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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

46 Windfield Crescent, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A2

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,674Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$514900

Residential For Sale

46 Windfield Crescent, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A2
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,674Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 46 Windfield Crescent. Situated in a quiet and family-friendly neighbourhood, this beautifully maintained bungalow offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms, this home is ideal for families or those looking to downsize without compromising on space.
C$514900

Residential For Sale

46 Windfield Crescent, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A2
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$514900

Residential For Sale

94 Shore Drive, Conquerall Bank, NS B4V 0J1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,182Sqft
Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)
C$327000

Residential For Sale

94 Shore Drive, Conquerall Bank, NS B4V 0J1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,182Sqft
Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)
This charming 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers the perfect blend of rural tranquility and in-town convenience, located just 3 minutes outside Bridgewater along the picturesque LaHave River. Inside, you’ll find a bright and spacious open-concept main living area ideal for both entertaining and quiet evenings at home.
C$327000

Residential For Sale

94 Shore Drive, Conquerall Bank, NS B4V 0J1
Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$327000

Residential For Sale

70 Highrigger Crescent, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 2Z7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
29Picture(s)
1,344Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$415000

Residential For Sale

70 Highrigger Crescent, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 2Z7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,344Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Welcome to 70 Highrigger Crescent - Your Ideal Start in Sought-After Millwood. Nestled in the family-friendly Millwood subdivision, this charming split-entry semi-detached home is the perfect opportunity for first-time buyers or those looking to rightsize without compromise. Offering 3 bedrooms, 1.
C$415000

Residential For Sale

70 Highrigger Crescent, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 2Z7
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$415000

Residential For Sale

229 Les Collins Ave., Porters Lake, NS B0J 2L0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
45Picture(s)
2,309Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

229 Les Collins Ave., Porters Lake, NS B0J 2L0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,309Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Welcome to this updated and spacious bungalow featuring 3 bedrooms and large family bath on the main level as well as a bright living room with access to a front deck and oversized eat in kitchen with island, pantry and tons of storage/counter space. The large foyer is a dream with built-in's for shoes, coats, etc. plus a bench to sit.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

229 Les Collins Ave., Porters Lake, NS B0J 2L0
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

7 A Shaw Crescent, Halifax, NS B2P 1V2

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
3,711Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$1190000

Residential For Sale

7 A Shaw Crescent, Halifax, NS B2P 1V2
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,711Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 7 Shaw Crescent in the popular Armdale/Fleming Heights neighbourhood. The moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by an open-concept layout featuring 9-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and clean mouldings throughout. The kitchen flows perfectly into the formal dining area and family room, which includes a propane fireplace and built-in shelving.
C$1190000

Residential For Sale

7 A Shaw Crescent, Halifax, NS B2P 1V2
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1190000

Residential For Sale

45 Landrace Crescent, Woodlawn, NS B2W 2P8

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,354Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$549000

Residential For Sale

45 Landrace Crescent, Woodlawn, NS B2W 2P8
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
2,354Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Welcome home to 45 Landrace! If you are seeking a great investment - This rancher style home offers you the best of living that Dartmouth has to offer! Centrally located in a well sought after neighborhood is moments away from all amenities, quality schools and more! This very comfortable 4-bedroom home with a 144 Square foot sunroom is great for those wanting single level living! The home boast
C$549000

Residential For Sale

45 Landrace Crescent, Woodlawn, NS B2W 2P8
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549000

Residential For Sale

85 Sycamore Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1E8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,632Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$549900

Residential For Sale

85 Sycamore Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1E8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,632Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Located in the heart of Lower Sackville this immaculate 3 bedroom split entry is close to all amenities. Walking distance to the Sackville Sports Stadium and First Lake splash pad make this an ideal spot for a young family. A beautifully updated eat in kitchen offering you plenty of storage and a view to a spacious back deck.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

85 Sycamore Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1E8
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

57 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C7

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2Picture(s)
2,173Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$797400

Residential For Sale

57 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C7
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,173Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Meet "Aliya" – A Stunning New Model in The Parks of Lake Charles starting at just $769,900 this beautifully designed three-bedroom, two-level home raises the bar on functionality & versatility.
C$797400

Residential For Sale

57 Gardenia Way, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C7
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$797400

Residential For Sale

Braeside Lane, Clayton Park, NS B3M 3J6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,485Sqft
Red Door Realty
C$377900

Residential For Sale

Braeside Lane, Clayton Park, NS B3M 3J6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,485Sqft
Red Door Realty
Welcome Home to Your Dream Townhouse Condo in Clayton Park! Step into your new sanctuary, perfectly nestled in the vibrant community of Clayton Park, Halifax! This delightful townhouse condo offers the ultimate blend of comfort, convenience, and style, making it the perfect place for you to call home.
C$377900

Residential For Sale

Braeside Lane, Clayton Park, NS B3M 3J6
Red Door Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$377900

Residential For Sale

281 Round Bay Ferry Road, Round Bay, NS B0A 0A4

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
770Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

281 Round Bay Ferry Road, Round Bay, NS B0A 0A4
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
770Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
Turn-Key Seaside Retreat with Sweeping Views – 3-Bedroom Cottage Steps from the Beach Experience the beauty and tranquility of Nova Scotia’s South Shore in this enchanting 3-bedroom, 1-bath coastal cottage, perfectly perched on an elevated 1+ acre lot with panoramic views of both a serene inland lake and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
C$369000

Residential For Sale

281 Round Bay Ferry Road, Round Bay, NS B0A 0A4
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

1225 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3G1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
19Picture(s)
1,292Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$470000

Residential For Sale

1225 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3G1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,292Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 1225 Sackville Dr in the lovely community of Middle Sackville. This beautiful home blends modern amenities and charming features. Clean, bright, and warm this 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home has almost 1300 sq.Ft. on 2 levels.
C$470000

Residential For Sale

1225 Sackville Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3G1
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$470000

Residential For Sale

21 Macgillivery Lane, North Side East Bay, NS B1J 1H5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
18Picture(s)
987Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

21 Macgillivery Lane, North Side East Bay, NS B1J 1H5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
987Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Welcome to 21 MacGillivray Lane, a picture perfect retreat in North Side East Bay overlooking the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. This cozy 2 bedroom home is ideal as a year round residence or a peaceful cottage getaway, set on 1.3 acres with stunning views of the Bras d'Or Lakes.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

21 Macgillivery Lane, North Side East Bay, NS B1J 1H5
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900
4730 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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