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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

84 5308 Road, St. Joseph Du Moine, NS B0E 3A0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,170Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
C$308000

Residential For Sale

84 5308 Road, St. Joseph Du Moine, NS B0E 3A0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,170Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
This absolutely charming property is a true hidden gem, offering a private retreat on 16.9 acres of natural beauty. Breathtaking mountain views will leave you speechless, especially in the fall when the vibrant colors create a spectacular display. You'll also enjoy watching cows grazing in the surrounding pastures, a scene straight out of a storybook.
C$308000

Residential For Sale

84 5308 Road, St. Joseph Du Moine, NS B0E 3A0
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$308000

Residential For Sale

418 Whitney Avenue, Sydney, NS B1P 5A7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,202Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$259000

Residential For Sale

418 Whitney Avenue, Sydney, NS B1P 5A7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,202Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom two storey home ideally located just minutes from downtown. Featuring beautiful hardwood floors throughout, this well maintained property offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The main floor includes a convenient laundry area, spacious living and dining room that opens to a lovely backyard that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
C$259000

Residential For Sale

418 Whitney Avenue, Sydney, NS B1P 5A7
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$259000

Residential For Sale

15 Park Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 1G3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,588Sqft
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
C$179900

Residential For Sale

15 Park Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 1G3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,588Sqft
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
Located close to all amenities and just minutes to walk to the North Sydney harbour or bus stop, this 2 + 1 bedroom, 2 bath home features a paved driveway, large covered deck and private back yard with shed. Through the side door you can access the kitchen and dining room. The partial wall in the kitchen gives an open concept feeling in the large living room.
C$179900

Residential For Sale

15 Park Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 1G3
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$179900

Residential For Sale

40 Parkcrest Drive, Lawrencetown, NS B3Z 1M1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,871Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$479900

Residential For Sale

40 Parkcrest Drive, Lawrencetown, NS B3Z 1M1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,871Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Discover this beautifully updated raised bungalow, ideally located in sought after Lawrencetown just minutes from world-renowned beaches and everyday amenities. This move-in ready home offers a thoughtful layout featuring three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a bright, open-concept main floor designed for modern living.
C$479900

Residential For Sale

40 Parkcrest Drive, Lawrencetown, NS B3Z 1M1
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$479900

Residential For Sale

3925 East River West Side Road, Bridgeville, NS B0K 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,970Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

3925 East River West Side Road, Bridgeville, NS B0K 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,970Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to Paradise! Are you dreaming of a picturesque 85 acre sanctuary? Look no further! This stunning property is a haven for horses and humans alike. Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, this land boasts a cozy farmhouse with all the modern comforts you desire. Picture yourself relaxing in the massive sunroom or unwinding in the soaker tub after a long day.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

3925 East River West Side Road, Bridgeville, NS B0K 1B0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

Lot 6 41 Brule Shore Road, Barrachois, NS B0K 1V0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3Picture(s)
736Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$305260

Residential For Sale

Lot 6 41 Brule Shore Road, Barrachois, NS B0K 1V0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
736Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Fresh Start by the Water? Yes, Please! Imagine waking up to peaceful water views and stepping into a brand-new, move-in-ready home.
C$305260

Residential For Sale

Lot 6 41 Brule Shore Road, Barrachois, NS B0K 1V0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$305260

Residential For Sale

48 Laura Lee Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 4E3

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
40Picture(s)
2,367Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$749000

Residential For Sale

48 Laura Lee Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 4E3
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,367Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to 48 Laura Lee Lane, a beautifully maintained two-storey home nestled in the desirable Stonemount subdivision. Set on a private, treed lot with stunning gardens and landscaping, this home offers both tranquility and curb appeal.
C$749000

Residential For Sale

48 Laura Lee Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 4E3
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$749000

Residential For Sale

14 Mcdougall Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 3E7

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
23Picture(s)
1,281Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
C$134900

Residential For Sale

14 Mcdougall Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 3E7
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,281Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
Welcome to 14 McDougall street, a 4-bedroom, 1 and 1/2 bathroom home located in Glace Bay — an ideal opportunity for a starter home or investment property! On the main level, you’ll find a bright living and dining area, a functional kitchen, and two bedrooms, offering convenience and flexibility.
C$134900

Residential For Sale

14 Mcdougall Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 3E7
RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$134900

Residential For Sale

54 Parker Lane, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1E5

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,834Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
C$484900

Residential For Sale

54 Parker Lane, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1E5
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,834Sqft
Century 21 Optimum Realty
Look no further than 54 Parker Lane located in the sought after community of Porters Lake NS! This great property has 2.23 acres of solitude and eye-catching curb appeal. Adorned with established trees, perennials and shrubs it is a gardener's delight. Take control of your power bills and advantage of huge savings with the BONUS solar panels. This home has 4 bedrooms all on the main level, 1.
C$484900

Residential For Sale

54 Parker Lane, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1E5
Century 21 Optimum Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$484900

Residential For Sale

543 Chebogue Road, Central Chebogue, NS B5A 5G1

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,560Sqft
Modern Realty
C$589000

Residential For Sale

543 Chebogue Road, Central Chebogue, NS B5A 5G1
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
1,560Sqft
Modern Realty
Chebogue River Views Wake up to stunning sunrise views over the Chebogue River from this exceptional 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly positioned on a quiet country lot just minutes from downtown Yarmouth. Built in 2004, this well-maintained property offers a thoughtfully designed living space with room to grow.
C$589000

Residential For Sale

543 Chebogue Road, Central Chebogue, NS B5A 5G1
Modern Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$589000

Residential For Sale

10230 Highway 3, Arcadia, NS B0W 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,410Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
C$309000

Residential For Sale

10230 Highway 3, Arcadia, NS B0W 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,410Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
10230 Highway 3, Arcadia – Classic Charm Minutes from Town Set on a spacious, private lot framed by mature trees and an expansive lawn, this inviting three-bedroom, one-bath home in Arcadia blends classic East Coast character with thoughtful updates for comfortable living—all just minutes from the amenities of Yarmouth.
C$309000

Residential For Sale

10230 Highway 3, Arcadia, NS B0W 1B0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$309000

Residential For Sale

50 School Street, Florence, NS B1Y 1P5

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,416Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

50 School Street, Florence, NS B1Y 1P5
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,416Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Stylish, Spacious & Move-In Ready – 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bath | Detached Garage- Why build when you can move right in? This beautifully maintained 4-year-old home offers a seamless blend of comfort, style, and functionality—without the delays, costs, or stress of new construction. Designed with modern living in mind, it features an open-concept layout and thoughtful upgrades throughout.
C$429000

Residential For Sale

50 School Street, Florence, NS B1Y 1P5
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$429000
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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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