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

390 A Stewart Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 2J0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

46Picture(s)

2,774Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$1239999

Residential For Sale

390 A Stewart Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 2J0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,774Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

Escape to your ultimate lakefront retreat on the stunning shores of Shortts Lake! This thoughtfully designed property offers year round enjoyment and modern convenience, just 20 minutes to Truro and a short drive to Halifax Airport. Step inside to find engineered hardwood floors and an open concept kitchen and living area framed by breathtaking lake views.

C$1239999

Residential For Sale

390 A Stewart Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 2J0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$1239999

Residential For Sale

39 Pernette Drive, West Lahave, NS B0R 1G0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,685Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

C$899000

Residential For Sale

39 Pernette Drive, West Lahave, NS B0R 1G0

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

3,685Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

Soulful & unforgettable, an artisan's legacy on the edge of the LaHave~ Perched on the banks of the LaHave River, where the water meets the sky, lies a home unlike any other. With 180-degree panoramic views stretching like a painted horizon, this property is not just a place to live, but a work of art.

C$899000

Residential For Sale

39 Pernette Drive, West Lahave, NS B0R 1G0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$899000

Residential For Sale

5983 Highway 14, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

33Picture(s)

1,603Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

C$399900

Residential For Sale

5983 Highway 14, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,603Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

Discover this charming and spacious family home on a 1 acre lot in Garlands Crossing! This well-maintained property is ideal for growing families or those looking for a peaceful retreat just minutes from town. Boasting 4 generously sized bedrooms and a full 4 piece bath, this home offers ample space for everyone.

C$399900

Residential For Sale

5983 Highway 14, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$399900

Residential For Sale

80a-172 Colonial Crescent, Halifax, NS B3R 2H8

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

44Picture(s)

2,373Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$699900

Residential For Sale

80a-172 Colonial Crescent, Halifax, NS B3R 2H8

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

2,373Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Model Home located at 50 Keepsake Cres on the next street over. Book a showing or visit us at our Open House, Saturday & Sunday 2-4pm "some exceptions" apply. Amara Developments proudly introduces “The Arcadia” - a unique and distinctly modern LEGAL TWO-UNIT semi-detached home. This exquisite 5 bedroom, 3.

C$699900

Residential For Sale

80a-172 Colonial Crescent, Halifax, NS B3R 2H8

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$699900

Residential For Sale

5287 Granville Road, Granville Ferry, NS B0S 1K0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,024Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

C$829000

Residential For Sale

5287 Granville Road, Granville Ferry, NS B0S 1K0

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

3,024Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

Meticulously renovated waterfront property, the Captain Joseph Hall House is a rare historic gem in the storybook village of Granville Ferry, directly across the River from Annapolis Royal. This fine home, circa 1881, boasts 4 bedrooms & 4.5 bathrooms, PLUS a bonus waterfront lot AND ornate carriage house.

C$829000

Residential For Sale

5287 Granville Road, Granville Ferry, NS B0S 1K0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

C$829000

Residential For Sale

6439 Highway 215, Cheverie, NS B0N 1G0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,688Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

C$499900

Residential For Sale

6439 Highway 215, Cheverie, NS B0N 1G0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,688Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

Perched atop a gentle 4 acre slope sits a rare find. Awash in the magenta evening glow of sunset hues you will find this beautiful bungalow with its keen eye on Cape Blomidon, panoramic views of the Minas Basin, and direct beach access for miles of beach combing. Seaside breezes and the world's highest tides grace this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home day in and out.

C$499900

Residential For Sale

6439 Highway 215, Cheverie, NS B0N 1G0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$499900

Residential For Sale

20 Acorn Avenue, Lantz, NS B2S 1Y4

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

GarageParking(s)

33Picture(s)

2,721Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$739900

Residential For Sale

20 Acorn Avenue, Lantz, NS B2S 1Y4

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

GarageParking(s)

2,721Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

Here is a special home in Lantz. 20 Acorn Avenue. There are many features that make this a very special property. Open concept main level with vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. All the appliances are included which is an awesome benefit. The primary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, full 4 piece ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Main level office next to the spacious main foyer.

C$739900

Residential For Sale

20 Acorn Avenue, Lantz, NS B2S 1Y4

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$739900

Residential For Sale

122 Peregrine Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 3C1

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

45Picture(s)

4,310Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$1249900

Residential For Sale

122 Peregrine Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 3C1

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

4,310Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Nestled in the sought-after neighbourhood of Eaglewood—one of Bedford’s most prestigious and family-friendly communities, 122 Peregrine Cres awaits a new family. Situated on a beautifully landscaped lot, this warm and welcoming home offers privacy and serenity with extensive perennial gardens that wrap around the perimeter of the yard.

C$1249900

Residential For Sale

122 Peregrine Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 3C1

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$1249900

Residential For Sale

108 Pinecrest Boulevard, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3R4

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

48Picture(s)

3,752Sqft

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)

C$626000

Residential For Sale

108 Pinecrest Boulevard, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3R4

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

3,752Sqft

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)

This spacious, tasteful, and impeccable home enjoys one level living at its best. Located on a large lot in a desirable and quiet section of the Town of Bridgewater, every 3752 sq foot of this breath-taking 4 Bedroom, 3 bath contemporary home has been custom created with only the finest of details and finishes.

C$626000

Residential For Sale

108 Pinecrest Boulevard, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3R4

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$626000

Residential For Sale

33 Ridgestone Court, Halifax, NS B3N 3H8

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

44Picture(s)

2,391Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$679900

Residential For Sale

33 Ridgestone Court, Halifax, NS B3N 3H8

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,391Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Welcome to 33 Ridgestone Court in the popular and conveniently located Stoneridge Subdivision near the Armdale Rotary in Halifax. This 3+1 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom open-concept detached two-story home with extensive updates and renovations is the perfect home for a family who wants to be close to downtown but in a modern home and on a quiet street.

C$679900

Residential For Sale

33 Ridgestone Court, Halifax, NS B3N 3H8

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$679900

Residential For Sale

271 Shortts Lake Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 1C0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

37Picture(s)

1,225Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Truro Real Estate

C$445000

Residential For Sale

271 Shortts Lake Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 1C0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,225Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Truro Real Estate

Welcome to your perfect lakeview getaway - or year-round residence! This charming property offers the best of both worlds: a cozy retreat or a full-time home designed for comfort and convenience. The main residence features a spacious primary bedroom with an ensuite bath and direct access to the deck - complete with a relaxing hot tub.

C$445000

Residential For Sale

271 Shortts Lake Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 1C0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Truro Real Estate

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$445000

Residential For Sale

35 Lockhart Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 5T6

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

33Picture(s)

1,600Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$415000

Residential For Sale

35 Lockhart Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 5T6

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,600Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in a sweet, family-friendly neighborhood in Truro! Featuring a double detached garage, paved driveway, and connected to municipal sewer and water, this property is truly turn-key and move-in ready.

C$415000

Residential For Sale

35 Lockhart Avenue, Truro, NS B2N 5T6

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$415000

4750 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

390 A Stewart Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 2J0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

39 Pernette Drive, West Lahave, NS B0R 1G0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

5983 Highway 14, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

80a-172 Colonial Crescent, Halifax, NS B3R 2H8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

5287 Granville Road, Granville Ferry, NS B0S 1K0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

6439 Highway 215, Cheverie, NS B0N 1G0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

20 Acorn Avenue, Lantz, NS B2S 1Y4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

122 Peregrine Crescent, Bedford, NS B4A 3C1

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

108 Pinecrest Boulevard, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3R4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

33 Ridgestone Court, Halifax, NS B3N 3H8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

271 Shortts Lake Road, Shortts Lake, NS B0N 1C0

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.