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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

116 Trunk 6 Highway, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y4

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,511Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$259000

Residential For Sale

116 Trunk 6 Highway, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y4
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
1,511Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
This affordable 4 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home, with oodles of potential; is in search of it's next lucky owner. With 3 acres, a paved driveway, shed, front and back porches, and an attic space waiting to be developed this charmer is sure to impress any savvy buyer at every stage of life.
C$259000

Residential For Sale

116 Trunk 6 Highway, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y4
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$259000

Residential For Sale

1171 North River Road, North River, NS B0R 1E0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
18Picture(s)
752Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
C$160000

Residential For Sale

1171 North River Road, North River, NS B0R 1E0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
752Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
Sitting on just over an acre, with plenty of outdoor space to grow, tinker, or simply enjoy the quiet, this humble home might be exactly what you've been looking for! The yard is a little homesteader’s dream, with pear and plum trees, grape vines, blueberries, and a garden patch already in place.
C$160000

Residential For Sale

1171 North River Road, North River, NS B0R 1E0
Press Realty Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$160000

Residential For Sale

52 Silistria Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 5V7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,639Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$439900

Residential For Sale

52 Silistria Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 5V7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,639Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
The perfect move-in-ready home for your next chapter in Forest Hills! If you’re looking for a bright, comfortable space where your family can grow, entertain, and enjoy the best of Cole Harbour living, this beautifully maintained 3 level semi checks every box.
C$439900

Residential For Sale

52 Silistria Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 5V7
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$439900

Residential For Sale

4348 Highway 217, Tiddville, NS B0V 1E0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
490Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$149000

Residential For Sale

4348 Highway 217, Tiddville, NS B0V 1E0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
490Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Nestled along the breathtaking Digby Neck, this beautifully updated two-bedroom home proves that small can truly live large. From the street the great curb appeal draws you in, while inside, warm pine woodwork wraps every room in a welcoming glow that instantly feels like home.
C$149000

Residential For Sale

4348 Highway 217, Tiddville, NS B0V 1E0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$149000

Residential For Sale

934 Brazil Lake Road, Brazil Lake, NS B5A 5N3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,078Sqft
Modern Realty
C$239900

Residential For Sale

934 Brazil Lake Road, Brazil Lake, NS B5A 5N3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,078Sqft
Modern Realty
Welcome to 934 Brazil Lake Road. This one-and-a-half-story home is nestled in the friendly community of Brazil Lake. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence sits on over 38 acres of old farm land, offering an ideal setting for a hobby farm or a spacious countryside retreat.
C$239900

Residential For Sale

934 Brazil Lake Road, Brazil Lake, NS B5A 5N3
Modern Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239900

Residential For Sale

28 Sangster Road, New Harbour, NS B0H 1T0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,488Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
C$239900

Residential For Sale

28 Sangster Road, New Harbour, NS B0H 1T0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,488Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
Discover this charming 3-bedroom bungalow nestled along the beautiful New Harbour River on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. The home features a spacious living room filled with natural light, enhanced by French doors and the cozy warmth of a wood stove. The kitchen offers its own wood stove, a comfortable sitting area, and peaceful views of the river—perfect for slow mornings or relaxed evenings.
C$239900

Residential For Sale

28 Sangster Road, New Harbour, NS B0H 1T0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$239900

Residential For Sale

10 Bonaventure Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 2P8

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
49Picture(s)
1,026Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$424900

Residential For Sale

10 Bonaventure Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 2P8
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1,026Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
This four bedroom home in Halifax Nova Scotia is tucked away in a quiet and family friendly neighbourhood. Located just moments from Mount Saint Vincent University and set on a mature, lush and oversized lot with R2 zoning, the property once featured a second dwelling, offering added possible potential for future development. .
C$424900

Residential For Sale

10 Bonaventure Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 2P8
Exit Real Estate Professionals
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$424900

Residential For Sale

29 Rockdale Avenue, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4C1

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DirtParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,152Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$180000

Residential For Sale

29 Rockdale Avenue, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4C1
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DirtParking(s)
1,152Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Sitting on a double lot this solid 2-storey home is just waiting for a new owner to write its next chapter. Situated in a great neighborhood and offering room for any addition that you may want to add in the coming years; gardens, garages, etc.. The main level of the home offers an eat in kitchen, dining room, living room and front foyer. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and a 4pce bathroom.
C$180000

Residential For Sale

29 Rockdale Avenue, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4C1
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$180000

Residential For Sale

409-114 Regency Park Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1R9

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
39Picture(s)
1,492Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

409-114 Regency Park Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1R9
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,492Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to your spacious condo in ever popular Clayton Park! This meticulously maintained 2-bedroom plus den, 2-bathroom corner unit offers an open concept that’s filled with light and space. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while taking in the serene view of the fountain just outside your window.
C$449900

Residential For Sale

409-114 Regency Park Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1R9
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449900

Residential For Sale

633 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z2

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,950Sqft
Harvey Realties Limited (St.Peters)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

633 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z2
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,950Sqft
Harvey Realties Limited (St.Peters)
Exceptional, incredible - this one is hard to describe. Loads of incredible features. As you enter the rear mudroom (entry porch) there is a small laundry room with stacking washer and dryer and another area for storage and freezer. The eat-in kitchen has updated cabinets and beautiful stainless appliances. The main floor also has a nice size dining room and living room.
C$425000

Residential For Sale

633 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z2
Harvey Realties Limited (St.Peters)
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

5412 Highway 337 Cape George, Cape George, NS B2G 2L2

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,000Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
C$629000

Residential For Sale

5412 Highway 337 Cape George, Cape George, NS B2G 2L2
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,000Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
Architecturally designed (architect James Ireland, Toronto) - two bedroom two bathroom cliff side home with water frontage on beautiful St. George's Bay and views across the bay to Cape Breton and Cape George Lighthouse...
C$629000

Residential For Sale

5412 Highway 337 Cape George, Cape George, NS B2G 2L2
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$629000

Residential For Sale

406 Glen Rise Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1M3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
41Picture(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$228000

Residential For Sale

406 Glen Rise Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1M3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
896Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to 406 Glen Rise Drive! Situated on a tranquil street in popular Woodbine Park, this beautifully updated home is ready and waiting for new owners to move right in and enjoy. The home offers a bright spacious main living area with ductless heat pump, modern kitchen with stainless appliances.
C$228000

Residential For Sale

406 Glen Rise Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1M3
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$228000
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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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