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

9878 Main Street, Canning, NS B0P 1H0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,802Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers

C$1590000

Residential For Sale

9878 Main Street, Canning, NS B0P 1H0

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

3,802Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers

Live, work, host, and create—all within one beautifully designed structure offering a main residence, private apartment, professional office suite, and expansive workshop. A rare and remarkable offering just steps from the charming heart of Canning, this distinctive waterfront property is a harmonious blend of architectural elegance and thoughtful design.

C$1590000

Residential For Sale

9878 Main Street, Canning, NS B0P 1H0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$1590000

Residential For Sale

6736 Highway 3, Martins Point, NS B0J 2E0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

40Picture(s)

1,834Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

C$419900

Residential For Sale

6736 Highway 3, Martins Point, NS B0J 2E0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,834Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

Nestled in the serene coastal community of Martin's Point, this inviting one-level bungalow offers the perfect blend of comfort and craftsmanship. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms the home provides ample space for families or those looking for a peaceful retreat. The spacious primary suite is equipped with a walk-in closet and ensuite, to tie together this open concept layout.

C$419900

Residential For Sale

6736 Highway 3, Martins Point, NS B0J 2E0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$419900

Residential For Sale

155 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B4P 1C2

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

48Picture(s)

4,208Sqft

Listing courtesy of MacKay Real Estate Ltd.

C$950000

Residential For Sale

155 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B4P 1C2

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

4,208Sqft

Listing courtesy of MacKay Real Estate Ltd.

This designated historic home offers timeless charm and abundant space on an exceptionally wide lot, just a short walk from Wolfville's vibrant downtown core. Discover large, light-filled rooms adorned with decorative plaster ceilings, rich woodwork, and beautiful wood floors.

C$950000

Residential For Sale

155 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B4P 1C2

Listing courtesy of MacKay Real Estate Ltd.

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$950000

Residential For Sale

12 Embree Island Road, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A7

More Details

7Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

Circular DrivewayParking(s)

31Picture(s)

2,968Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers

C$389000

Residential For Sale

12 Embree Island Road, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A7

7Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

Circular DrivewayParking(s)

2,968Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers

This very spacious, recently updated home close to the heart of Port Hawkesbury provides a wealth of opportunity! With two legal units plus a self-contained suite perfect for visiting guests, you can live here with a large or extended family, live in one unit and rent out the other, or continue to rent out both upstairs and downstairs.

C$389000

Residential For Sale

12 Embree Island Road, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A7

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers

7Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$389000

Residential For Sale

71 Hermans Point Road, Hermans Island, NS B0J 2E0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

48Picture(s)

2,102Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$1388000

Residential For Sale

71 Hermans Point Road, Hermans Island, NS B0J 2E0

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,102Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Welcome to Prestigious Herman's Island – A Coastal Paradise at 71 Herman’s Point Road! This meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home sits on a stunning 3.4-acre lot, blending open greenspace with private wooded surroundings for the perfect mix of peace and privacy.

C$1388000

Residential For Sale

71 Hermans Point Road, Hermans Island, NS B0J 2E0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$1388000

Residential For Sale

521 Second Peninsula Road, Second Peninsula, NS B0J 2C0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

28Picture(s)

1,739Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)

C$749000

Residential For Sale

521 Second Peninsula Road, Second Peninsula, NS B0J 2C0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,739Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)

Salt water inlets, sand beaches and protected bays are framed with a lush landscape of forest and farmland making 2nd peninsula a true ocean playground. Here, only minutes from Lunenburg and Mahone Bay and cleverly set back on a private, beautifully landscaped lot is the perfect place to retire.

C$749000

Residential For Sale

521 Second Peninsula Road, Second Peninsula, NS B0J 2C0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$749000

Residential For Sale

8480 Highway 2, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

46Picture(s)

3,420Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

C$597000

Residential For Sale

8480 Highway 2, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

3,420Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

This 182 year old farmhouse is geothermally-heated and cooled, with a sandy beach just a 12-minute stroll through your 3 acres. The well-maintained kitchen, formal dining room & 2 living rooms wrap their arms around you as you walk in. There is a full bathroom on each floor, a gym/workout room, an office, wide foyers & an antique wooden banister.

C$597000

Residential For Sale

8480 Highway 2, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$597000

Residential For Sale

101 Scrivens Road, West Quoddy, NS B0J 2R0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

28Picture(s)

1,858Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$429900

Residential For Sale

101 Scrivens Road, West Quoddy, NS B0J 2R0

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,858Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Nestled in Sheet Harbour, 101 Scrivens Road is a serene retreat with beautiful ocean views. This updated four-bedroom, one-bath home features an open living and dining area warmed by a wood stove. A private easement leads to the shore for tranquil picnics or evenings by the waves. The 2,000 square foot garden and chicken coop for up to 100 chickens support a self-sufficient lifestyle.

C$429900

Residential For Sale

101 Scrivens Road, West Quoddy, NS B0J 2R0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$429900

Residential For Sale

218 York Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 2L8

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

33Picture(s)

1,797Sqft

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

C$185000

Residential For Sale

218 York Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 2L8

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,797Sqft

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

Here is an opportunity to own a beautiful 2 storey home for your growing family OR a 2 unit income property. The main level features a large eat in kitchen with its high ceilings and ample storage, living room with beautiful hardwood floors leading through a set of pocket doors to what is currently used as a bedroom. There is a second bedroom and main floor bath with walk in shower.

C$185000

Residential For Sale

218 York Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 2L8

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

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$185000

Residential For Sale

2307 Scotsburn Road, Plainfield, NS B0K 1R0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

40Picture(s)

967Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)

C$234400

Residential For Sale

2307 Scotsburn Road, Plainfield, NS B0K 1R0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

967Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)

Nestled on a 1.18-acre lot in the quiet community of Plainfield, just a short drive from Scotsburn, this well-maintained home offers privacy, peace, and comfort. Set back from the road, you'll be welcomed by a charming covered front deck leading into a practical entryway that also serves as a laundry room.

C$234400

Residential For Sale

2307 Scotsburn Road, Plainfield, NS B0K 1R0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$234400

Residential For Sale

5069 Shore Road, North East Harbour, NS B0T 1W0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

47Picture(s)

1,900Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

C$520000

Residential For Sale

5069 Shore Road, North East Harbour, NS B0T 1W0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,900Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

Opportunity Knocking ! Now is your shot at gorgeous renovated circa 1860 beachhouse dream and acreage.

C$520000

Residential For Sale

5069 Shore Road, North East Harbour, NS B0T 1W0

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$520000

Residential For Sale

30 Giberson Drive, Westphal, NS B2W 6J6

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

48Picture(s)

4,924Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$1175000

Residential For Sale

30 Giberson Drive, Westphal, NS B2W 6J6

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

4,924Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Welcome to 30 Giberson Drive, nestled in the highly sought-after Linwood Estates subdivision. Set on a beautifully landscaped lot of over 30,000 sq. ft., this impressive home offers more than 4,900 sq. ft. of finished living space; perfect for a large or multi-generational family, with plenty of room to grow or entertain.

C$1175000

Residential For Sale

30 Giberson Drive, Westphal, NS B2W 6J6

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$1175000

4890 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

9878 Main Street, Canning, NS B0P 1H0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

6736 Highway 3, Martins Point, NS B0J 2E0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

155 Main Street, Wolfville, NS B4P 1C2

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

12 Embree Island Road, Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

71 Hermans Point Road, Hermans Island, NS B0J 2E0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

521 Second Peninsula Road, Second Peninsula, NS B0J 2C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

8480 Highway 2, Great Village, NS B0M 1L0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

101 Scrivens Road, West Quoddy, NS B0J 2R0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

218 York Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 2L8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2307 Scotsburn Road, Plainfield, NS B0K 1R0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

5069 Shore Road, North East Harbour, NS B0T 1W0

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.