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.

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

3512 East Big Intervale Rd., Margaree Valley, NS B0E 2C0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,837Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
C$595000

Residential For Sale

3512 East Big Intervale Rd., Margaree Valley, NS B0E 2C0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,837Sqft
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
This well - maintained 3 - bedroom log home offers a serene lifestyle in one of Cape Breton's most picturesque settings. Surrounded by nature and set at the base of a mountain, the home offers sweeping mountain views in every direction! Just steps across the road lies the renowned Margaree River, an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts.
C$595000

Residential For Sale

3512 East Big Intervale Rd., Margaree Valley, NS B0E 2C0
Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$595000

Residential For Sale

9 Arrow Head Crescent, Waterside, NS B0K 1H0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
35Picture(s)
216Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$175000

Residential For Sale

9 Arrow Head Crescent, Waterside, NS B0K 1H0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
216Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to this exceptional turn-key property nestled in the heart of the stunning Waterside area—an ideal escape or income-generating opportunity! Tucked away on a lovely parcel of land, you'll find a cozy bunkhouse complete with a kitchenette, sleeping area, and a 3-piece bath—perfect for guests or a private retreat.
C$175000

Residential For Sale

9 Arrow Head Crescent, Waterside, NS B0K 1H0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$175000

Residential For Sale

22 Hogg Lane, Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,888Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$409000

Residential For Sale

22 Hogg Lane, Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,888Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
This classic farmhouse, built in 1880, sits on just under 2 acres of landscaped land with tidal ocean fed riverfront and boat access in peaceful Sheet Harbour. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, it offers space, character, and stories etched into its walls, literally.
C$409000

Residential For Sale

22 Hogg Lane, Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$409000

Residential For Sale

1923 Fox Harbour Rd, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,195Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

1923 Fox Harbour Rd, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,195Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Nestled just minutes from the prestigious Fox Harb’r Resort, this charming 1.5-storey A-frame home blends comfort and character in a peaceful coastal setting. With sandy shorelines just a short stroll away and the ability to walk the sand bars out to Oak Island, this property offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

1923 Fox Harbour Rd, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

24 Ninth Street, Lucasville, NS B4B 1R5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
42Picture(s)
1,210Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$374900

Residential For Sale

24 Ninth Street, Lucasville, NS B4B 1R5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,210Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 24 Ninth Street in Timber Trails—one of the most sought-after and well-maintained parks around! This super spacious 3-bedroom, 2 full bathrooms gem truly feels more like a house than a mini home! From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed by a proper entryway with a coat closet (yes, a real one!), You'll immediately feel the comfort and functionality this home offers.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

24 Ninth Street, Lucasville, NS B4B 1R5
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

2447 Highway 376, Lyons Brook, NS B0K 1H0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,640Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$399000

Residential For Sale

2447 Highway 376, Lyons Brook, NS B0K 1H0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
2,640Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
COMMERCIAL lot included Affordable Duplex in Lyons Brook with Investment Potential Discover the potential in this duplex located in Lyons Brook. Built in 1990, with a second unit added in 2006, this property offers an excellent opportunity for a well built, spacious 2 unit just outside of town.This duplex includes two 2-bedroom units, perfect for extended family living or as an income property.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

2447 Highway 376, Lyons Brook, NS B0K 1H0
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

6 Roslindale Drive, Truro Heights, NS B6L 1T2

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
41Picture(s)
2,920Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$479900

Residential For Sale

6 Roslindale Drive, Truro Heights, NS B6L 1T2
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,920Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Beautiful large bungalow in a prime location. Stunning 2900 square feet bungalow nestled in a great neighborhood offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and classic charm. Key Features: Spacious Layout: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms provides ample space for comfortable living. The Primary bedroom boasts not one, but two walk-in closets.
C$479900

Residential For Sale

6 Roslindale Drive, Truro Heights, NS B6L 1T2
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$479900

Residential For Sale

303-15 Knightsridge Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 3S9

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
Harbourside Realty Ltd.
C$364900

Residential For Sale

303-15 Knightsridge Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 3S9
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AssignedParking(s)
1,100Sqft
Harbourside Realty Ltd.
Experience modern condo living in this bright top-floor 2-level unit in the heart of Clayton Park. This spacious 2-bedroom home is drenched in natural light thanks to its Western exposure, making every sunset a delight from your private balcony. The kitchen is beautifully renovated and features newer appliances, including a stove (2023) and dishwasher (2024), perfect for the home chef.
C$364900

Residential For Sale

303-15 Knightsridge Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 3S9
Harbourside Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$364900

Residential For Sale

4080 Malagash Road, Malagash Point, NS B0K 1E0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
28Picture(s)
650Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$375000

Residential For Sale

4080 Malagash Road, Malagash Point, NS B0K 1E0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
650Sqft
Engel & Volkers
If you are looking for a great easy access sandy beach you will love this gorgeous six acre oceanfront property with a three season cottage and bunkie. The cottage has had heaps of upgrades and additions in the last few years including new roof, heat pump, flooring and raised gravel trail to the beach.
C$375000

Residential For Sale

4080 Malagash Road, Malagash Point, NS B0K 1E0
Engel & Volkers
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$375000

Residential For Sale

47 Golden Glow Lane, Little River Harbour, NS B0W 1B0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
43Picture(s)
1,078Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
C$205000

Residential For Sale

47 Golden Glow Lane, Little River Harbour, NS B0W 1B0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,078Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
Tucked away on a quiet road in Little River Harbour, this 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom barn-style home blends rustic charm with practical living on 3.2 acres. Step inside to an open-concept main floor, where the eat-in kitchen flows into a bright living room with soaring ceilings that extend up to the second floor, filling the space with natural light.
C$205000

Residential For Sale

47 Golden Glow Lane, Little River Harbour, NS B0W 1B0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$205000

Residential For Sale

20 Bradford Place, Bedford, NS B4B 0R6

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
3,150Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$969900

Residential For Sale

20 Bradford Place, Bedford, NS B4B 0R6
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,150Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Tucked away on a quiet street in the sought-after Parks of West Bedford, this stylish and thoughtfully designed home offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural serenity. This custom-designed home was built with comfort and functionality in mind. Inside, you'll be welcomed by a spacious foyer leading into a bright and expansive great room — perfect for entertaining.
C$969900

Residential For Sale

20 Bradford Place, Bedford, NS B4B 0R6
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$969900

Residential For Sale

37 Orchard Heights, Maders Cove, NS B0J 2C0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
44Picture(s)
3,123Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

37 Orchard Heights, Maders Cove, NS B0J 2C0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3,123Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to 37 Orchard Heights, a beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home set on 2.9 private acres with waterfrontage in the heart of Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Tucked away on a private drive, this property offers both privacy and panoramic ocean views, just minutes from Mahone Bay, stunning beaches, the Lunenburg Golf Course, and the Lunenburg yacht club.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

37 Orchard Heights, Maders Cove, NS B0J 2C0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$799900
4888 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern