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

2282 Patrice Road, St. Joseph, NS B0W 1M0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,485Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$319990

Residential For Sale

2282 Patrice Road, St. Joseph, NS B0W 1M0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,485Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow nestled near Church Point, Nova Scotia, in a friendly coastal community known for its welcoming atmosphere and everyday conveniences. The main level features a bright, sunny eat-in kitchen with patio doors leading to a private outdoor patio area, perfect for morning coffee or family gatherings.
C$319990

Residential For Sale

2282 Patrice Road, St. Joseph, NS B0W 1M0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$319990

Residential For Sale

36 Avebury Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0E9

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,300Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$557500

Residential For Sale

36 Avebury Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0E9
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,300Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 36 Avebury Court in sought-after Sunset Ridge. This home, beautifully maintained by the original owners, offers a professionally detailed design. The main level features a covered entry leading to a spacious foyer, an open-concept living room, dining area, and a cook's dream kitchen with ample cabinetry, a fabulous walk-in pantry, & upgraded appliances.
C$557500

Residential For Sale

36 Avebury Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0E9
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$557500

Residential For Sale

426 Morden Road, Selfridge Corner, NS B0P 1C0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,303Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$279900

Residential For Sale

426 Morden Road, Selfridge Corner, NS B0P 1C0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,303Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Looking for an affordable hobby farm? This lovely 3-bedroom, 1 bath home sits on over 2 acres of fertile land (to be subdivided off of the larger parcel prior to closing). Just a short commute to Kingston/Greenwood and Berwick. Featuring an open concept kitchen, dining and living room, this home is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
C$279900

Residential For Sale

426 Morden Road, Selfridge Corner, NS B0P 1C0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$279900

Residential For Sale

25 Olding Lane, Merigomish, NS B0K 1G0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,848Sqft
J.F. MacIvor Properties
C$389000

Residential For Sale

25 Olding Lane, Merigomish, NS B0K 1G0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,848Sqft
J.F. MacIvor Properties
Beautifully renovated split level home offering stunning water views and modern comfort. Extensively updated inside and out, this move-ion ready property combines timeless craftsmanship, with contemporary design. Step into a bright modern kitchen featuring custom birch cabinets with soft close doors, a classic farm sink, and stylish fixtures.
C$389000

Residential For Sale

25 Olding Lane, Merigomish, NS B0K 1G0
J.F. MacIvor Properties
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$389000

Residential For Sale

4427 Highway 3, Central Argyle, NS B0W 1W0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2Picture(s)
1,176Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$324500

Residential For Sale

4427 Highway 3, Central Argyle, NS B0W 1W0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,176Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
At 4427 Central Argyle this will be a great option for either your family home or if you are downsizing. The ease of one level living with 3 bedrooms, open concept kitchen, dining, living room that flows seamlessly and a spacious and bright bathroom. Set back from the road for added privacy and has a circular drive.
C$324500

Residential For Sale

4427 Highway 3, Central Argyle, NS B0W 1W0
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$324500

Residential For Sale

4082 South River Road, Antigonish County, NS B0H 1C0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
16Picture(s)
1,440Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
C$359000

Residential For Sale

4082 South River Road, Antigonish County, NS B0H 1C0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,440Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
Perched on a hill with views of harbor in the distance, this spacious bungalow on large serviced lot is located just minutes from the town of Antigonish with shops and restaurants - this home is being sold AS IS - a paint job, new flooring and some cosmetic touchups could transform this into a great one-level living home! Large eat-in kitchen, dining area, primary bedroom with ensuite plus a
C$359000

Residential For Sale

4082 South River Road, Antigonish County, NS B0H 1C0
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$359000

Residential For Sale

85 Oceanview Drive, Halifax, NS B4A 4C5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,994Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$565000

Residential For Sale

85 Oceanview Drive, Halifax, NS B4A 4C5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,994Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
This 2 storey beautifully updated home in sought-after Bedford South featuring extensive recent renovations. The property boasts newly renovated bathrooms with modern vanities and toilets, fresh paint throughout, updated kitchen countertops, and new light fixtures.
C$565000

Residential For Sale

85 Oceanview Drive, Halifax, NS B4A 4C5
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$565000

Residential For Sale

25 Titanium Crescent, Halifax, NS B3P 0J3

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,959Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$560000

Residential For Sale

25 Titanium Crescent, Halifax, NS B3P 0J3
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,959Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Fairly New, 1,959 sqft Semi-detached House on Titanium Crescent, a desirable street in a Beautiful Governor Brooke Subdivision!! 3 bedrooms all well-finished, are on the upper floor. The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom; the two other bedrooms share a full bathroom.
C$560000

Residential For Sale

25 Titanium Crescent, Halifax, NS B3P 0J3
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$560000

Residential For Sale

509-30 Brookdale Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4T7

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,000Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$419900

Residential For Sale

509-30 Brookdale Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4T7
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,000Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Rare Opportunity! Discover this 5th-floor central unit in one of Dartmouth’s most sought-after condominium communities. Ideally situated next to Lake Banook, this tastefully updated two-bedroom, two-bath condo offers a lifestyle many aspire to. Enjoy quick access to Brookdale Crescent Park Beach, where you can launch a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
C$419900

Residential For Sale

509-30 Brookdale Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4T7
Sutton Group Professional Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$419900

Residential For Sale

463 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,498Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$579900

Residential For Sale

463 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
1,498Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Prepare to fall in love with this absolute Maritime treasure—an exceptional seaside haven nestled on 3 acres along the picturesque shores of St. Mary’s Bay.
C$579900

Residential For Sale

463 Fort Point Road, Weymouth North, NS B0W 3T0
Exit Realty Town & Country
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$579900

Residential For Sale

45 Mulgrave Lane, Dartmouth, NS B2W 0C2

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
980Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$199000

Residential For Sale

45 Mulgrave Lane, Dartmouth, NS B2W 0C2
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
980Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
A rare find in the sought-after Woodlawn Village, this charming double-wide home sits proudly on a coveted corner lot, offering both space and comfort in the heart of Dartmouth. Completely carpet-free and thoughtfully updated, it’s truly move-in ready, blending modern improvements with an inviting, open-concept layout.
C$199000

Residential For Sale

45 Mulgrave Lane, Dartmouth, NS B2W 0C2
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199000

Residential For Sale

23 Paget Lane, Dartmouth, NS B3A 0G2

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
656Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$222000

Residential For Sale

23 Paget Lane, Dartmouth, NS B3A 0G2
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
656Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Wow! This is a rare opportunity to purchase your very own home for an incredible price with so many benefits! First, let's talk about the park this home is located in. Your monthly lot fees are very reasonable being under $300/month. Bethel Court Properties is a park that you probably didn't even know existed.
C$222000

Residential For Sale

23 Paget Lane, Dartmouth, NS B3A 0G2
Keller Williams Select Realty
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$222000
3423 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern