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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

2551 Sherwood Street, Halifax, NS B3L 3G9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,884Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$889000

Residential For Sale

2551 Sherwood Street, Halifax, NS B3L 3G9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,884Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome home to the West End! Walk to the Armdale for super and enjoy the access to shopping churches and schools. Forget the commute, this home is a quick drive to downtown and easy access to highways. The backyard is a gardeners dream and a great space to entertain with a large deck and hot tub.
C$889000

Residential For Sale

2551 Sherwood Street, Halifax, NS B3L 3G9
Exit Realty Metro
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$889000

Residential For Sale

504-6369 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4J7

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
18Picture(s)
680Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$294900

Residential For Sale

504-6369 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4J7
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
680Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Available furnished! Spacious one bedroom, 5th floor, south facing condo, overlooking Dalhousie University campus. Ideal for a student attending Dal. The spacious combination living/dining room has laminate flooring, with gleaming ceramic tile in the foyer, bath and kitchen. Appliances include fridge, stove and over-the-range microwave.
C$294900

Residential For Sale

504-6369 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4J7
Royal LePage Atlantic
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$294900

Residential For Sale

922 Fourchu Road, Gabarus Lake, NS B1K 2C9

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,048Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

922 Fourchu Road, Gabarus Lake, NS B1K 2C9
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,048Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Beautiful property with acreage sitting high up on a hill capturing a wide view of the beautiful Gabarus Lake. This charming property is truly one of a kind. With 39 acres in total, this property features a large 24 X 40 garage with plenty of space for multiple vehicles, workshop, or whatever a buyer intends to use it for, there are many options. Garage has power and a bonus storage room inside.
C$329900

Residential For Sale

922 Fourchu Road, Gabarus Lake, NS B1K 2C9
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$329900

Residential For Sale

331 New Cumberland Road, Pleasantville, NS B0R 1G0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
15Picture(s)
940Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$299000

Residential For Sale

331 New Cumberland Road, Pleasantville, NS B0R 1G0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
940Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Charming Energy-Efficient Home in Pleasantville. Welcome to this wonderfully unique 2-bedroom + den, 1-bathroom home nestled in the peaceful community of Pleasantville. Whether you're searching for a year-round residence or a relaxing getaway, this property offers the perfect balance of comfort, efficiency, and natural beauty.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

331 New Cumberland Road, Pleasantville, NS B0R 1G0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299000

Residential For Sale

192 Point Aconi Road, Mill Creek, NS B1Y 1W3

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,526Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$459900

Residential For Sale

192 Point Aconi Road, Mill Creek, NS B1Y 1W3
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,526Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Waterfront 2-Bed, 2-Bath Home with Privacy, Updates & Bonus Spaces! Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience in this move-in ready 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom waterfront home! Tucked away in a peaceful setting yet close to local amenities, this property offers the ideal escape without sacrificing accessibility.
C$459900

Residential For Sale

192 Point Aconi Road, Mill Creek, NS B1Y 1W3
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$459900

Residential For Sale

139 Hollyhock Way, West Bedford, NS B4B 0H7

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,988Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$899900

Residential For Sale

139 Hollyhock Way, West Bedford, NS B4B 0H7
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,988Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
WOW! The annual power bill is only 822! New solar panels were installed (2023) and an additional heat pump was installed (2024) in primary bedroom based on the existing energy efficient system: central heat pump with a natural gas backup, spray foam insulation, four more natural gas connections, including hot water.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

139 Hollyhock Way, West Bedford, NS B4B 0H7
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

47-140 Brunello Boulevard, Timberlea, NS B3T 0J4

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
2,866Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$899900

Residential For Sale

47-140 Brunello Boulevard, Timberlea, NS B3T 0J4
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,866Sqft
Engel & Volkers
“The Weybridge” by Ramar Homesoffers luxury living in the heart of the Brunello Golf Community. This thoughtfully designed 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers 2,866 sq. ft. of refined living space, with 9-foot ceilings on the main floor and 10-foot ceilings in the walkout basement, creating a bright, open feel throughout.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

47-140 Brunello Boulevard, Timberlea, NS B3T 0J4
Engel & Volkers
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

46 Lochiel Circle, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6H1

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
42Picture(s)
2,764Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$725000

Residential For Sale

46 Lochiel Circle, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6H1
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,764Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Tucked away in one of Dartmouth's most sought after neighborhoods, this charming three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath bungalow style home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style and tranquility. From the moment you arrive, mature trees and thoughtfully landscaped gardens create a sense of serenity and welcome, offering shade, privacy and vibrant seasonal color.
C$725000

Residential For Sale

46 Lochiel Circle, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6H1
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$725000

Residential For Sale

58 Long Cove Road, Port Medway, NS B0J 2T0

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
16Picture(s)
2,133Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
C$140000

Residential For Sale

58 Long Cove Road, Port Medway, NS B0J 2T0
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,133Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
Set on just over 5 acres with captivating ocean views, this property is tucked within the quaint and historic seaside community of Port Medway - famous for its iconic lighthouse and warm maritime character. PLEASE NOTE: this house is not currently livable and requires significant work.
C$140000

Residential For Sale

58 Long Cove Road, Port Medway, NS B0J 2T0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate (Bridgewater)
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$140000

Residential For Sale

21-1300 Queen Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2H5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,000Sqft
Century 21 All Points
C$429900

Residential For Sale

21-1300 Queen Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2H5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
1,000Sqft
Century 21 All Points
Centrally located steps from the hospitals & universities at the heart of Halifax, 1300 Queen is a Schmidtville Heritage District landmark. Situated in the original 1830's building, this 2-bedroom, 1 bath approx. 1000 sq ft unit has been updated, but retains much original character, including unique “bullnose” corners, historic window frames & millwork.
C$429900

Residential For Sale

21-1300 Queen Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2H5
Century 21 All Points
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$429900

Residential For Sale

11 Covington Place, Bible Hill, NS B2N 0J9

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
25Picture(s)
1,050Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$355000

Residential For Sale

11 Covington Place, Bible Hill, NS B2N 0J9
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,050Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Retirement Living is calling your name! Situated in the coveted 55+ Covington Place, this sought after end unit has had one owner & been kept in meticulous condition. Being built in 2019 brings you the peace of mind that everything in this home at most is only 6 years old.
C$355000

Residential For Sale

11 Covington Place, Bible Hill, NS B2N 0J9
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$355000

Residential For Sale

1222-45 Vimy Avenue Avenue, Halifax, NS B3M 4C5

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
25Picture(s)
1,041Sqft
Century 21 All Points
C$399900

Residential For Sale

1222-45 Vimy Avenue Avenue, Halifax, NS B3M 4C5
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,041Sqft
Century 21 All Points
Stylish Top-Floor Condo with Water Views & Skylight! This beautifully updated one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo offers top-floor privacy and water views in a prime location just minutes from downtown.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

1222-45 Vimy Avenue Avenue, Halifax, NS B3M 4C5
Century 21 All Points
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900
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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