There is no favorite listings!

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.

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.

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.

Sort Option
  • Listing ID
  • Total Finished Area
  • Price
  • Add date
  • Listing Status
Grid
List
Map
RSS

Residential For Sale

88 Merrimac Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 4P8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,843Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$424900

Residential For Sale

88 Merrimac Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 4P8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,843Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome home to 88 Merrimac Drive, a well maintained and thoughtfully updated semi-detached home that is located in the heart of Cole Harbour and boasts pride of ownership! This inviting home has 3-bedrooms and 1-bathroom and offers a fantastic blend of comfort, efficiency, and convenience, Ideal for first-time buyers, young families, or those looking to downsize.
C$424900

Residential For Sale

88 Merrimac Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 4P8
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$424900

Residential For Sale

6 Birchfield Crescent, Spryfield, NS B3R 2E7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
30Picture(s)
2,278Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$525000

Residential For Sale

6 Birchfield Crescent, Spryfield, NS B3R 2E7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
2,278Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Located in the established community of Leiblin Park, 6 Birchfield Crescent offers an updated home with flexible living space and a layout that works for everyday life. Following smoke damage, the property underwent professional repairs and improvements through insurance. This included a redesigned kitchen and added pot lighting that brightens the main living areas.
C$525000

Residential For Sale

6 Birchfield Crescent, Spryfield, NS B3R 2E7
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$525000

Residential For Sale

1878 Stoney Island Road, Centreville, NS B0W 2G0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,212Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
C$395000

Residential For Sale

1878 Stoney Island Road, Centreville, NS B0W 2G0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,212Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
Three-bedroom home located on the preferred side of the island, set back with a long private driveway offering excellent privacy. This Quality crafted property features three bedrooms, two full baths, and one half bath, with large walk-in closets, spacious bedrooms, tasteful décor, and beautiful moldings throughout.
C$395000

Residential For Sale

1878 Stoney Island Road, Centreville, NS B0W 2G0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$395000

Residential For Sale

114 Timberland Road, South Range, NS B0W 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
30Picture(s)
775Sqft
Holm Realty Limited
C$279900

Residential For Sale

114 Timberland Road, South Range, NS B0W 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
775Sqft
Holm Realty Limited
New Home Construction with Wraparound Deck, Lake Access and Shed. This beautifully crafted 2 bedroom home features clean lines, warm wood accents, and a durable metal roof for low-maintenance living. A spacious wraparound deck with pergola-style detailing extends the living space outdoors, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
C$279900

Residential For Sale

114 Timberland Road, South Range, NS B0W 1H0
Holm Realty Limited
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$279900

Residential For Sale

22 Grennan Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3C5

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,929Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$439900

Residential For Sale

22 Grennan Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3C5
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,929Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
This move in ready home has been well maintained with lots of upgrades over the last few years. Including 200 amp service with generator panel, both bathrooms, metal roof, laminate flooring, freshly painted, ducted heat pump 2016, pellet stove 2000, 16x22 backyard deck with some cover, 34 inch front door with 12 inch sidelight that opens for easy moving and more.
C$439900

Residential For Sale

22 Grennan Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 3C5
Exit Realty Metro
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$439900

Residential For Sale

9307 Pepperell Street, St. Peters, NS B0E 3B0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,564Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
C$346700

Residential For Sale

9307 Pepperell Street, St. Peters, NS B0E 3B0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
1,564Sqft
Cape Breton Realty
PRICE REDUCED! A bright four-bedroom home tucked in the seaside village of Saint Peter’s, a unique community where the Atlantic Ocean connects to the Bras d’Or Lakes via a charming canal. This boater’s haven offers convenient walking access to local amenities, the elementary school, and steps away from the marina, making it ideal for families and ocean enthusiasts alike.
C$346700

Residential For Sale

9307 Pepperell Street, St. Peters, NS B0E 3B0
Cape Breton Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$346700

Residential For Sale

56 Samuel Danial Drive, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1P7

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,516Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$470000

Residential For Sale

56 Samuel Danial Drive, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1P7
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,516Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 56 Samuel Daniel Drive — the perfect opportunity for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone seeking a beautifully updatedhome in vibrant Eastern Passage. This property is the definition of bright and airy, offering a warm, inviting feel from the moment youwalk in.
C$470000

Residential For Sale

56 Samuel Danial Drive, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1P7
Keller Williams Select Realty
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$470000

Residential For Sale

Lot 54a Honeygold Drive, Halifax, NS B3R 2H8

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
42Picture(s)
2,373Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$699900

Residential For Sale

Lot 54a Honeygold Drive, Halifax, NS B3R 2H8
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,373Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
NOW PRE-SELLING PHASE 4! LEGAL TWO-UNIT SEMI DETACHED HOMES AVAILABLE WITH 5 BEDROOMS & 4 BATHROOMS AND AN IMPROVED BASEMENT 2 BEDROOM SUITE FLOORPLAN WITH LARGER BEDROOMS.
C$699900

Residential For Sale

Lot 54a Honeygold Drive, Halifax, NS B3R 2H8
Royal LePage Atlantic
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$699900

Residential For Sale

225 2 Highway, Brookfield, NS B0N 1C0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
2,125Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$385000

Residential For Sale

225 2 Highway, Brookfield, NS B0N 1C0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,125Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information:Modern design meets natural charm in this inviting Brookfield bungalow, perfectly set back from the road on a beautifully landscaped half-acre lot! Framed by mature trees, with curb appeal galore and a peaceful sense of privacy, this home offers the ideal blend of comfort, functionality, and location.
C$385000

Residential For Sale

225 2 Highway, Brookfield, NS B0N 1C0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$385000

Residential For Sale

49 Haven Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3X2

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
33Picture(s)
896Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$234999

Residential For Sale

49 Haven Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3X2
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
896Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Welcome to 49 Haven Drive, a beautifully maintained mini home that truly feels like home the moment you step inside. This well-cared-for property features gorgeous hardwood floors and tasteful décor throughout, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The home borders green space, offering added privacy and a peaceful setting to enjoy.
C$234999

Residential For Sale

49 Haven Drive, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3X2
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$234999

Residential For Sale

3 Fletcher Drive, Amherst, NS B4H 4M3

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
24Picture(s)
1,142Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
C$414900

Residential For Sale

3 Fletcher Drive, Amherst, NS B4H 4M3
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,142Sqft
Hants Realty Ltd.
Well-maintained split-entry home situated on a spacious lot in a quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood of Amherst. Built in 1986, this home offers 4 bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing flexible space for growing families or home office needs. Recent updates include a metal roof, vinyl siding, select window replacements, two exterior doors, and a newer hot water tank.
C$414900

Residential For Sale

3 Fletcher Drive, Amherst, NS B4H 4M3
Hants Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$414900

Residential For Sale

24 Roblea Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1Y7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,595Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$450000

Residential For Sale

24 Roblea Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1Y7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,595Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 24 Roblea Drive, a well-maintained and thoughtfully updated home ideally located in a central Dartmouth neighbourhood, offering exceptionalconvenience for families and professionals alike.
C$450000

Residential For Sale

24 Roblea Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1Y7
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$450000
3264 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern