There is no favorite listings!

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.

Sort Option
  • Listing ID
  • Total Finished Area
  • Price
  • Add date
  • Listing Status
Grid
List
Map
RSS

Residential For Sale

Lot 3 Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B3T 1X4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
5Picture(s)
1,120Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$499900

Residential For Sale

Lot 3 Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B3T 1X4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,120Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Welcome home to "The Lily" a beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow, thoughtfully designed for modern living. With 1,120 sq. ft. of space on a single level, this home is perfect for first-time buyers or downsizers alike.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

Lot 3 Old Guysborough Road, Devon, NS B3T 1X4
Engel & Volkers
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499900

Residential For Sale

89 Basinview Road, Lockhartville, NS B0P 1P0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,647Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$1080000

Residential For Sale

89 Basinview Road, Lockhartville, NS B0P 1P0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,647Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Fulfill your dreams with this relaxing hobby farm for those who love horses. Situated on a fully-fenced 26.
C$1080000

Residential For Sale

89 Basinview Road, Lockhartville, NS B0P 1P0
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$1080000

Residential For Sale

418 Zaffre Drive Lot 5019, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3C6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,852Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$799900

Residential For Sale

418 Zaffre Drive Lot 5019, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3C6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,852Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to “The Ridgewood” in Indigo Shores by Amara Developments- a modern, open-concept bungalow offering one-level living at its finest. With 1,852 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, this home delivers contemporary luxury and functionality in equal measure. Step inside to a bright, airy layout where clean lines and sleek finishes set the tone.
C$799900

Residential For Sale

418 Zaffre Drive Lot 5019, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3C6
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$799900

Residential For Sale

9654 Commercial Street, New Minas, NS B4N 3G4

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
29Picture(s)
962Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$348888

Residential For Sale

9654 Commercial Street, New Minas, NS B4N 3G4
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
962Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Looking for a simpler, more manageable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort or location? This beautifully maintained semi-detached home in New Minas offers the ideal solution. Built in 2010, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features efficient one-level living in a quiet, well-kept neighborhood just minutes from Kentville and Wolfville.
C$348888

Residential For Sale

9654 Commercial Street, New Minas, NS B4N 3G4
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$348888

Residential For Sale

56 Montague Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,451Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
C$1225000

Residential For Sale

56 Montague Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,451Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
This marvelous property sits predominately overlooking the activity of Lunenburg`s waterfront yet has tons of privacy and some of the best outdoor space in town.
C$1225000

Residential For Sale

56 Montague Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Lunenburg)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1225000

Residential For Sale

38 Lerues Lane, Lardoise, NS B0E 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
C$169900

Residential For Sale

38 Lerues Lane, Lardoise, NS B0E 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,100Sqft
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
Nestled in a beautiful Maritime community on 3.45 acres, this quaint Century home offers the perfect cottage setting, "pretty as a picture" with distant ocean views from the upper bedroom windows. The home is beautifully maintained, featuring vinyl windows, forced air oil heating, and a fully furnished interior that exudes charm.
C$169900

Residential For Sale

38 Lerues Lane, Lardoise, NS B0E 1S0
RE/MAX Park Place Inc. (Port Hawkesbury)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$169900

Residential For Sale

4058 Highway 331, Dublin Shore, NS B0R 1C0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,423Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$599900

Residential For Sale

4058 Highway 331, Dublin Shore, NS B0R 1C0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,423Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
Welcome to a truly unique property in the heart of the seaside community of Dublin Shore. Offering breathtaking water views of Dublin Bay and deeded beach access just across the road, this remarkable property combines historic charm with modern comfort.
C$599900

Residential For Sale

4058 Highway 331, Dublin Shore, NS B0R 1C0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$599900

Residential For Sale

113 Rosedale Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P6

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
2,128Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$539900

Residential For Sale

113 Rosedale Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P6
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
2,128Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
A Bright and Beautiful Home - Discover comfort, style, and value in this spacious 3+ bedroom, 3 bathroom home, ideally located in one of Fairview's most convenient neighbourhoods. Lovingly maintained and move-in ready, this home offers a perfect blend of functionality and charm—ideal for first time home buyers, families, or savvy investors.
C$539900

Residential For Sale

113 Rosedale Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 2P6
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$539900

Residential For Sale

473 Highway 204, Brookdale, NS B4H 3Y1

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,667Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
C$434900

Residential For Sale

473 Highway 204, Brookdale, NS B4H 3Y1
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,667Sqft
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
EXECUTIVE STEEL BEAM CONSTRUCTION BUILT HOME, strategically placed on this lot, complete with landscaped property and paved driveway! This custom-built 1975 home is located in one of the nicest areas of Amherst, situated on the county line, it provides buyers with quick access to all downtown amenities, the Amherst Golf Course and offers county taxes! Through the front door you enter the foyer and
C$434900

Residential For Sale

473 Highway 204, Brookdale, NS B4H 3Y1
RE/MAX County Line Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$434900

Residential For Sale

48 Primrose Street, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4C5

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
20Picture(s)
1,800Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$580000

Residential For Sale

48 Primrose Street, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4C5
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,800Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Outstanding development opportunity in Dartmouth! Two adjacent lots (PIDs 00056127 & 41043639): 46 & 48 Primrose Street both available for sale. Each lot is 12,900 square feet for a total of 25,800 square feet and both are zoned ER-3. Currently each lot has a property that is tenant occupied.
C$580000

Residential For Sale

48 Primrose Street, Dartmouth, NS B3A 4C5
Keller Williams Select Realty
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$580000

Residential For Sale

972 Lake Charlotte Water Access, Upper Lakeville, NS B0J 1P0

5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
42Picture(s)
910Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$195000

Residential For Sale

972 Lake Charlotte Water Access, Upper Lakeville, NS B0J 1P0
5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
910Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Nestled in the serene woods on beautiful Lake Charlotte, this charming five bedroom cottage offers the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and tranquility. Surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of nature, this cozy getaway is ideal for both entertaining loved ones and escaping the hustle of everyday life.
C$195000

Residential For Sale

972 Lake Charlotte Water Access, Upper Lakeville, NS B0J 1P0
Keller Williams Select Realty
5Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$195000

Residential For Sale

6293 Highway 331, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y9

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
1,092Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$499900

Residential For Sale

6293 Highway 331, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y9
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,092Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Custom designed two bedroom two bath home on a private one-acre lot in the picturesque village of Petite Riviere. This new home features two spacious bedrooms, each with its own ensuite. The open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is enhanced by vaulted ceilings. The kitchen features a quartz countertop and propane range. A peninsula provides additional workspace and casual seating for two.
C$499900

Residential For Sale

6293 Highway 331, Petite Rivière, NS B4V 5Y9
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$499900
4739 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern