Stop Paying Rent

How to Stop Paying Rent and Own Your Own Home

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

It’s a dream we all have – to own our own home and stop paying rent. But if you’re like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house or apartment that doesn’t feel like yours. How could it when you’re not even permitted to bang in a nail or two without a hassle? You feel like you’re stuck in the renter’s rut with no way of rising up out of it and owning your own home

Well, don’t feel trapped anymore! It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been renting, or how insurmountable your financial situation may seem. The truth is, there are some little known facts that can help you get over the hump, and transfer your status from renter to homeowner. With this information, you will begin to see how you really can:

– save for a down payment

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

6 Little Known Facts That Can Help You Buy Your First Home

The problem that most renters face isn’t your ability to meet a monthly payment. Goodness knows you must meet this monthly obligation every 30 days already. The problem is accumulating enough capital to make a down payment on something more permanent.

But saving for this lump sum doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. Consider the following 6 important points:

You can buy a home with much less down than you think.

There are some local or federal government programs (such as 1st time buyer programs) to help people get into the housing market. You can qualify as a first time buyer even if your spouse has owned a home before as long as your name was not registered. Ensure your real estate agent is informed and knowledgeable in this important area and can offer programs to help you with your options.

You may be able to get your lender to help you with your down payment and closing costs.

Even if you do not have enough cash for a down-payment, if you are debt-free, and own an asset free and clear (such as a car, for example), your lending institution may be able to lend you the down-payment for your home by securing it against this asset.

You may be able to find a seller to help you buy and finance your home.

Some sellers may be willing to hold a second mortgage for you as a “seller take-back.” In this case, the seller becomes your lending institution. Instead of paying this seller a lump-sum full amount for his or her home, you would pay monthly mortgage installments.

You may be able to create a cash down payment without actually going into debt.

By borrowing money for certain investments to a specified level, you may be able to generate a significant tax refund for yourself that you can use as a down-payment. While the money borrowed for these investments is technically a loan, the monthly amount paid can be small, and the money invested in both home and investment will be yours in the end.

You can buy a home even if you have problems with your credit rating.

If you can come up with more than the minimum down-payment, or can secure the loan with other equity, many lending institutions will consider you for a mortgage. Alternatively, a seller take-back mortgage could also help you in this situation.

You can, and should, get preapproved for a home loan before you go looking for a home.

Preapproval is easy, and can give you complete peace-of-mind when shopping for your home. Mortgage experts can obtain written preapproval for you at no cost and no obligation, and it can all be done quite easily over-the-phone. More than just a verbal approval from your lending institution, a written preapproval is as good as money in the bank. It entails a completed credit application, and a certificate which guarantees you a mortgage to the specified level when you find the home you’re looking for.

Consider dealing only with a professional who specializes in mortgages. Enlisting their services can make the difference between obtaining a mortgage, and being stuck in the renter’s rut forever. Typically there is no cost or obligation to enquire.

To sum up, there are many important issues you should be aware of that affect you as a renter. Why on earth would you continue to lose thousands by throwing it away on rent when with your agent you could take a few minutes to discuss your specific needs so that you can stop renting and start owning?

This conversation costs you nothing. And, of course, you shouldn’t have to feel obligated to buy a home at the time you review this. But by taking the time to explore your options, and learn about the ways you can afford to buy a home, think how prepared and relaxed you’ll be when you are ready to make this important step.

9 Buyer Traps & How to Avoid Them

No matter which way you look at it, buying a home is a major investment. But for many home buyers, it can be an even more expensive process than it needs to be because many fall prey to at least a few of the many common and costly mistakes which trap them into either:

* paying too much for the home they want, or
* losing their dream home to another buyer or,
* (worse) buying the wrong home for their needs.

A systemized approach to the home buying process can help you steer clear of these common traps, allowing you to not only cut costs, but also secure the home that’s best for you.

This important article discusses the 9 most common and costly of these homebuyer traps, how to identify them, and what you can do to avoid them.

The 9 Buyer Traps

Bidding Blind

What price should you offer when you bid on a home? Is the seller’s asking price too high, or does it represent a great deal? If you fail to research the market in order to understand what comparable homes are selling for, making your offer would be like bdding blind. Without this knowledge of market value, you could easily bid too much, or fail to make a competitive offer at all on an excellent value.

Buying the Wrong Home.

What are you looking for in a home? A simple enough question, but the answer can be quite complex. More than one buyer has been swept up in the emotion and excitement of the buying process only to find themselves the owner of a home that is either too big or too small. Maybe they’re stuck with a longer than desired commute to work, or a dozen more fix-ups than they really want to deal with now that the excitement has died down. Take the time upfront to clearly define your wants and needs. Put it in writing and then use it as a yard stick with which to measure every home you look at.

Unclear Title.

Make sure very early on in the negotiation that you will own your new home free and clear by having a title search completed. The last thing you want to discover when you’re in the back stretch of a transaction is that there are encumbrances on the property such as tax liens, undisclosed owners, easements, leases or the like.

Inaccurate Survey.

As part of your offer to purchase, make sure you request an updated property survey which clearly marks your boundaries. If the survey is not current, you may find that there are structural changes that are not shown (e.g. additions to the house, a new swimming pool, a neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.). Be very clear on these issues.

Undisclosed Fix-ups.

Don’t expect every seller to own up to every physical detail that will need to be attended to. Both you and the seller are out to maximize your investment. Ensure that you conduct a thorough inspection of the home early in the process. Consider hiring an independent inspector to objectively view the home inside and out, and make the final contract contingent upon this inspector’s report. This inspector should be able to give you a report of any item that needs to be fixed with associated, approximate cost.

Not Getting Mortgage Preapproval.

Preapproval is fast, easy and free. When you have a preapproved mortgage, you can shop for your home with a greater sense of freedom and security, knowing that the money will be there when you find the home of your dreams.

Contract Misses.

If a seller fails to comply to the letter of the contract by neglecting to attend to some repair issues, or changing the spirit of the agreement in some way, this could delay the final closing and settlement. Agree ahead of time on a dollar amount for an escrow fund to cover items that the seller fails to follow through on. Prepare a list of agreed issues, walk through them, and check them off one by one.

Hidden Costs.

Make sure you identify and uncover all costs – large and small – far enough ahead of time. When a transaction closes, you will sometimes find fees for this or that sneaking through after the “sub”-total – fees such as loan disbursement charges, underwriting fees etc. Understand these in advance by having your lender project total charges for you in writing.

Rushing the Closing.

Take your time during this critical part of the process, and insist on seeing all paperwork the day before you sign. Make sure this documentation perfectly reflects your understanding of the transaction, and that nothing has been added or subtracted. Is the interest rate right? Is everything covered? If you rush this process on the day of closing, you may run into a last minute snag that you can’t fix without compromising the terms of the deal, the financing, or even the sale itself.

One More Tip…

Find out if your agent offers a Buyer Profile System or “House-hunting Service,” which takes the guesswork out of finding just the right home that matches your needs. This type of program will crossmatch your criteria with ALL available homes on the market and supply you with printed information on an on-going basis. A program like this can help you to affordably move into
the home of your dreams.

Property Type

City

Price

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Sort Option

Listing ID
Total Finished Area
Price
Add date
Listing Status

Grid

List

Map

RSS

Save Search

Residential For Sale

71 Red Cliff Drive, Seafoam, NS B0K 1N0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

49Picture(s)

768Sqft

Listing courtesy of Results Realty Atlantic Inc.

C$249900

Residential For Sale

71 Red Cliff Drive, Seafoam, NS B0K 1N0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

768Sqft

Listing courtesy of Results Realty Atlantic Inc.

Wake up to the sound of the waves and breathtaking ocean views in this beautiful 2 bedroom cottage.This is the perfect retreat or turnkey investment!This fully furnished home combines rustic charm with modern convenience. Whether your sipping your morning coffee on the deck, watching the seals, or enjoying a sunset glade of wine, the unobstructed views are truly unforgettable.

C$249900

Residential For Sale

71 Red Cliff Drive, Seafoam, NS B0K 1N0

Listing courtesy of Results Realty Atlantic Inc.

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$249900

Residential For Sale

148 Schurman Road, Mount Denson, NS B0P 1L0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

41Picture(s)

1,876Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

C$449000

Residential For Sale

148 Schurman Road, Mount Denson, NS B0P 1L0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,876Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

Discover 148 Schurman Road, a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home on 1.77 private acres in Mount Denson. Enjoy views of Hantsport and the Minas Basin from the massive deck. Or have a quiet moment on the covered front porch and private kitchen patio. Inside, a bright mudroom with main-floor laundry, open dining and spacious living room await.

C$449000

Residential For Sale

148 Schurman Road, Mount Denson, NS B0P 1L0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$449000

Residential For Sale

1855 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, NS B0P 1P0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

35Picture(s)

2,048Sqft

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)

C$349900

Residential For Sale

1855 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, NS B0P 1P0

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,048Sqft

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)

Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom home set on a private 2.7-acre lot. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the generous outdoor space this property has to offer. The home features a functional layout designed for everyday living, with a full bathroom and two convenient half baths, including a private 2 piece ensuite off the primary bedroom.

C$349900

Residential For Sale

1855 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, NS B0P 1P0

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$349900

Residential For Sale

63 Normandy Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 3J6

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

47Picture(s)

1,838Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

C$350000

Residential For Sale

63 Normandy Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 3J6

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,838Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom two-storey home, ideally located in town and just minutes from schools, parks, trails, and shopping. Perfect for families or those seeking both comfort and convenience, this home offers a spacious and functional layout.

C$350000

Residential For Sale

63 Normandy Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 3J6

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$350000

Residential For Sale

1900 Waverley Road, Waverley, NS B2R 1Y5

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

41Picture(s)

1,728Sqft

Listing courtesy of Press Realty Inc.

