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

68 Fletcher Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1J2

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
43Picture(s)
3,658Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$849000

Residential For Sale

68 Fletcher Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1J2
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,658Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 68 Fletcher Drive, a truly special waterfront retreat with an in-law suite in the heart of Fall River.
C$849000

Residential For Sale

68 Fletcher Drive, Fall River, NS B2T 1J2
Royal LePage Atlantic
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$849000

Residential For Sale

3 Baker Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 2W6

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
18Picture(s)
725Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$179900

Residential For Sale

3 Baker Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 2W6
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
725Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Welcome to 3 Baker Street, Yarmouth—an affordable, well-located 2-bedroom, 1-bath, single-level home that’s perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors. This cozy bungalow offers the convenience of one-level living with a practical layout that maximizes space and comfort.
C$179900

Residential For Sale

3 Baker Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 2W6
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$179900

Residential For Sale

15 Oxford Court, Valley, NS B6L 4G1

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,228Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$479900

Residential For Sale

15 Oxford Court, Valley, NS B6L 4G1
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,228Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
Welcome to 15 Oxford Court in the desirable community of Valley! Experience the ease and luxury of new construction in this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. This property offers modern open-concept living perfect for today's lifestyle. The spacious, light-filled main area features an open concept eat-in kitchen and living room, ideal for entertaining and daily living.
C$479900

Residential For Sale

15 Oxford Court, Valley, NS B6L 4G1
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$479900

Residential For Sale

10 Snow White Drive, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1C5

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
19Picture(s)
784Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$219900

Residential For Sale

10 Snow White Drive, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1C5
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
784Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
OPEN HOUSE Sunday December 21st. Discover affordable, move-in ready living in this beautifully updated mini home; perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone seeking a modern, easy-care space. Step inside to an inviting layout featuring fresh paint throughout the bedroom and updated kitchen cupboards that brighten the entire home.
C$219900

Residential For Sale

10 Snow White Drive, Lake Echo, NS B3E 1C5
Exit Realty Metro
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$219900

Residential For Sale

2 & 2a Parkmoor Avenue, Spryfield, NS B3R 1B4

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,686Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$604900

Residential For Sale

2 & 2a Parkmoor Avenue, Spryfield, NS B3R 1B4
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,686Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Excellent opportunity in Spryfield! This over/under duplex offers flexibility for both investors and owner-occupiers. The main level features a spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath layout, while the lower level offers 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Each unit has its own private entrance, separate power meter, and a dedicated heat pump, providing comfort and efficiency year-round.
C$604900

Residential For Sale

2 & 2a Parkmoor Avenue, Spryfield, NS B3R 1B4
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$604900

Residential For Sale

25 Garvie Branch Road, West River, NS B2G 3A3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,968Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
C$489000

Residential For Sale

25 Garvie Branch Road, West River, NS B2G 3A3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,968Sqft
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
25 Garvie Branch Road, West River Antigonish! Welcome to this beautifully renovated bungalow situated on 1.54 acres of nicely landscaped property. It's located within walking distance of St. Francis Xavier University, this property offers the convenience of municipal water and sewer while maintaining the charm of country living.
C$489000

Residential For Sale

25 Garvie Branch Road, West River, NS B2G 3A3
Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$489000

Residential For Sale

305-15 Kings Warf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C2

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,655Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$708900

Residential For Sale

305-15 Kings Warf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C2
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,655Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 305-15 Kings Wharf Place! This beautifully appointed condo offers modern style, everyday comfort, and an unbeatable location just steps from the Dartmouth waterfront. Enjoy stunning ocean views and easy access to all the amenities that downtown Dartmouth has to offer.
C$708900

Residential For Sale

305-15 Kings Warf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C2
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$708900

Residential For Sale

5888 331 Highway, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,660Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

5888 331 Highway, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
2,660Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
Just minutes away from Crescent and Rissers Beaches in the village of Petite Riviere, 'Runnymede Farm' is a traditional Lunenburg farm house that has had a well crafted addition making this home a spacious 2660 sq ft. Situated on 4.6 acres, partially fenced with a great hill lined with oak and apple trees. Here, you can overlook the ocean and beach.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

5888 331 Highway, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y3
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

3260 Barronsfield Road, River Hebert, NS B0L 1G0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,674Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

3260 Barronsfield Road, River Hebert, NS B0L 1G0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,674Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
This lovely home has been extensively renovated in recent years and sits on a generously sized parcel with a 24'x36' detached heated garage! The property also includes an adjacent bonus parcel with access to municipal sewer, offering excellent flexibility for future use.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

3260 Barronsfield Road, River Hebert, NS B0L 1G0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

68 Cottage Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
40Picture(s)
3,885Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$579900

Residential For Sale

68 Cottage Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,885Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Discover timeless charm and historic elegance in this stunning 2.5-story home at 68 Cottage Street. Originally built in 1890 by the original owners of the renowned Pictou Shipyard and thoughtfully rebuilt in 1940, this residence offers a unique blend of heritage and modern comfort.
C$579900

Residential For Sale

68 Cottage Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$579900

Residential For Sale

570 Glen Arbour Way, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1N3

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
9Picture(s)
1,911Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$199900

Residential For Sale

570 Glen Arbour Way, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1N3
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,911Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Disclaimer: This property is being sold as-is. A weather-tight dwelling sits partially developed on a lot that is crossed by a Nova Scotia Power Easement and as a result Nova Scotia Power service cannot be connected at this time due to the dwelling being located on the easement. The presence of the easement may affect future improvements, utility work, or development plans on the site.
C$199900

Residential For Sale

570 Glen Arbour Way, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1N3
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$199900

Residential For Sale

56 Stanfeild Street Sydney, Sydney, NS B1P 3X5

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,728Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
C$379900

Residential For Sale

56 Stanfeild Street Sydney, Sydney, NS B1P 3X5
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,728Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
Welcome to this fully refinished, top-to-bottom bungalow offering exceptional flexibility and modern comfort. Thoughtfully designed to suit a variety of lifestyles, the home can function as a spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bath family residence or be easily converted into a two-unit rental, featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bath upstairs and 2 bedrooms and 1 bath downstairs.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

56 Stanfeild Street Sydney, Sydney, NS B1P 3X5
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$379900
3435 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern