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

1011 Lone Pine Drive, Centreville, NS B0P 1J0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,828Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$469900

Residential For Sale

1011 Lone Pine Drive, Centreville, NS B0P 1J0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,828Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Welcome to 1011 Lone Pine Drive, where modern comfort meets country charm. Tucked away in the heart of Centreville, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom home sits on over 1.3 acres of park-like land and is just a short walk from local parks, walking trails, a farm market, and a convenience store.
C$469900

Residential For Sale

1011 Lone Pine Drive, Centreville, NS B0P 1J0
Exit Realty Town & Country
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$469900

Residential For Sale

1611 Granville Road, Port Wade, NS B0S 1A0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,700Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$350000

Residential For Sale

1611 Granville Road, Port Wade, NS B0S 1A0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,700Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Lots of history here in this 1.5 storey house Circa 1853. Attractive curb appeal home sits on 1.5 acres lot amid mature trees with an inviting central covered entrance facing the road.. From here you have a fantastic view of the Annapolis Basin just across the road.
C$350000

Residential For Sale

1611 Granville Road, Port Wade, NS B0S 1A0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$350000

Residential For Sale

9932 Highway 201, South Farmington, NS B0P 1W0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
21Picture(s)
812Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$199900

Residential For Sale

9932 Highway 201, South Farmington, NS B0P 1W0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
812Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home is situated on a generous 1.48 acre lot in the outskirts of town. Close enough to everything to be convenient, yet far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle. The home is heated with electric baseboard and a heat pump. The wood stove that's presently in the house will be removed prior to closing, at the seller's expense.
C$199900

Residential For Sale

9932 Highway 201, South Farmington, NS B0P 1W0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$199900

Residential For Sale

4730 East River East Side Road, Plymouth, NS B2H 5C5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,764Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$324500

Residential For Sale

4730 East River East Side Road, Plymouth, NS B2H 5C5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,764Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Welcome to this inviting 3-bed, 2-bath farmhouse that has been thoughtfully updated while preserving all the character and warmth of a classic country home. Surrounded by scenic panoramic views, this property offers peaceful rural living just minutes from town in the desirable community of Plymouth.
C$324500

Residential For Sale

4730 East River East Side Road, Plymouth, NS B2H 5C5
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$324500

Residential For Sale

359 Granville Street E, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0

5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
40Picture(s)
2,323Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$395000

Residential For Sale

359 Granville Street E, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0
5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2,323Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Possibilities await in this well-maintained century home, built around 1898 and full of timeless charm. Located in the heart of Bridgetown on nearly half an acre, this spacious property offers room to grow both inside and out.
C$395000

Residential For Sale

359 Granville Street E, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0
Exit Realty Town & Country
5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$395000

Residential For Sale

5311 Highway 4, Alma, NS B0K 2A0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
25Picture(s)
768Sqft
Turning Point Real Estate Limited
C$263500

Residential For Sale

5311 Highway 4, Alma, NS B0K 2A0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
768Sqft
Turning Point Real Estate Limited
This minimalist-style two-bedroom home blends modern design with timeless quality. Built with durable ICF construction and finished with a metal roof, it’s designed to be efficient, low-maintenance, and built to last. Step inside and you’ll notice the attention to detail; concrete floors, wood finishes throughout, and no MDF anywhere.
C$263500

Residential For Sale

5311 Highway 4, Alma, NS B0K 2A0
Turning Point Real Estate Limited
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$263500

Residential For Sale

2571 Highway 331, West Lahave, NS B0R 1G0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
39Picture(s)
1,820Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$538000

Residential For Sale

2571 Highway 331, West Lahave, NS B0R 1G0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,820Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
This gorgeous, quintessential Nova Scotia home has been run as a successful AirBnb. If that is what you are in the market for, this place has the option of being purchased fully furnished so that you can be up and running right away. The moment you walk in the door you are greeted by a bright and airy home with light walls and beautifully refinished wood floors.
C$538000

Residential For Sale

2571 Highway 331, West Lahave, NS B0R 1G0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$538000

Residential For Sale

10165 Highway 1, Greenwich, NS B4P 2R2

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
37Picture(s)
2,048Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$899900

Residential For Sale

10165 Highway 1, Greenwich, NS B4P 2R2
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,048Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Exquisite 3 bdrm 3.5 bath home with over 2300 sf of elegant living space. Set on approximately 1.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

10165 Highway 1, Greenwich, NS B4P 2R2
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

905 Camperdown Road, Camperdown, NS B4V 0W8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,514Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$175000

Residential For Sale

905 Camperdown Road, Camperdown, NS B4V 0W8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,514Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Welcome to 905 Camperdown Road — a character-filled country property brimming with potential and rustic charm. Perfect for first-time buyers, project-minded homeowners, or anyone seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle, this home is nestled on a lovely lot surrounded by nature and just a short drive to Bridgewater’s amenities and surrounding white sand beaches.
C$175000

Residential For Sale

905 Camperdown Road, Camperdown, NS B4V 0W8
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$175000

Residential For Sale

44 Anson Avenue, Amherst, NS B4H 4K7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
21Picture(s)
896Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$144900

Residential For Sale

44 Anson Avenue, Amherst, NS B4H 4K7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
896Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Welcome to this well-maintained and move-in ready mini-home, perfectly situated on the last lot in the park—offering extra privacy and a peaceful setting. With lot fees currently just $231/month, this home is an affordable and comfortable option for anyone seeking easy living. Freshly painted throughout and featuring a new ductless mini-split for efficient heating and cooling.
C$144900

Residential For Sale

44 Anson Avenue, Amherst, NS B4H 4K7
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$144900

Residential For Sale

9 Herbert Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1J1

6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
11Picture(s)
3,234Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$579900

Residential For Sale

9 Herbert Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1J1
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3,234Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Turn-Key Investment with Major Upside, Welcome to 9 Herbert Street, Dartmouth Rare full side-by-side semi in one of Dartmouth's most walkable and in-demand locations. Just steps from Dartmouth General Hospital, Woodside Ferry Terminal, NSCC, Trail system and major shopping, this property offers unmatched convenience for tenants and long-term growth for investors.
C$579900

Residential For Sale

9 Herbert Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1J1
Exit Realty Metro
6Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$579900

Residential For Sale

504-50 Waterfront Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 4H3

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,490Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$585000

Residential For Sale

504-50 Waterfront Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 4H3
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,490Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Top-floor corner condo in the heart of the Bedford waterfront! This 1,500 sq. ft. condo was the building’s original showpiece and still shines with its open, sun-filled layout, Basin views, and BRAND-NEW flooring throughout the living room, dining room, and bedrooms.
C$585000

Residential For Sale

504-50 Waterfront Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 4H3
Keller Williams Select Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$585000
4276 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern