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

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Residential For Sale

69 Lakecrest Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1V5

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

44Picture(s)

1,563Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

C$1500000

Residential For Sale

69 Lakecrest Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1V5

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,563Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

Unlock the full potential of this rare commercial-zoned lot located in a high-demand area, offering incredible development flexibility. Spanning a generous footprint, the property is zoned to accommodate up to 51 residential units across 4 stories, making it an ideal site for a multifamily, mixed-use, or investment project.

C$1500000

Residential For Sale

69 Lakecrest Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1V5

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$1500000

Residential For Sale

2450 Kings Road, Sydney Forks, NS B1L 1A1

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

42Picture(s)

2,359Sqft

Listing courtesy of 3% Realty Nova Scotia

C$324000

Residential For Sale

2450 Kings Road, Sydney Forks, NS B1L 1A1

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,359Sqft

Listing courtesy of 3% Realty Nova Scotia

Welcome to 2450 Kings Road, Sydney Forks where your private retreat is just minutes from the city. Enjoy the tranquility of country-style living with all the conveniences of urban life close at hand. Set on a sprawling, picturesque lot, this property offers unparalleled space, tranquility, and endless potential.

C$324000

Residential For Sale

2450 Kings Road, Sydney Forks, NS B1L 1A1

Listing courtesy of 3% Realty Nova Scotia

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$324000

Residential For Sale

85 Cliff Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 3J7

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

46Picture(s)

1,296Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

C$279900

Residential For Sale

85 Cliff Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 3J7

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

1,296Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

Owned by the same family for 95 years, this charming 1930 two-storey home is full of character and history. Set on a generous 0.42-acre lot in the heart of Yarmouth, this property offers both space and convenience — just a short walk to downtown shops, restaurants, and amenities. The home features 1,296 sq. ft. of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus a full concrete basement.

C$279900

Residential For Sale

85 Cliff Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 3J7

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$279900

Residential For Sale

30 Nova Drive, Truro, NS B2N 3H4

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

12Picture(s)

1,400Sqft

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Open Door Realty Ltd.

C$299900

Residential For Sale

30 Nova Drive, Truro, NS B2N 3H4

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,400Sqft

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Open Door Realty Ltd.

Discover this inviting 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom home featuring a sweet, functional kitchen and three brand new heat pumps installed in September 2025, ensuring year round comfort and energy efficiency. Situated on a double lot, this property offers potential for subdivision (buyer to verify with town planning), providing excellent investment or expansion opportunities.

C$299900

Residential For Sale

30 Nova Drive, Truro, NS B2N 3H4

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Open Door Realty Ltd.

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$299900

Residential For Sale

53 Church Street, Florence, NS B1Y 1E9

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

17Picture(s)

1,827Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

C$199900

Residential For Sale

53 Church Street, Florence, NS B1Y 1E9

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

1,827Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

Charming 3-Bedroom, 2.5-Bath Mini Home on full basement with Upgrades & Untapped Potential Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath mini home, perfect for families, first-time buyers, or anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish living space.

C$199900

Residential For Sale

53 Church Street, Florence, NS B1Y 1E9

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$199900

Residential For Sale

867 Crowes Mill Road, Belmont, NS B0M 1C0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

36Picture(s)

900Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Elmsdale)

C$389900

Residential For Sale

867 Crowes Mill Road, Belmont, NS B0M 1C0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

900Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Elmsdale)

Looking for a sweet home with a large garage? You will need to take a closer look at this property. Situated on 3/4 acre lot with a dream garage complete with hoist and multiple car work area also heat pump for extra comfort. The home has 3 bedrooms and 1 bath with nice bright rooms and great flow. The basement is dry and unfinished with great potential for extra space.

C$389900

Residential For Sale

867 Crowes Mill Road, Belmont, NS B0M 1C0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Elmsdale)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$389900

Residential For Sale

5012 Highway 329, Blandford, NS B0J 0C2

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DirtParking(s)

45Picture(s)

1,229Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$399900

Residential For Sale

5012 Highway 329, Blandford, NS B0J 0C2

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DirtParking(s)

1,229Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Set back from the road on a private driveway, this two-bedroom, one-bath home offers comfort, functionality, and stunning ocean views and comes with two PIDs and almost 8 acres of land. The open-concept kitchen and dining rooms, and living space featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams, and a cozy wood stove—creating a bright and inviting space.

C$399900

Residential For Sale

5012 Highway 329, Blandford, NS B0J 0C2

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$399900

Residential For Sale

2569 Glooscap Trail Highway, Carrs Brook, NS B0M 1B0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,769Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$998900

Residential For Sale

2569 Glooscap Trail Highway, Carrs Brook, NS B0M 1B0

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

3,769Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

Nestled in the foothills of the Cobequid Mountains; on a picturesque 35-acre site offering a panoramic vista of the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy. Accessed via a meandering driveway through a gated entrance, this residence isn't just a home but, a one-of-a-kind lifestyle, defined by tranquillity, privacy and surrounded by the beauty of nature.

C$998900

Residential For Sale

2569 Glooscap Trail Highway, Carrs Brook, NS B0M 1B0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

C$998900

Residential For Sale

74 Mcgills Point Lane, Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

49Picture(s)

3,022Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)

C$589000

Residential For Sale

74 Mcgills Point Lane, Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

3,022Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)

Unique opportunity! This charming contemporary home with spectacular waterfront views is on Mcgills Point Lane – a private, sought after location in picturesque Shelburne, Nova Scotia. This exceptional home, set on 2 circular lots surrounded by common land, backs onto Shelburne Harbour and faces west for wonderful sunsets. The property is nicely landscaped with many perennials.

C$589000

Residential For Sale

74 Mcgills Point Lane, Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Shelburne)

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$589000

Residential For Sale

1215 Hansford Road, Hansford, NS B0M 1P0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,586Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

C$485000

Residential For Sale

1215 Hansford Road, Hansford, NS B0M 1P0

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,586Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

A rural retreat on 14.5 acres with cleared trails to explore! 1215 Hansford Road is a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, full of character and opportunity. With beautiful floor to ceiling built-in cabinets and plenty of counter space, the open concept kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright sunroom off the main living area, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee.

C$485000

Residential For Sale

1215 Hansford Road, Hansford, NS B0M 1P0

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$485000

Residential For Sale

2249 Second Division Road, Bangor, NS B0W 2L0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

43Picture(s)

1,700Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$449000

Residential For Sale

2249 Second Division Road, Bangor, NS B0W 2L0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,700Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Ideally positioned on 6.45 acres in a peaceful rural setting, this warm and welcoming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of charm, space, and comfort. A covered front deck spans the length of the home, inviting you to sit back and enjoy views of the front yard, while the property itself stretches back to Highway 101.

C$449000

Residential For Sale

2249 Second Division Road, Bangor, NS B0W 2L0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$449000

Residential For Sale

65 Marjorie Drive, West Porters Lake, NS B3E 1N2

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,540Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Agency Real Estate Brokerage

C$442500

Residential For Sale

65 Marjorie Drive, West Porters Lake, NS B3E 1N2

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,540Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Agency Real Estate Brokerage

Welcome to 65 Marjorie Drive, a spacious family home tucked away in the heart of West Porters Lake. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom property is set on a generously sized lot, offering plenty of room for outdoor living, entertaining, and endless possibilities for gardens, play areas, or future projects. Inside, the home balances comfort and function with a bright, inviting layout.

C$442500

Residential For Sale

65 Marjorie Drive, West Porters Lake, NS B3E 1N2

Listing courtesy of The Agency Real Estate Brokerage

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$442500

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

69 Lakecrest Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1V5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2450 Kings Road, Sydney Forks, NS B1L 1A1

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

85 Cliff Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 3J7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

30 Nova Drive, Truro, NS B2N 3H4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

53 Church Street, Florence, NS B1Y 1E9

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

867 Crowes Mill Road, Belmont, NS B0M 1C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

5012 Highway 329, Blandford, NS B0J 0C2

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2569 Glooscap Trail Highway, Carrs Brook, NS B0M 1B0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

74 Mcgills Point Lane, Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1215 Hansford Road, Hansford, NS B0M 1P0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2249 Second Division Road, Bangor, NS B0W 2L0

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.