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.

Property Type

City

Price

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Sort Option

Listing ID
Total Finished Area
Price
Add date
Listing Status

Grid

List

Map

RSS

Save Search

Residential For Sale

3019 Highway 325, Wileville, NS B4V 5H4

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

49Picture(s)

1,259Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

C$365000

Residential For Sale

3019 Highway 325, Wileville, NS B4V 5H4

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

1,259Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

Welcome to 3019 Highway 325 — a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home just minutes from Bridgewater, offering the perfect balance of modern comfort and country charm. With its smart layout and stylish upgrades throughout, this old beauty is ideal for first-time buyers or anyone looking to right-size without sacrificing the important elements of Home.

C$365000

Residential For Sale

3019 Highway 325, Wileville, NS B4V 5H4

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$365000

Residential For Sale

4330 Northfield Road, Watford, NS B0R 1E0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

27Picture(s)

1,036Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

C$245900

Residential For Sale

4330 Northfield Road, Watford, NS B0R 1E0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,036Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

Country living with a whole lotta style. Just 5 minutes from the village of New Germany and 25 minutes to Bridgewater, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath beauty blends rustic character with modern comfort. The open layout connects living, dining, and kitchen into one warm, welcoming space. Exposed brick adds a splash of charm, while a built-in coffee bar brings café vibes right to your morning routine.

C$245900

Residential For Sale

4330 Northfield Road, Watford, NS B0R 1E0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$245900

Residential For Sale

37 Macleod Street, Sydney, NS B1N 1B4

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

43Picture(s)

1,314Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

C$229000

Residential For Sale

37 Macleod Street, Sydney, NS B1N 1B4

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

1,314Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

Nestled in the heart of the lovely Whitney Pier neighborhood, this beautifully maintained two-storey residence boasts four spacious bedrooms and a wealth of upgrades tailored for modern living.The home offers a generous floor plan ideal for families, featuring four well-proportioned bedrooms that provide ample space for relaxation and privacy.

C$229000

Residential For Sale

37 Macleod Street, Sydney, NS B1N 1B4

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$229000

Residential For Sale

179 Second Avenue, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

37Picture(s)

796Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$229900

Residential For Sale

179 Second Avenue, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

796Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Charming 2-Bedroom Home with Ocean Views & Walkability, This cozy and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is ideally located just a short walk from downtown, offering both convenience and character. Enjoy partial ocean views from the comfort of your living space or take in the sights of the Annapolis Basin from the elevated deck.

C$229900

Residential For Sale

179 Second Avenue, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$229900

Residential For Sale

9770 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

Circular DrivewayParking(s)

27Picture(s)

840Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$79900

Residential For Sale

9770 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

Circular DrivewayParking(s)

840Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Welcome to 9770 Highway 8 in Caledonia. This mini home could be the perfect fit for someone looking to get into their first property and remove themselves from the rental market. This affordable mini home on its own land with municipal sewer and lake views could use some love to bring it back to life. Offering 3 bedrooms, full bath, open concept eat in kitchen and living room.

C$79900

Residential For Sale

9770 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$79900

Residential For Sale

3542 Highway 308, Hubbards Point, NS B0W 3M0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

44Picture(s)

1,742Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

C$449900

Residential For Sale

3542 Highway 308, Hubbards Point, NS B0W 3M0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

1,742Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

3542 Highway 308, Hubbards Point, NS This bright and modern two-storey home is set on a beautifully landscaped 1.3-acre lot in the heart of Hubbards Point, just minutes from Tusket and less than fifteen minutes to Yarmouth. With three bedrooms, one and a half baths, and over 1,700 sq. ft.

C$449900

Residential For Sale

3542 Highway 308, Hubbards Point, NS B0W 3M0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$449900

Residential For Sale

8420 Highway 224, Upper Musquodoboit, NS B0N 2M0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

16Picture(s)

816Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

C$199900

Residential For Sale

8420 Highway 224, Upper Musquodoboit, NS B0N 2M0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

816Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

Completely updated, 2 bedroom, 1 bath home A bright, open living and dining area flows from a kitchen featuring a handy coffee bar—perfect for quick mornings and quiet evenings. Garden doors off the living room open to a private front patio, an ideal spot for relaxing or entertaining.

