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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

387 Church Hill Road, Sandy Cove Ns B0v 1e0

8Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
4,225Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$575000

Residential For Sale

387 Church Hill Road, Sandy Cove Ns B0v 1e0
8Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
4,225Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Nestled on the charming Church Hill Road in the picturesque village of Sandy Cove, this grand century home offers endless possibilities and immense potential. Hosting views of Sandy Cove Harbour and St. Mary's Bay, this substantial property presents a unique opportunity for those seeking an exceptional residence or an entrepreneurial venture, such as a bed and breakfast.
C$575000

Residential For Sale

387 Church Hill Road, Sandy Cove Ns B0v 1e0
Exit Realty Town & Country
8Bedroom(s)
8Bathroom(s)
C$575000

Residential For Sale

5067 Kempt Head Road, Southside Boularderie, NS B1Y 2P3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,880Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$652500

Residential For Sale

5067 Kempt Head Road, Southside Boularderie, NS B1Y 2P3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,880Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
Southside Boularderie is the ideal location for those seeking restorative beauty, nurturing quiet, and a blend of rural living with proximity to North Sydney, Sydney Mines, Sydney, and Baddeck. This 3.7 acre waterside haven property boasts an epic view of St. Andrew's Channel of the Bras d'Or Lake, including Island Point peninsula.
C$652500

Residential For Sale

5067 Kempt Head Road, Southside Boularderie, NS B1Y 2P3
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$652500

Residential For Sale

315 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke Ns B0n 1z0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
3,145Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$1500000

Residential For Sale

315 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke Ns B0n 1z0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,145Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
This is a very rare opportunity with endless possibilities! This gorgeous well maintained one level, three bedroom home boasts nine foot ceilings with open concept kitchen and living room and sits on over five acres! This home also has a large rec room with hot tub, pool table, exercise equipment, gaming station and bar included! Don't worry about heating costs as this home is heated with an ou
C$1500000

Residential For Sale

315 Highway 1, Mount Uniacke Ns B0n 1z0
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1500000

Residential For Sale

103 Charleton Road, West Springhill Ns B0s 1a0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,944Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$599000

Residential For Sale

103 Charleton Road, West Springhill Ns B0s 1a0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,944Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Welcome to your year-round lakeside retreat ! Located on the very popular Sandy Bottom Lake. This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and tranquility, nestled on the shores of a serene lake. Step inside to find an inviting open living space complete with large windows that flood the interior with natural light and stunning water views.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

103 Charleton Road, West Springhill Ns B0s 1a0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

120 Rodney Drive, Militia Point Ns B0e 2y0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,184Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$339000

Residential For Sale

120 Rodney Drive, Militia Point Ns B0e 2y0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,184Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
Turnkey, Like New, Stunning Location—An Unbeatable Price! Imagine living the dream in one of Cape Breton's most coveted areas, where tranquility meets natural beauty. This stunning mobile home, built just six years ago and never used, is a true gem that feels brand new.
C$339000

Residential For Sale

120 Rodney Drive, Militia Point Ns B0e 2y0
Cape Breton Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$339000

Residential For Sale

13 Piper Lane, Vaughan Ns B0n 2t0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,560Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$619900

Residential For Sale

13 Piper Lane, Vaughan Ns B0n 2t0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,560Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Welcome to your dream home nestled above the serene Falls Lake in the condominium community of Falls Lake Resort! This newly constructed home offers breathtaking views. Step inside to be greeted by the grandeur of 15-foot vaulted ceiling in the living room, accentuating the spaciousness of the open concept layout.
C$619900

Residential For Sale

13 Piper Lane, Vaughan Ns B0n 2t0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$619900

Residential For Sale

799 Stoney Island Road, Clam Point Ns B0t 1n0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,300Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
C$198500

Residential For Sale

799 Stoney Island Road, Clam Point Ns B0t 1n0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,300Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
Looking for a summer get-away located close to beautiful beaches? Approximately 4.3 acres of woodland running to shore line.
C$198500

Residential For Sale

799 Stoney Island Road, Clam Point Ns B0t 1n0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$198500

Residential For Sale

893 Two Islands Road, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0

2Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,421Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

893 Two Islands Road, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0
2Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,421Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
CUSTOM HOME WITH A VIEW! Welcome to 893 Two Islands Road in Parrsboro where you are only a short distance from town, theatre and a golf course, and of course, beaches!! Elegance and custom is what you see from when you first pull in and see the large paved driveway, the stone wall, a separate garage and those huge decks.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

893 Two Islands Road, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

1060 North Shore Road, Malagash Ns B0k 1e0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,872Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

1060 North Shore Road, Malagash Ns B0k 1e0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,872Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
WATERFRONT - Easy beach living on the North Shore Road in Malagash. With a fantastic beach directly across the road and included ocean frontage you are never more than a minute from the ocean! And what a wonderful place to call home with this 3 bedroom plus den bungalow that is heavy on features.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

1060 North Shore Road, Malagash Ns B0k 1e0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

2696 Barronsfield Road, River Hebert Ns B0l 1g0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,272Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$169900

Residential For Sale

2696 Barronsfield Road, River Hebert Ns B0l 1g0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,272Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
1916 STUNNING HOME! Recent updates included electrical to breakers, fiberglass oil tank, all new windows (2014), and new roof shingles being installed starting Oct 21, 2024. This home has many beautiful original features: hardwood floors throughout, original trim work, three original fireplaces (not operational), covered veranda, security cameras and generator can remain.
C$169900

Residential For Sale

2696 Barronsfield Road, River Hebert Ns B0l 1g0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$169900

Residential For Sale

13155 Highway 215, Rines Creek Ns B0n 2h0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
47Picture(s)
5,368Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$1450000

Residential For Sale

13155 Highway 215, Rines Creek Ns B0n 2h0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
5,368Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
This spectacular waterfront equestrian estate encompasses over 15 acres of picturesque land with stunning views in all directions.
C$1450000

Residential For Sale

13155 Highway 215, Rines Creek Ns B0n 2h0
Exit Realty Town & Country
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1450000

Residential For Sale

5767 Highway 340, Forest Glen Ns B5a 5r1

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
30Picture(s)
1,600Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$409900

Residential For Sale

5767 Highway 340, Forest Glen Ns B5a 5r1
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,600Sqft
The Real Estate Store
Welcome to 5767 Highway 340 Forest Glen. The property consists of 24 acres all combined. There is land on both sides of the road with frontage on Parr Lake. Multiple options exist here. The home has a full concrete undeveloped basement with a large walkout. On the main level there is good open living space and one bedroom and laundry. On the second level there are an additional 2 bedrooms.
C$409900

Residential For Sale

5767 Highway 340, Forest Glen Ns B5a 5r1
The Real Estate Store
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$409900
4724 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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