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.

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Residential For Sale

54 Brite Avenue, Bible Hill, NS B2N 5R6

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

20Picture(s)

1,136Sqft

Listing courtesy of PG Direct Realty Ltd.

C$363900

Residential For Sale

54 Brite Avenue, Bible Hill, NS B2N 5R6

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,136Sqft

Listing courtesy of PG Direct Realty Ltd.

Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Welcome to this brand-new custom-built home in the desirable community of Bible Hill! Offering a total of 1,136 sq. ft. of bright, modern living space, this thoughtfully designed property features both a 2-bedroom main home and an additional 12x20 detached backyard suite.

C$363900

Residential For Sale

54 Brite Avenue, Bible Hill, NS B2N 5R6

Listing courtesy of PG Direct Realty Ltd.

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$363900

Residential For Sale

58 Colville Court, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1B8

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,700Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

C$649900

Residential For Sale

58 Colville Court, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1B8

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,700Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

This fully developed two-story home with a walkout basement is a rare find, offering 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, designed to provide comfort, style, and flexibility for families of all sizes.

C$649900

Residential For Sale

58 Colville Court, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1B8

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$649900

Residential For Sale

3485 Highway 1 Lot 4c, Belliveaus Cove, NS B0W 3T0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

26Picture(s)

1,240Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)

C$229000

Residential For Sale

3485 Highway 1 Lot 4c, Belliveaus Cove, NS B0W 3T0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,240Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)

Welcome to 3485 Highway 1 in Belliveau Cove, a two-bedroom, one-half bath home situated on a spacious corner lot with stunning ocean views. This 1,240 square-foot home offers a relaxing lifestyle, featuring a well-cared-for patio deck where you can enjoy colorful sunsets over St. Mary's Bay.

C$229000

Residential For Sale

3485 Highway 1 Lot 4c, Belliveaus Cove, NS B0W 3T0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$229000

Residential For Sale

70 Kalley Lane, Kingston, NS B0P 1R0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

38Picture(s)

1,915Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$575000

Residential For Sale

70 Kalley Lane, Kingston, NS B0P 1R0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,915Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Located in one of Kingston's most desirable neighborhoods, this beautifully maintained bungalow offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. This home is ideal for families, those who love to entertain, or anyone looking for a quality executive downsize. With complete main floor living, it offers ease and accessibility without compromising on space or function.

C$575000

Residential For Sale

70 Kalley Lane, Kingston, NS B0P 1R0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$575000

Residential For Sale

1201 Susan Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1P4

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

24Picture(s)

952Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

C$234900

Residential For Sale

1201 Susan Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1P4

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

952Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

Wow! Fantastic 3-Bedroom Mini Home – Completely Renovated! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath mini home is move-in ready and filled with upgrades. The kitchen and bathroom feature matching cabinetry, crown mouldings, and a stylish glass tile backsplash. The living room boasts cathedral ceilings, creating a bright and open feel.

C$234900

Residential For Sale

1201 Susan Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1P4

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$234900

Residential For Sale

11 Aspenhill Court, Bedford, NS B4B 0M3

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

WiredParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,152Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

C$870000

Residential For Sale

11 Aspenhill Court, Bedford, NS B4B 0M3

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

WiredParking(s)

3,152Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

Custom designed and unlike anything else in the sought-after Parks of West Bedford - welcome to 11 Aspenhill Court in Stonington Park. This is the address neighbors point to and say, that's the one. From the street, the oversized lot and covered front porch set the tone. Step inside and the feeling continues - tall ceilings, walls of glass, and an open flow that instantly feels different.

C$870000

Residential For Sale

11 Aspenhill Court, Bedford, NS B4B 0M3

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$870000

Residential For Sale

9744 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

26Picture(s)

1,874Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

C$279000

Residential For Sale

9744 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,874Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

Experience the perfect blend of small town living and modern updates in this stunning 2-storey home, set on just under an acre of land. Looking over Mary Lake in the town of Caledonia, this spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with nearly 1800 sq.ft.

C$279000

Residential For Sale

9744 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$279000

Residential For Sale

10247 Highway 3, Arcadia, NS B0W 1B0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

35Picture(s)

968Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)

C$349000

Residential For Sale

10247 Highway 3, Arcadia, NS B0W 1B0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

968Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)

Located at the beginning of Arcadia just a few minutes from Starrs Road sits this modern open concept with vaulted wood ceilings 26 year old Interhab house with 3 bedrooms and 1 and 1/2 bathrooms. On the main level you will find the kitchen, dining, living room, bedroom and 1/2 bath. On the upper level you will find two bedrooms and a full bath and loft area overlooking the main level.

C$349000

Residential For Sale

10247 Highway 3, Arcadia, NS B0W 1B0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$349000

Residential For Sale

12 Elizabeth Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2T5

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,062Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

C$439500

Residential For Sale

12 Elizabeth Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2T5

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,062Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

This 2-bedroom plus den bungalow offers a solid foundation in a desirable location, making it an excellent opportunity for the right buyer. Featuring hardwood floors, vinyl siding, and roof shingles only a couple of years old, the home is move-in ready with room to add your personal touch.

C$439500

Residential For Sale

12 Elizabeth Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2T5

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$439500

Residential For Sale

3 Acadia Dr, Kentville, NS B4N 5E1

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,509Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Advantage

C$549900

Residential For Sale

3 Acadia Dr, Kentville, NS B4N 5E1

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,509Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Advantage

McDougall Heights Subdivision under $550,000 !This R2000 home ranks in the top 5% for high-efficiency heat standards. Featuring two spacious bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, plus an additional bedroom and full bath on the lower level, no detail has been overlooked in this one-owner home. Lovingly maintained, it shows like new.

C$549900

Residential For Sale

3 Acadia Dr, Kentville, NS B4N 5E1

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Advantage

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$549900

Residential For Sale

75 Denoon Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

24Picture(s)

3,550Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)

C$465000

Residential For Sale

75 Denoon Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

3,550Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)

75 Denoon Street, Pictou — Timeless Elegance in the Heart of History?Step into the charm and character of this distinguished 1874 heritage home, ideally situated in the picturesque town of Pictou.

C$465000

Residential For Sale

75 Denoon Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$465000

Residential For Sale

141/143 Timberland Road, South Range, NS B0W 1H0

More Details

7Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

45Picture(s)

5,162Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

C$1349500

Residential For Sale

141/143 Timberland Road, South Range, NS B0W 1H0

7Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

5,162Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

Live the dream at 141 and 143 Timberland Trail, located on nearly 9 acres with approximately 494 feet of water frontage on desired Porters Lake. This lake is located 15 minutes to the town of Digby and is the perfect lake to swim, fish and boat on. This property features a main house, separate apartment and detached, year round ,waterfront cabin, all with their own kitchens and living spaces.

C$1349500

Residential For Sale

141/143 Timberland Road, South Range, NS B0W 1H0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

7Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

C$1349500

4268 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

54 Brite Avenue, Bible Hill, NS B2N 5R6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

58 Colville Court, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1B8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3485 Highway 1 Lot 4c, Belliveaus Cove, NS B0W 3T0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

70 Kalley Lane, Kingston, NS B0P 1R0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1201 Susan Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1P4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

11 Aspenhill Court, Bedford, NS B4B 0M3

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

9744 Highway 8, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

10247 Highway 3, Arcadia, NS B0W 1B0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

12 Elizabeth Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2T5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3 Acadia Dr, Kentville, NS B4N 5E1

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

75 Denoon Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0

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.