C$949000

Residential For Sale

1900 Waverley Road, Waverley, NS B2R 1Y5

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,728Sqft

Listing courtesy of Press Realty Inc.

1900 Waverley Road truly gives you the best of both worlds - a lovely home in the highly sought-after area of Waverley - and your very own private lake house on the shores of beautiful Lake William.

C$949000

Residential For Sale

1900 Waverley Road, Waverley, NS B2R 1Y5

Listing courtesy of Press Realty Inc.

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$949000

Residential For Sale

1396 Beaver Bank Road, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1E8

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

38Picture(s)

1,451Sqft

Listing courtesy of Press Realty Inc.

C$559900

Residential For Sale

1396 Beaver Bank Road, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1E8

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

1,451Sqft

Listing courtesy of Press Realty Inc.

Fully renovated in 2019, this charming lakefront home offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise on beautiful and quiet Tucker Lake in Beaver Bank. Bright and thoughtfully designed, the open-concept layout seamlessly connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas-perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family.

C$559900

Residential For Sale

1396 Beaver Bank Road, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1E8

Listing courtesy of Press Realty Inc.

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$559900

Residential For Sale

4 York Redoubt Crescent, Fergusons Cove, NS B3V 1L7

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

46Picture(s)

3,036Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

C$2150000

Residential For Sale

4 York Redoubt Crescent, Fergusons Cove, NS B3V 1L7

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

3,036Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

Perched above Halifax Harbour in the heart of Fergusons Cove, 4 York Redoubt Crescent is a one-of-a-kind coastal retreat where timeless heritage meets inspired modern design. Originally built in 1846 as the Stella Maris Chapel, this designated heritage property has been reimagined into a breathtaking home, offering panoramic views of McNabs Island, the open ocean, and the city skyline.

C$2150000

Residential For Sale

4 York Redoubt Crescent, Fergusons Cove, NS B3V 1L7

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

C$2150000

Residential For Sale

256 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1W0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

25Picture(s)

1,752Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

C$319900

Residential For Sale

256 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1W0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,752Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

Charming Home in Wilmot Nestled between Middleton and Greenwood, this delightful 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfort and convenience in a peaceful setting. The spacious lawn provides plenty of room for outdoor fun, whether for kids, pets, or relaxing weekends.

C$319900

Residential For Sale

256 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1W0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$319900

Residential For Sale

242 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1R0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,295Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

C$349900

Residential For Sale

242 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1R0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,295Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

Step into this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home, where modern renovations meet timeless charm. The main level welcomes you with a renovated (gutted to studs) porch entrance, leading into a fully renovated kitchen—stripped to the studs and thoughtfully rebuilt with new insulation, wiring, cupboards, counters, and flooring, complete with a stylish island.

C$349900

Residential For Sale

242 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1R0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$349900

Residential For Sale

523 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

49Picture(s)

2,300Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

C$539000

Residential For Sale

523 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

2,300Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

Step into the historic charm of this former Manse, nestled centrally yet privately on the Main Street of the quaint village of Baddeck. Originally constructed in 1902 for Knox Presbyterian, this stately residence boasts a solid build with intricate details. Situated on 0.

C$539000

Residential For Sale

523 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$539000

Residential For Sale

1349 Georges River Road, Georges River, NS B1Y 3J7

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

26Picture(s)

920Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

C$259900

Residential For Sale

1349 Georges River Road, Georges River, NS B1Y 3J7

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

920Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

Welcome to peaceful country living in the beautiful Georges River! Nestled on 8 acres of land, this charming 1.5-storey home offers space, privacy, and comfort. The main level features a bright and open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, perfect for entertaining or cozy nights in. You'll also find a welcoming porch, convenient laundry room, and plenty of natural light throughout.

C$259900

Residential For Sale

1349 Georges River Road, Georges River, NS B1Y 3J7

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Park Place Inc.

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$259900

Residential For Sale

1435 Highway 329, Mill Cove, NS B0J 1T0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,507Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$664900

Residential For Sale

1435 Highway 329, Mill Cove, NS B0J 1T0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,507Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Coastal Living in Coveted Mill Cove.This beautifully maintained two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow is perched on picture-perfect grounds overlooking St. Margaret's Bay....just five minutes to Hubbards and 35 minutes to Halifax. Tucked on a quiet road just a short stroll to your own near-private beach on Shore Road, this is the perfect launch point for all your South Shore adventures.

C$664900

Residential For Sale

1435 Highway 329, Mill Cove, NS B0J 1T0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$664900

4788 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

71 Red Cliff Drive, Seafoam, NS B0K 1N0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

148 Schurman Road, Mount Denson, NS B0P 1L0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1855 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, NS B0P 1P0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

63 Normandy Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 3J6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1900 Waverley Road, Waverley, NS B2R 1Y5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1396 Beaver Bank Road, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 1E8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

4 York Redoubt Crescent, Fergusons Cove, NS B3V 1L7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

256 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1W0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

242 Dodge Road, Wilmot, NS B0P 1R0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

523 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1349 Georges River Road, Georges River, NS B1Y 3J7

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.