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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

07-26 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2Picture(s)
2,113Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$749900

Residential For Sale

07-26 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,113Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Introducing “Becca” with legal basement suite in The Parks of Lake Charles, ideally located off Waverley Road in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This model features a full legal ground level 1 bedroom apartment complete with separate electrical meters. While the stylish 3-storey model may look like a single family home the ground level floor forms a fully independent 1-bedroom lower unit.
C$749900

Residential For Sale

07-26 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C2
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$749900

Residential For Sale

3606 Highway 209, Advocate Harbour, NS B0M 1A0

1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
20Picture(s)
3,019Sqft
Coldwell Banker Open Door Realty Ltd.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

3606 Highway 209, Advocate Harbour, NS B0M 1A0
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
3,019Sqft
Coldwell Banker Open Door Realty Ltd.
Unleash your creativity in this 200+ year old church located in the charming village of Advocate Harbour! Whether you envision a charming residence, a vibrant artist studio, an inviting bed and breakfast, or a unique commercial venture – this property invites you to create something truly special. Step inside and be enchanted by the church’s original charm.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

3606 Highway 209, Advocate Harbour, NS B0M 1A0
Coldwell Banker Open Door Realty Ltd.
1Bathroom(s)
C$299000

Residential For Sale

2058 Caldwell Road, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1H7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,151Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$399900

Residential For Sale

2058 Caldwell Road, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1H7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,151Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Charming Coastal Living with Ocean Views A delightful home nestled in the heart of Eastern Passage, just steps from the scenic Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Centre and MacCormacks Beach. Whether you're enjoying a stroll along the waterfront, the beach, the boardwalk or relaxing on your deck taking in the stunning ocean views, this property offers the best of coastal living.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

2058 Caldwell Road, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1H7
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

231 Acadia Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 4G7

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,120Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$375000

Residential For Sale

231 Acadia Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 4G7
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,120Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled gem situated on a vibrant corner lot! With 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this home perfectly blends charm, comfort, and modern upgrades. Topped with a durable steel roof, it showcases shiny hardwood floors throughout the main level, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
C$375000

Residential For Sale

231 Acadia Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 4G7
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$375000

Residential For Sale

3266 Sackville Drive, Upper Sackville, NS B4E 3C5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
43Picture(s)
2,052Sqft
MBA Country Real Estate Brokers
C$610000

Residential For Sale

3266 Sackville Drive, Upper Sackville, NS B4E 3C5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,052Sqft
MBA Country Real Estate Brokers
Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 baths, well maintained home, finished on 2 levels providing 2000 sq feet of very comfortable living space. Situated on a 1.2 acre property with easy access to Highway 101. Split entry design with spacious open concept main floor. Custom kitchen, diningroom with door to elevated decks and livingroom. Cozy bedroom down short hall.
C$610000

Residential For Sale

3266 Sackville Drive, Upper Sackville, NS B4E 3C5
MBA Country Real Estate Brokers
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$610000

Residential For Sale

19 Harbourview Inn Loop, Salmon River Bridge, NS B0J 1P0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,691Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$374900

Residential For Sale

19 Harbourview Inn Loop, Salmon River Bridge, NS B0J 1P0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,691Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to your dream home! Tucked away in a peaceful setting, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom gem offers the perfect mix of modern comfort and coastal charm. Step inside and you'll find a bright and welcoming entry that leads to the lower level, where both bedrooms are conveniently located, offering privacy and easy access.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

19 Harbourview Inn Loop, Salmon River Bridge, NS B0J 1P0
Exit Realty Metro
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

274 Indian Point Road, East Port Medway, NS B0J 2H0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,506Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$995000

Residential For Sale

274 Indian Point Road, East Port Medway, NS B0J 2H0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,506Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Escape to an unparalleled oasis of privacy and natural beauty at 274 Indian Point Road. This magnificent property offers a rare opportunity to own 23 acres of pristine, private oceanfront.
C$995000

Residential For Sale

274 Indian Point Road, East Port Medway, NS B0J 2H0
Sutton Group Professional Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$995000

Residential For Sale

399 Clinton Road, Beaver Dam, NS B0T 1W0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$349000

Residential For Sale

399 Clinton Road, Beaver Dam, NS B0T 1W0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,200Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Searching for your seasonal oasis on a lake or possibly your forever year round home? This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath mini home offers just that in a sought-after lakefront location. Set on a beautifully landscaped lot with its own floating dock, boat launch, and rock wall shoreline, this is the perfect spot for boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge.
C$349000

Residential For Sale

399 Clinton Road, Beaver Dam, NS B0T 1W0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$349000

Residential For Sale

63 Second Street, Westport, NS B0V 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
4,000Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$215000

Residential For Sale

63 Second Street, Westport, NS B0V 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
4,000Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Located up on the hill at 63 Second Street this property boasts stunning ocean views of Grand Passage. Solidly constructed, this civic building of 4,000 square feet on two levels, has excellent southern exposure and wonderful solar gain. Upstairs has a new full bathroom (2023), a kitchen, bedrooms and a huge living / dining area.
C$215000

Residential For Sale

63 Second Street, Westport, NS B0V 1H0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
2Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$215000

Residential For Sale

9 Glenlee Drive, Kentville, NS B4N 4Y5

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
42Picture(s)
2,744Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
C$639000

Residential For Sale

9 Glenlee Drive, Kentville, NS B4N 4Y5
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,744Sqft
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
Located on a quiet, family-friendly, cul-de-sac in one of Kentville's most desirable subdivisions, 9 Glenlee Drive is the ideal home for those seeking space, quality, and location. This one-owner property, built in 1988, features custom trim and top-tier materials throughout.
C$639000

Residential For Sale

9 Glenlee Drive, Kentville, NS B4N 4Y5
MacKay Real Estate Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$639000

Residential For Sale

4 Snow White, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1C5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
28Picture(s)
789Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$175000

Residential For Sale

4 Snow White, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1C5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
789Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to this charming and affordable mini home, nestled in a well-managed park in the heart of Lake Echo. Bright and spacious, the open-plan main living area is flooded with natural light thanks to triple-aspect windows, creating a warm and inviting space to relax or entertain.
C$175000

Residential For Sale

4 Snow White, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1C5
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$175000

Residential For Sale

21 Stoddart Drive, Clarks Harbour, NS B0W 1P0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,594Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$289000

Residential For Sale

21 Stoddart Drive, Clarks Harbour, NS B0W 1P0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,594Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath mini home offers comfortable living in a coastal town along the shores of Nova Scotia. The town of Clark's Harbour features quaint cafes, a family friendly playground and a shoreline boardwalk with spectacular views of the sea and lobster fishing boats, all within walking distance.
C$289000

Residential For Sale

21 Stoddart Drive, Clarks Harbour, NS B0W 1P0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$289000
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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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