C$199900

Residential For Sale

8420 Highway 224, Upper Musquodoboit, NS B0N 2M0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$199900

Residential For Sale

64 Macnamara Drive, Glace Bay, NS B1A 6A7

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

21Picture(s)

2,000Sqft

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Optimum Realty

C$259000

Residential For Sale

64 Macnamara Drive, Glace Bay, NS B1A 6A7

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

2,000Sqft

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Optimum Realty

Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-full-bath home with 4 heat pump heads, featuring numerous recent upgrades. Recent 2024 improvements include a new hot water heater, R40 attic insulation, new front and back steps, and a picture window. The home features waterproof laminate flooring in the kitchen, living room, and hallways (2019).

C$259000

Residential For Sale

64 Macnamara Drive, Glace Bay, NS B1A 6A7

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Optimum Realty

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$259000

Residential For Sale

1 Bainbridge Court, Westphal, NS B2Z 1J5

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,932Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$699900

Residential For Sale

1 Bainbridge Court, Westphal, NS B2Z 1J5

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,932Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Westphal, this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath back split sits on a large, well-manicured lot with endless space to relax and entertain. The bright, open-concept main level features a huge entertainer’s kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, flowing seamlessly into the dining and living areas.

C$699900

Residential For Sale

1 Bainbridge Court, Westphal, NS B2Z 1J5

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$699900

Residential For Sale

33 Landry Lane, Louisdale, NS B0E 1V0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

49Picture(s)

2,600Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)

C$385000

Residential For Sale

33 Landry Lane, Louisdale, NS B0E 1V0

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,600Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)

Energy efficient & modernized 3+2 Bedroom Bungalow with In-Law Suite Potential in Scenic Cape Breton. 1.3 Ac on a dead end street. Beautifully updated 1300 sq ft home offers a wealth of features perfect for family living. Located in a friendly, family-oriented community this home is move-in ready with comfort, convenience, and value in mind.

C$385000

Residential For Sale

33 Landry Lane, Louisdale, NS B0E 1V0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$385000

Residential For Sale

10208 Highway 3, Martins Brook, NS B0J 2C0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

33Picture(s)

1,086Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

C$389900

Residential For Sale

10208 Highway 3, Martins Brook, NS B0J 2C0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,086Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

Centrally located just minutes between the historic towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, this solidly built 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a rare combination of character, space, and opportunity. Step inside to discover a generously sized kitchen with an adjoining dining area – perfect for family meals or hosting guests.

C$389900

Residential For Sale

10208 Highway 3, Martins Brook, NS B0J 2C0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$389900

Residential For Sale

771 Forties Road, Forties, NS B0J 2M0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

35Picture(s)

2,218Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$379900

Residential For Sale

771 Forties Road, Forties, NS B0J 2M0

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

2,218Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Discover quiet country living at 771 Forties Road, in the charming community of New Ross. Centrally located, this home offers easy commuting to Chester, Kentville, New Minas, and Halifax. The main level features a bright and cozy living room with a heatpump, a large kitchen, and a formal dining room, perfect for family gatherings.

C$379900

Residential For Sale

771 Forties Road, Forties, NS B0J 2M0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$379900

4275 Results returned.Per Page

Stop Paying Rent

How to Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home

Don’t pay another cent in rent to your landlord!

– 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Buying the Wrong Home.

Unclear Title.

Inaccurate Survey.

Undisclosed Fix-ups.

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.

Hidden Costs.

Rushing the Closing.

One More Tip…

Residential For Sale

3019 Highway 325, Wileville, NS B4V 5H4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

4330 Northfield Road, Watford, NS B0R 1E0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

37 Macleod Street, Sydney, NS B1N 1B4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

179 Second Avenue, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

9770 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3542 Highway 308, Hubbards Point, NS B0W 3M0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

8420 Highway 224, Upper Musquodoboit, NS B0N 2M0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

64 Macnamara Drive, Glace Bay, NS B1A 6A7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1 Bainbridge Court, Westphal, NS B2Z 1J5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

33 Landry Lane, Louisdale, NS B0E 1V0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

10208 Highway 3, Martins Brook, NS B0J 2C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

– stop lining your landlord’s pockets, and
– stop wasting thousands of dollars on rent.

* 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.