What Is Rent To Own?

The Rules of Rent To Own In Canada

First Published Date: April 22, 2016

When you want to rent-to-own within Canada, there are some things you need to be aware of before venturing down that road. First, a bit of an explanation of what rent-to-own actually is. Rent-to-own is an agreement where a rental lease and purchase agreement between a tenant and owner is put in place to purchase the property at a fixed price at a specified point of time. With rent-to-own, you agree that five years down the road, you will purchase the house for the price that it is valued at when you reach that point. When you pay rent on the house, the rent goes towards the value of the house, hence the term rent-to-own. So, you pay each month towards the payment of the house, then you buy the house for what it is worth at the point when the term ends.

As the renter, there are many reasons that a rent-to-own property would be a good idea for you. Obviously, the biggest benefit is if you have bad credit and want to buy a home but need to improve your credit first. As well, if you don’t have much money at this moment, or you don’t have a large down payment, then rent-to-own is a very good idea.

In regards to your down payment, the owner of the property is required to accept the down payment that you have. There is no minimum amount, within reason, and that is a big benefit of the rent-to-own system. The down payment typically will be two month’s rent on the home. So, if you are paying $1,000 per month, then you will pay $2,000 as a down payment. Obviously, the more of a down payment you have, the less you will pay for the house over the course of the terms.

The rent you pay is going to pay off the home. Each month that you put money into the bank for rent, you are paying off your home. Typically, you will have a term that is going to be five to ten years. Each month that you pay rent, you pay off the home towards the end of that term. Once the term is over, you then buy the home with a mortgage. Here is an example to help you. So, you agree with the seller that you will rent-to-own for five years at $1,000 per month. Over that five years, you pay off $60,000. That leaves $240,000 on the mortgage, minus your $2,000 down payment. At this point, you need to get a mortgage for $238,000.

Lastly, you need to agree on a price with the seller. The price you pay will depend on the market. When the market is up, you pay more. When the market is down, you pay less, it is as simple as that. Once you agree upon a price with the seller, the seller is committed to that price no matter if the value of the house changes. This can be good if the value goes up but bad if the value goes down.

Before getting into any rent-to-own program, always do your research and make sure this is the best option to be a home owner based on your situation.

The Most Expensive Real Estate In The World

World’s Expensive Real Estate

When you are looking for a place to live, you may want to look around the world, but when you have a lot of money, you may want to look in these locations, which are considered to be some of the most expensive cities and neighborhoods in the entire world.

San Diego, California

San Diego has beautiful weather, the Pacific Ocean and plenty of places to go and see in this world-class city. One of the most expensive areas in this city is La Jolla, where the average home price runs about $1.7 million per house. In this area you get a clear view of the Pacific Ocean and wonderful weather all year long.

Tokyo, Japan

One of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo has everything for person who wants to live in the island nation of Japan. Plenty of huge stores, high technology and amazing history, Tokyo is a great place to live. One of the best places to live within the city is the Shibuya Neighbourhood, where homes cost roughly $1.8 million.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Sitting along the coast, complete with beautiful beaches, a thriving nightlife, a deep history and very favourable taxes for the rich, this is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. Monte Carlo often ranks as the highest priced city to live in with homes costing on average $4,420 per square foot.

Hong Kong, China

For a century, Hong Kong grew as part of the British Empire and in 1999 it transferred over to China. Since then, the city has continued to grow and prosper, bringing up some of the most expensive real estate in the world with it. Currently, the average home in the high class neighbourhood of Victoria Peak costs about $3.5 million.

Moscow, Russia

The economy of Russia is beginning to grow again thanks to high oil prices, and that has pushed the real estate prices in this city skyward. Moscow may seem cold and uninviting but it is actually a very beautiful city that has much to offer, even at $1,937 per square foot for real estate.

Jupiter Island, Florida

Probably the most expensive place to live in all of the United States, you are only a short drive away from Palm Beach, Jupiter Island has many golf courses, yacht clubs and places to spend oodles of money. Former president George H.W. Bush used to live here, where homes cost on average $5.6 million.

London, England

One of the most expensive cities in the world to live, London is a city of history, culture and more. It has everything you could possibly want out of a city but that comes at a very high price. In the area of Kensington Palace Gardens, where the average home price is a whopping $85 million, the richest Londoners live, including Middle Eastern royalty and business tycoons.

So, if you got the money then these are the cities you may want to move
to, where you can enjoy the good life that money buys.

How An Actor and Composer Convinced Me to Join Instagram and Now I’m Hooked

Adawnjournal Instagram Is Ready

Published Date: May 2, 2016

I used to be one of those who never tried or understood Instagram, as I never bothered trying it. While I was in Myrtle Beach last week, I was sending some pictures to my nephew Shayan Mannan, who is an actor and a music director as well. His link: www.diseasemusic.com

He insisted I should open up an Instagram account to let the world see these pictures. He kept asking me to sign up and I eventually told him I might try it some other time just as a way to avoid signing up for it. I had no intention of opening up a new account only to share pics, as I have been more concentrating on YouTube posts about credit cards and rewards points these days.

However, on April 20th all of my reluctance changed. When I was enjoying the Atlantic, sitting on the balcony in my Oceanfront suite in Myrtle Beach, I don’t know how or why, but something made me sign up for Instagram on my smartphone. After posting my very first picture, I got hooked on Instagram and since then I’ve been posting new pics almost everyday, even after coming back to Toronto.

The ease of using this app and sharing pics with the world is hard to ignore. According to my nephew, “It’s better than Facebook or Twitter. Endless array of pictures from around the world.”

Here is the link to follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adawnjournal

I recommend you follow me, as I will be sharing pics from various walks of life and because I am a global traveler you will get to travel around the globe with me when I am traveling.

Global Economy Updates

World Economy

First Published Date: May 8, 2016

The recent global economic outlooks provided by IMF forecast a grim picture for the upcoming months. The global economy will continue to recover, but at a slower and fragile pace.

Due to uncertain growth and confidence, advanced economies have deteriorated economic growth in the near future. Also, due to declines in commodity and prices, emerging economies will continue to suffer along with commodity-exporting countries.

As China is moving towards an economic growth based on consumption and services, there will be spills along the way that could affect other countries, especially emerging markets and developing economies. Emerging markets also suffer from slowing capital inflows and accelerating outflows.

Countries should emphasize accommodation monetary policies supplemented by complementary fiscal policies to boost economic growth and output.

However, another report published by Oxford Economies indicated that the global economy is no longer likely to fall into a full recession due to a surge in the global stock market, stable oil prices, and surging commodity prices. Economy health is at a better position now than it was in early January when oil prices were heading towards $20 a barrel and the stock market was in a free-fall.

The US Federal Reserve also keeps maintaining its current interest rate until at least June. Faith in the strengthening US economy makes the Fed believe that evolving economic conditions will make it possible to increase interest rates gradually in the future.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

The Guaranteed Income Supplement

Published Date: May 11, 2016

As we get older in Canada, there are many things in place to ensure that you have money after you retire. The Canada Pension Plan, which you pay into, will help pay those bills, as will Old Age Security, which is taxable. However, if you are a low-income pensioner, with very little or even no income, then you can look at supplementing the Old Age Security you receive through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). GIS is non-taxable and the amount you receive will depend on how much you make, whether or not you are married and the age of your spouse.

Currently, the maximum you can receive through the GIS program is $597.53 per month, and this is if you have no other source of income. If you and your spouse both collect from the GIS program, then you can each receive a maximum of $392.01.

Since your annual income changes each year, and since the GIS program is based on your income, you need to renew your GIS every single year.

Most seniors can easily renew their GIS automatically by filing their income tax return by April 30. If a tax return is not filed because there is no income, then you can request a renewal application to be sent to you. Once you do this, you will receive a letter in July that explains to you the new amount of your monthly payment.

In order to qualify for the GIS, you need to be first eligible for the Old Age Security pension, meaning you need to be over 65 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and have lived in Canada for the past 10 years.

Currently, the Old Age Security Act provides a GIS earning exemption of $3,500, up from $500 in 2007. This means that a single pensioner who earns $3,500 or more, will be entitled to keep an additional $1,500 in their annual GIS benefits.

If you get married, separate from your spouse, or your spouse dies, then you must contact the GIS program to let them know about the change. If you separate due to reasons beyond your control, like your spouse is put in a nursing home, then you can both be considered a single person and that will give you a larger monthly payment.

Since the GIS program is based on income, what counts as income then? Here is a quick rundown:

1.    Canada Pension\Quebec Pension Plan

2.    Private pension income

3.    Foreign pension income

4.    RRSPs cashed during the year.

5.    Employment insurance

6.    Interest on savings

7.    Capital gains and dividends

8.    Rental property income

9.    Employment income

If you want to get an application for the program, you need to contact 1.800.277.9914

The GIS program can help you get a little extra money to live on each year, making being in your retirement and golden years that much easier for you. All you need to do is apply and start receiving your benefits from the government.