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

63 Vista Del Mar Road, Caribou River, NS B0K 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,268Sqft
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
C$575000

Residential For Sale

63 Vista Del Mar Road, Caribou River, NS B0K 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,268Sqft
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
Welcome to 63 Vista Del Mar – Your Oceanfront Escape Awaits! Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing and ending your day with breathtaking sunsets – this is coastal living at its finest. Nestled along the serene shores of the Northumberland Strait, this stunning year-round home is a rare opportunity to own your own slice of seaside paradise.
C$575000

Residential For Sale

63 Vista Del Mar Road, Caribou River, NS B0K 1H0
Results Realty Atlantic Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$575000

Residential For Sale

320 Mountain Road, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5W1

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
3,070Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
C$599000

Residential For Sale

320 Mountain Road, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5W1
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,070Sqft
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
Spacious family home in a great location with a large landscaped lot, two garages, two paved driveways and the benefit of an income from the two bedroom apartment at the lower level. Captivating views from the deck at the back of the house. Situated within walking distance of downtown.
C$599000

Residential For Sale

320 Mountain Road, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5W1
ROYAL LEPAGE HIGHLAND PROPERTIES - D100
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$599000

Residential For Sale

30 Flatrock Cre, Beechville, NS B3T 0B0

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,941Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$609900

Residential For Sale

30 Flatrock Cre, Beechville, NS B3T 0B0
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,941Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Modern 4-Bedroom Home in Prime Beechville Location. Discover this stunning 2-year-new home located in the highly desirable Bayers Lake commercial area — where convenience meets comfort. Only few minutes to Bayers Lake Business Center. Enjoy effortless living with shopping, dining, and entertainment just around the corner, and downtown Halifax only 15 minutes away.
C$609900

Residential For Sale

30 Flatrock Cre, Beechville, NS B3T 0B0
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$609900

Residential For Sale

1546 Spurr Road, Round Hill, NS B0S 1C0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,200Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$448500

Residential For Sale

1546 Spurr Road, Round Hill, NS B0S 1C0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,200Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Steeped in history and rural charm, this property dates back to around 1760 and sits on 4.2 acres tucked into a peaceful fold of the Annapolis Valley just off Highway 201. The quiet location offers an orchard, beautiful hay field, and forested backdrop. The home features three bedrooms, one bathroom , an inviting eat-in kitchen, updated flooring throughout the main level, and a new mudroom.
C$448500

Residential For Sale

1546 Spurr Road, Round Hill, NS B0S 1C0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$448500

Residential For Sale

34 Krause Court, Dartmouth, NS B2W 0K9

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,640Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

34 Krause Court, Dartmouth, NS B2W 0K9
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,640Sqft
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
Welcome to 34 Krause Court in Dartmouth, a beautifully presented executive bungalow located in the desirable Russell Lake West community. Offering three bedrooms and three full bathrooms, this home combines elegance, comfort, and convenience with a main-level living option that’s perfect for a variety of lifestyles and family configurations.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

34 Krause Court, Dartmouth, NS B2W 0K9
Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

5 Mountain Road, Halifax, NS B3N 1A1

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,661Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$470000

Residential For Sale

5 Mountain Road, Halifax, NS B3N 1A1
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,661Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 5 Mountain Road — the perfect place to put down roots! This freshly renovated 4-bedroom, 1-bath home offers the ideal blend of comfort, practicality, and modern updates for growing families or first-time home buyers.
C$470000

Residential For Sale

5 Mountain Road, Halifax, NS B3N 1A1
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$470000

Residential For Sale

16 Cresthaven Court, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3Z3

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
43Picture(s)
3,291Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$779000

Residential For Sale

16 Cresthaven Court, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3Z3
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,291Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
An Elegant Retreat of Modern Luxury Nestled in a peaceful family cul-de-sac just minutes from the heart of Bridgewater, this exquisite 4 bedroom residence defines sophisticated living. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated through sleek, modern renovations that combine style, comfort, and functionality.
C$779000

Residential For Sale

16 Cresthaven Court, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3Z3
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$779000

Residential For Sale

72 Mount Edward Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3K4

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,745Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$559000

Residential For Sale

72 Mount Edward Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3K4
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,745Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom bungalow with a garage. Your new home is located in a quiet, friendly highly sought-after community close to parks, schools, and all of Dartmouth’s amenities. This home has been tastefully updated with new refinished oak hardwood floors throughout the main level, new vinyl plank flooring downstairs.
C$559000

Residential For Sale

72 Mount Edward Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3K4
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$559000

Residential For Sale

104 Macdonald Street, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 3E1

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,602Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
C$299000

Residential For Sale

104 Macdonald Street, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 3E1
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,602Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
Cozy 4 BDRM, 1.5 BATH bungalow with single paved driveway, detached garage, and shed for all your storage needs. Nicely situated on a 9900 SQ FT lot within the town of Port Hawkesbury, within walking distance to all amenities.
C$299000

Residential For Sale

104 Macdonald Street, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 3E1
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299000

Residential For Sale

20 Reining Way, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 2B7

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,862Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$999900

Residential For Sale

20 Reining Way, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 2B7
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,862Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 20 Reining Way in sought-after Voyageur Lakes — a stunning lakefront home offering elegance, space, and tranquility. Community living at its best, this custom-designed residence takes full advantage of its beautiful lake frontage and breathtaking views. The main floor features a vaulted great room with expansive windows overlooking the water and a cozy three-sided propane fireplace.
C$999900

Residential For Sale

20 Reining Way, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 2B7
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$999900

Residential For Sale

865 Georges River Road, Georges River, NS B1L 1H1

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,340Sqft
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
C$425000

Residential For Sale

865 Georges River Road, Georges River, NS B1L 1H1
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,340Sqft
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to 865 GEORGES RIVER THIS home offers 2 bedroom in main home plus 2 full baths. large living room dining room. large deck in front and 20x24 garage with e4poxy floors that gleam . fantanstic viewv of the famous bras dor lake this home is spotless basement has all epoxy floors plus outside entrance from underneath as well as side entrance . carport .
C$425000

Residential For Sale

865 Georges River Road, Georges River, NS B1L 1H1
Roger Burns Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

328 Brickyard Road, Cape Breton, NS B1K 2R7

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
41Picture(s)
1,272Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
C$399000

Residential For Sale

328 Brickyard Road, Cape Breton, NS B1K 2R7
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1,272Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
Welcome to 328 Brickyard Road, Mira – a peaceful country retreat nestled on 39 acres of land, with water views and equestrian features. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of rural tranquility and modern comfort.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

328 Brickyard Road, Cape Breton, NS B1K 2R7
3% Realty Nova Scotia
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399000
4281 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern