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

251 Harris Drive, Middle New Cornwall, NS B0J 2E0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
40Picture(s)
760Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$469900

Residential For Sale

251 Harris Drive, Middle New Cornwall, NS B0J 2E0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
760Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Big Mushamush Lake is a bucket list destination just an hour from Halifax, offering a serene escape on a spring-fed, crystal-clear lake—often called the East Coast’s answer to Muskoka. Harris Drive is a 1.1 km private gated road for only a handful of owners. There are no busy, dusty roads, just you, three other owners and these gorgeous views.
C$469900

Residential For Sale

251 Harris Drive, Middle New Cornwall, NS B0J 2E0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$469900

Residential For Sale

210-5959 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS B3H 1Y5

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
29Picture(s)
804Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$308000

Residential For Sale

210-5959 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS B3H 1Y5
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
804Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Welcome to this quiet and private corner unit on rear of building at Embassy Towers overlooking a nicely treed area which can be viewed from the ample windows in the unit. The living room with an electric fireplace opens to a large balcony. Carpet free, laminate & ceramic flooring over original parquet hardwood.
C$308000

Residential For Sale

210-5959 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS B3H 1Y5
Exit Realty Metro
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$308000

Residential For Sale

750 Celebration Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 0K6

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3Picture(s)
2,759Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$989900

Residential For Sale

750 Celebration Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 0K6
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,759Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Welcome to The Cabot by Marchand Homes, a well-designed bungalow located in a family-friendly community. With over 2,700 square feet of finished living space, this new build blends modern design with high-end finishes in a layout that works for busy families and entertainers alike.
C$989900

Residential For Sale

750 Celebration Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 0K6
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$989900

Residential For Sale

161 Queen Street, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
4,215Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
C$575000

Residential For Sale

161 Queen Street, Digby, NS B0V 1A0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,215Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
One of the most incredible classic Queen Ann style Victorian homes on the market today. Steeped in majesty, elegance, history and superior craftsmanship this spacious home exemplifies "no expenses spared" and showcases the incredible talent that was available and applied for the highest end product that cannot be duplicated today.
C$575000

Residential For Sale

161 Queen Street, Digby, NS B0V 1A0
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$575000

Residential For Sale

4653 Black Rock Road, Canada Creek, NS B0P 1V0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,069Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
C$289900

Residential For Sale

4653 Black Rock Road, Canada Creek, NS B0P 1V0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,069Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
Charming Seaside Cottage with Bay of Fundy Views Escape to the coast with this delightful four-bedroom cottage, perfectly perched to capture sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy. Located in the welcoming community of Canada Creek, this property offers a serene retreat from the everyday.Enjoy ocean vistas year-round from the sunroom, a cozy space designed for all seasons.
C$289900

Residential For Sale

4653 Black Rock Road, Canada Creek, NS B0P 1V0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$289900

Residential For Sale

80 Whitney Avenue, Sydney, NS B1P 4Z9

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,355Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

80 Whitney Avenue, Sydney, NS B1P 4Z9
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,355Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
Welcome to 80 Whitney Avenue—a timeless century home nestled on a spacious, landscaped double lot in the heart of Sydney. Meticulously maintained and beautifully designed this property is walking distance to downtown, park, schools, new NSCC campus and 5 minutes to hospital! From the moment you arrive, the manicured landscaping and charming curb appeal set the tone.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

80 Whitney Avenue, Sydney, NS B1P 4Z9
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

194 Thomas Road, Cape Forchu, NS B5A 5G7

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,458Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$699900

Residential For Sale

194 Thomas Road, Cape Forchu, NS B5A 5G7
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,458Sqft
The Real Estate Store
Tucked nicely away on Cape Forchu in Yarmouth is 194 Thomas Road. This contemporary style multi level home is awaiting a new owner. Well positioned to enjoy sunsets and a bold view of the Gulf of Maine this property has many features. Finished space on all levels including a balcony on the upper level, 2 sided open deck and a basement walk out.
C$699900

Residential For Sale

194 Thomas Road, Cape Forchu, NS B5A 5G7
The Real Estate Store
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$699900

Residential For Sale

83 Golden Horizon Drive, South West Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
45Picture(s)
756Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
C$359000

Residential For Sale

83 Golden Horizon Drive, South West Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
756Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
Welcome to 83 Golden Horizon Drive perched on a scenic hill overlooking breathtaking sunsets and a serene natural landscape surrounded by trees. Set on 1.02 acres, this thoughtfully designed 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, craftsmanship and low maintenance living.
C$359000

Residential For Sale

83 Golden Horizon Drive, South West Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0
Engel & Volkers (Liverpool)
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$359000

Residential For Sale

13 Livia Meadows, Debert, NS B0M 1G0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
6Picture(s)
1,387Sqft
Air Realty Limited
C$468500

Residential For Sale

13 Livia Meadows, Debert, NS B0M 1G0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,387Sqft
Air Realty Limited
Introducing The Montrose by Livia Properties – Modern Living in Livia Meadows. Discover The Montrose, a beautifully crafted home by Livia Properties, located in the serene community of Livia Meadows – a bare land condominium community located just outside of Truro and only five minutes from the beloved Masstown Market.
C$468500

Residential For Sale

13 Livia Meadows, Debert, NS B0M 1G0
Air Realty Limited
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$468500

Residential For Sale

81 Brighton Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,520Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$385500

Residential For Sale

81 Brighton Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,520Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Nestled in the seaside town of Lockeport, this bright 3-bed, 2-bath home offers pond views, ocean sounds, and is just a 5-minute walk to one of the South Shores most beautiful beaches.
C$385500

Residential For Sale

81 Brighton Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$385500

Residential For Sale

5966 Hwy #3, Shag Harbour, NS B0W 3B0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,720Sqft
East Bay Realty Ltd.
C$449000

Residential For Sale

5966 Hwy #3, Shag Harbour, NS B0W 3B0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,720Sqft
East Bay Realty Ltd.
Vacant and ready to occupy ! Ideal family home located in Shag Harbour is just perfect for the growing family with a white sand beach directly across the road for picnics and exploring ! 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths and potential for additional living space in walk out basement with two 16 x20 outbuildings.
C$449000

Residential For Sale

5966 Hwy #3, Shag Harbour, NS B0W 3B0
East Bay Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449000

Residential For Sale

1922 Upper River John Road, Middleton, NS B0K 1N0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
17Picture(s)
929Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$189500

Residential For Sale

1922 Upper River John Road, Middleton, NS B0K 1N0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
929Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
Here is the piece of paradise you have been searching for. This unique and cozy two bedroom home has been rebuilt to reflect the highest levels of efficiency using government standards. The home has multiple levels, making the most efficient use of space possible.
C$189500

Residential For Sale

1922 Upper River John Road, Middleton, NS B0K 1N0
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$189500
3354 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern