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

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

39Picture(s)

927Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

C$190000

Residential For Sale

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

927Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

Nestled just a short walk from the Canada Hill Bog and tranquil Canada Hill Lake, this idyllic property offers not one but two cozy cottages surrounded by beautiful gardens, mature landscaping, and a classic picket fence.

C$190000

Residential For Sale

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$190000

Residential For Sale

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

39Picture(s)

927Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

C$190000

Residential For Sale

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

927Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

C$190000

Residential For Sale

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$190000

Residential For Sale

2546 Virginia Road, West Springhill, NS B0S 1A0

More Details

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

33Picture(s)

575Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

C$175000

Residential For Sale

2546 Virginia Road, West Springhill, NS B0S 1A0

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

575Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

Quality, privacy and the outdoor lifestyle best describe this special 5.5 acre property surrounded by mature maples, close to beautiful lakes, beaches, Keji National Park and historic Annapolis Royal. Spend your days paddling, hiking, gardening, cycling, and exploring! This area is well known for its hunting & fishing.

C$175000

Residential For Sale

2546 Virginia Road, West Springhill, NS B0S 1A0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$175000

Residential For Sale

501-15 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C2

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

14Picture(s)

1,310Sqft

Listing courtesy of Atlantis Realty Ltd.

C$650000

Residential For Sale

501-15 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C2

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

1,310Sqft

Listing courtesy of Atlantis Realty Ltd.

Welcome to unit 501 at the Anchorage! With 1,310 sq. ft.

C$650000

Residential For Sale

501-15 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C2

Listing courtesy of Atlantis Realty Ltd.

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$650000

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

47Picture(s)

1,690Sqft

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

C$499900

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,690Sqft

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

Welcome to your perfect lakeside cottage or year-round residence! This is lakefront living at it's best on an 80,000 sq ft lot that has 416 ft; of pristine waterfront! The charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath, four-season home offers a lifestyle that blends comfort, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. The home was originally a 3 bedroom, 2 bath design that could be converted back with very little work.

C$499900

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

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

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$499900

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

47Picture(s)

1,690Sqft

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

C$499900

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,690Sqft

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

C$499900

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

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

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$499900

Residential For Sale

9 Somers View, Mulgrave, NS B0E 2G0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

30Picture(s)

1,146Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

C$229000

Residential For Sale

9 Somers View, Mulgrave, NS B0E 2G0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,146Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

For Sale – Beautifully Renovated Two-Storey Home in Mulgrave. This meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is move-in ready and full of recent upgrades. The main floor features an open-concept layout with a bright, modern kitchen complete with a subway tile backsplash, fresh paint, and new flooring. You’ll also find a convenient main floor laundry area.

C$229000

Residential For Sale

9 Somers View, Mulgrave, NS B0E 2G0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$229000

Residential For Sale

9169 Highway 16, Cooks Cove, NS B0H 1N0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,616Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

C$849000

Residential For Sale

9169 Highway 16, Cooks Cove, NS B0H 1N0

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

3,616Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

One of the most impressive private estates to come to market in the region, this meticulously maintained four bedroom, 3.5-bath home is set on 50 acres of peninsula like land along the Salmon River; a stunning tidal river with thousands of feet of pristine waterfront and exceptional privacy.

C$849000

Residential For Sale

9169 Highway 16, Cooks Cove, NS B0H 1N0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$849000

Residential For Sale

706 Stanburne Road, Stanburne, NS B0R 1A0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

12Picture(s)

952Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

C$199900

Residential For Sale

706 Stanburne Road, Stanburne, NS B0R 1A0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

952Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

Tastefully Renovated Mini Home with Sleek, Modern Style Step into effortless living with this beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom mini home that perfectly blends comfort and contemporary design. From the moment you enter, you’ll appreciate the sleek finishes, open-concept layout, and attention to detail throughout.

C$199900

Residential For Sale

706 Stanburne Road, Stanburne, NS B0R 1A0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$199900

Residential For Sale

130 Rutledge Street, Bedford, NS B4A 1X6

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AssignedParking(s)

20Picture(s)

1,358Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

C$444900

Residential For Sale

130 Rutledge Street, Bedford, NS B4A 1X6

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AssignedParking(s)

1,358Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

Beautifully renovated two level townhouse condo in central Bedford! Updated kitchen with stainless appliances. Huge living room with newer flooring, heatpump, and fresh paint leading to your private back deck. Great natural light. A spacious dining area and new powder room complete this main level.

C$444900

Residential For Sale

130 Rutledge Street, Bedford, NS B4A 1X6

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$444900

Residential For Sale

10310 201 Highway, Meadowvale, NS B0P 1R0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

13Picture(s)

1,731Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

C$199000

Residential For Sale

10310 201 Highway, Meadowvale, NS B0P 1R0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,731Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

Vacant and ready for new ownership!!2-Story Home on Expansive 1 Acre Lot with Wired 2 Storey Workshop/Barn. Uncover the potential of this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home, set on a generous lot just shy of an acre.

C$199000

Residential For Sale

10310 201 Highway, Meadowvale, NS B0P 1R0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$199000

Residential For Sale

3862 Clementsvale Road, Clementsvale, NS B0S 1G0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

39Picture(s)

1,750Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

C$200000

Residential For Sale

3862 Clementsvale Road, Clementsvale, NS B0S 1G0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,750Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

Beautifully situated on 3 acres, surrounded by nature and tall trees, this unique home is a tranquil oasis. With four bedrooms (including a large main floor one), two bathrooms, a generous eat-in kitchen with coffee bar, main floor laundry, and central family room, this home has much to offer.

C$200000

Residential For Sale

3862 Clementsvale Road, Clementsvale, NS B0S 1G0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$200000

4903 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

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1387 Canada Hill Road, Lockeport, NS B0T 1L0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2546 Virginia Road, West Springhill, NS B0S 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

501-15 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0C2

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

491 Peters Point Road, South Brookfield, NS B0T 1X0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

9 Somers View, Mulgrave, NS B0E 2G0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

9169 Highway 16, Cooks Cove, NS B0H 1N0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

706 Stanburne Road, Stanburne, NS B0R 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

130 Rutledge Street, Bedford, NS B4A 1X6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

10310 201 Highway, Meadowvale, NS B0P 1R0

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.