$260000

Residential For Sale

28 Kwyet Lane, Chester Ns B0j 1j0
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$260000
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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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