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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

721 Descousse-cap La Ronde Road, Cap La Ronde Ns B0e 1k0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,172Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
C$360000

Residential For Sale

721 Descousse-cap La Ronde Road, Cap La Ronde Ns B0e 1k0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,172Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
Welcome to Cap La Ronde! A stunning slice of paradise on Isle Madame, with just over 3 acres of beautifully landscaped property and 198 feet of water frontage. This move-in ready 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow features an open-concept layout, perfect for modern living. The home is equipped with 2 ductless heat pumps, electric baseboard, and forced air heating for year-round comfort.
C$360000

Residential For Sale

721 Descousse-cap La Ronde Road, Cap La Ronde Ns B0e 1k0
Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$360000

Residential For Sale

Hawbolts Island, Mitchell Bay Ns B0j 2k0

1Bedroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
20Picture(s)
320Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$184900

Residential For Sale

Hawbolts Island, Mitchell Bay Ns B0j 2k0
1Bedroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
320Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Wow! Welcome home to your own Island with a camp on site! Have you ever dreamed of owning an island oasis? Here is your opportunity.Welcome to Hawbolts Island on the Eastern Shore offering 11 acres ofland and over 3900 Ft of Ocean Frontage around the Island.The island is located in the Mitchell Bay area,nestled in amoungt several other islands and a short boat ride from the mainland.
C$184900

Residential For Sale

Hawbolts Island, Mitchell Bay Ns B0j 2k0
Keller Williams Select Realty
1Bedroom(s)
C$184900

Residential For Sale

334 Carmel Crescent, Hammonds Plains Ns B3z 1p2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,791Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$769900

Residential For Sale

334 Carmel Crescent, Hammonds Plains Ns B3z 1p2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,791Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 334 Carmel Crescent. Nestled in a private, large and serene lot with nature all around. Once you walk in you’re greeted by a bright, open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Large windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the elegant finishes and stylish design. A modern kitchen features sleek countertops with ample Pantry.
C$769900

Residential For Sale

334 Carmel Crescent, Hammonds Plains Ns B3z 1p2
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$769900

Residential For Sale

133 The Point Road, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,686Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$695000

Residential For Sale

133 The Point Road, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,686Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
This home is slightly elevated and has spectacular ocean views including the Ovens Natural Park, a great day trip for adventure. Blue Rocks and its outer islands and channels are great for kayaking, rent one at the kayak shop or bring your own.
C$695000

Residential For Sale

133 The Point Road, Blue Rocks Ns B0j 2c0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$695000

Residential For Sale

1163 Mull River Road, Mabou Ns B0e 1x0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
740Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$285000

Residential For Sale

1163 Mull River Road, Mabou Ns B0e 1x0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
740Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
Whether you envision a cozy year-round residence or a peaceful cottage retreat, this appealing property located at Mull River Road, Mabou, Inverness County, is a fantastic opportunity. As you enter, the home offers an area with an open concept, eat-in kitchen area. There are two bedrooms and one three piece bath.
C$285000

Residential For Sale

1163 Mull River Road, Mabou Ns B0e 1x0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$285000

Residential For Sale

619 Chemin Desprairies Road, Maxwellton Ns B0w 2l0

2Bedroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
27Picture(s)
626Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$80000

Residential For Sale

619 Chemin Desprairies Road, Maxwellton Ns B0w 2l0
2Bedroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
626Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Discover the charm and serenity of off-grid living with this peaceful camp located at 619 Chemin des Prairies Road, boasting 1.74 acres with frontage on Swallow Lake Brooke. Nestled on a mostly treed lot, this one-bedroom retreat comes fully furnished and ready to enjoy, with many recent upgrades that make it even more inviting.
C$80000

Residential For Sale

619 Chemin Desprairies Road, Maxwellton Ns B0w 2l0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
C$80000

Residential For Sale

1-2128 Brunswick Street, Halifax Ns B3k 2y8

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
28Picture(s)
459Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

1-2128 Brunswick Street, Halifax Ns B3k 2y8
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
459Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to this delightful loft in Marley, a registered heritage property built in 1873. This corner unit is flooded with natural light from the huge windows, highlighting the 12' ceilings and gorgeous exposed brick walls from its history as a former cathedral. The open concept makes cooking and entertaining a joy, and the extra den space provides flexibility as a home office or a sleeping space.
C$369000

Residential For Sale

1-2128 Brunswick Street, Halifax Ns B3k 2y8
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

Highway 7, Lake Charlotte Ns B0j 2l0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
24Picture(s)
894Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

Highway 7, Lake Charlotte Ns B0j 2l0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
894Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Stunning 6.7 acre island with 3 year old cottage on sought after Lake Charlotte! With 3500 +/- feet of shoreline this oasis has potential for both personal and business opportunity. Existing cottage (22x26) has 2 bedrooms, 3 piece bath and loft area for the kids! Kitchen and living area is open concept with a vaulted ceiling. Sit and enjoy your morning coffee under the covered porch.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

Highway 7, Lake Charlotte Ns B0j 2l0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

220 Seaside Drive Drive, Louis Head, NS B0T 1V0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,400Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
C$999000

Residential For Sale

220 Seaside Drive Drive, Louis Head, NS B0T 1V0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,400Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
Sanderling Beach House is for sale!! This one-of-a-kind house is built on Louis Head Beach - a 1.9 km long white sandy beach in the heart of Shelburne County. The home is surrounded by beach grass and mature spruce trees, faces South and access to the beach is via a 100ft boardwalk. The home is at the Eastern end of the beach and only 300ft from Sable River.
C$999000

Residential For Sale

220 Seaside Drive Drive, Louis Head, NS B0T 1V0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$999000

Residential For Sale

119 Highway 3, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,159Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$380000

Residential For Sale

119 Highway 3, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,159Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Exceptional Riverfront Property with Endless Possibilities Seize the opportunity to own a stunning piece of real estate boasting over 1,500 feet of river frontage and a sprawling 8 acres of land across two separate PIDs. This unique property offers limitless potential for those looking to create their dream home or an investment venture.
C$380000

Residential For Sale

119 Highway 3, Sable River Ns B0t 1v0
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$380000

Residential For Sale

34 Persian Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0v5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,544Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$799000

Residential For Sale

34 Persian Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0v5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,544Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Discover the charm of this ranch-style bungalow, designed by Kahill Custom Homes. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with over 2 acres of land, this home features in-floor radiant heating, two ductless heat pumps, and striking 9' ceilings. Enjoy upscale touches like ceiling-height cabinetry with upper and lower lighting, a stunning central island, and durable solid surface countertops.
C$799000

Residential For Sale

34 Persian Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0v5
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$799000

Residential For Sale

7066 Highway 3, Central Woods Harbour Ns B0w 2e0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,165Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
C$175000

Residential For Sale

7066 Highway 3, Central Woods Harbour Ns B0w 2e0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,165Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
This charming 1.5-storey home is nestled in the picturesque community of Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia, offering stunning sunsets and views of the ocean, right across the road. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this home maintains its original charm and character and is perfect for a family.
C$175000

Residential For Sale

7066 Highway 3, Central Woods Harbour Ns B0w 2e0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$175000
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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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