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

125 Indian Path Road, Indian Path, NS B0J 2C0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,993Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)

C$1445000

Residential For Sale

125 Indian Path Road, Indian Path, NS B0J 2C0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,993Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)

Experience coastal luxury in this brand-new, ICF-constructed oceanfront home, perfectly positioned on 1.34 private, southeast-facing acres. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, efficiency, and breathtaking views, this 2,067 sq. ft. contemporary masterpiece is the ultimate seaside sanctuary.

C$1445000

Residential For Sale

125 Indian Path Road, Indian Path, NS B0J 2C0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$1445000

Residential For Sale

85 Greenhouse Road, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,060Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

C$899999

Residential For Sale

85 Greenhouse Road, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,060Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

This 50 acre horse farm with approximately 951 feet of water frontage on the Nictaux River is sure to impress! The 3+1 bedroom, 2 bath house was completely renovated in 2016, featuring a custom kitchen with quartz countertops (new fridge and microwave in 2025), and is wired for a generator. New septic system in Fall 2024. The house and barn have their own wells.

C$899999

Residential For Sale

85 Greenhouse Road, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$899999

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

More Details

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

15Picture(s)

558Sqft

Listing courtesy of Blueberry Commercial Real Estate Limited

C$489000

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

558Sqft

Listing courtesy of Blueberry Commercial Real Estate Limited

This stylish 1-bedroom condo blends industrial-chic vibes with everyday comfort: exposed concrete ceilings, rolling barn doors, engineered hardwood floors, and oversized windows that fill the space with natural light. Step out onto your generously sized balcony and soak in the vibrant North End energy. Built in 2025, NRTH is a sleek 8-storey, 72-unit building with secure fob access.

C$489000

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

Listing courtesy of Blueberry Commercial Real Estate Limited

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$489000

Residential For Sale

21 Fraser Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

46Picture(s)

2,484Sqft

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

C$579000

Residential For Sale

21 Fraser Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

2,484Sqft

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

Welcome to your next chapter in beautiful Port Hood, where this thoughtfully updated four-bedroom home sits proudly above the harbour, offering panoramic ocean views and timeless appeal. Blending classic character with modern functionality, this spacious home has been carefully restored over the years, offering both comfort and charm.

C$579000

Residential For Sale

21 Fraser Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

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

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$579000

Residential For Sale

3009 Main Street, Clarks Harbour, NS B0W 1P0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,309Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$430000

Residential For Sale

3009 Main Street, Clarks Harbour, NS B0W 1P0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

2,309Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Beautifully Renovated Home with Ocean Views – Clark’s Harbour Located in the picturesque seaside town of Clark’s Harbour, this spacious and meticulously maintained home offers charm, comfort, and stunning ocean views.

C$430000

Residential For Sale

3009 Main Street, Clarks Harbour, NS B0W 1P0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$430000

Residential For Sale

960 Highway 208, Simpsons Corner, NS B0R 1E0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

44Picture(s)

1,600Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Lunenburg)

C$329900

Residential For Sale

960 Highway 208, Simpsons Corner, NS B0R 1E0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

1,600Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Lunenburg)

Welcome to this gardeners dream property, an old renovated farmhouse, large barn, greenhouse, gardens, plus a woodlot. All this situated on the outskirts of New Germany, in Simpsons Corner. This rural community has every amenity you would need in a small town, grocery store, NSLC, schools, hardware store, Post Office, restaurant, cafe, and Medical Centre.

C$329900

Residential For Sale

960 Highway 208, Simpsons Corner, NS B0R 1E0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Lunenburg)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$329900

Residential For Sale

89 Pond Road, Lower West Pubnico, NS B0W 2C0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

36Picture(s)

2,258Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Real Estate Store

C$474900

Residential For Sale

89 Pond Road, Lower West Pubnico, NS B0W 2C0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,258Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Real Estate Store

Welcome to 89 Pond Road Lower West Pubnico . This bungalow style home sitting on 2.64 acres has adapted well to faamily living. With multiple bedrooms and some converted to meet the new and ongoing lifestyle this home is versatile. Finished space on the lower level with that creates good space for entertaining and or relaxing. Bathrooms on both levels add a bit more convenience.

C$474900

Residential For Sale

89 Pond Road, Lower West Pubnico, NS B0W 2C0

Listing courtesy of The Real Estate Store

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$474900

Residential For Sale

139 Blainedale Drive, Salmon River, NS B2N 6M3

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

45Picture(s)

1,276Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

C$405000

Residential For Sale

139 Blainedale Drive, Salmon River, NS B2N 6M3

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,276Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

This Beautiful new 3 BR, 2 bath semi-detached home is all on one level. The paved drive & walkway lead to your private side entrance, featuring a concrete porch. The garage is equipped with a remote door opener, in floor heat, finished walls & from there, you enter the laundry/mudroom with a coat closet. You will love the open concept living/kitchen/dining area.

C$405000

Residential For Sale

139 Blainedale Drive, Salmon River, NS B2N 6M3

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$405000

Residential For Sale

41 James Street, Brooklyn, NS B0J 1H0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

25Picture(s)

960Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

C$299900

Residential For Sale

41 James Street, Brooklyn, NS B0J 1H0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

960Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

If you've been looking for one level living in a country setting that's close to town, look no further! This 3 bedroom bungalow features a spacious open concept kitchen/dining area, along with a living room, three bedrooms and one full bathroom. The unfinished basement which currently houses space for a washer and dryer, offers potential for additional family living space with its high ceilings.

C$299900

Residential For Sale

41 James Street, Brooklyn, NS B0J 1H0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$299900

Residential For Sale

18665 Highway 103, Middlewood, NS B4V 6L8

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,239Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)

C$398900

Residential For Sale

18665 Highway 103, Middlewood, NS B4V 6L8

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,239Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)

Conveniently located on HWY 103 just outside of Bridgewater in Middlewood. This home features a primary bedroom conveniently located on the main floor, along with one bathroom. The interior includes a large eat-in kitchen with a pantry and a spacious living room. The second floor offers two additional bedrooms and another bathroom.

C$398900

Residential For Sale

18665 Highway 103, Middlewood, NS B4V 6L8

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$398900

Residential For Sale

308-5511 Bilby St, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

11Picture(s)

573Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$439900

Residential For Sale

308-5511 Bilby St, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

573Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Welcome to unit 308 at NRTH — the newest modern statement in Halifax’s vibrant North End. This stunning 573 sqft unit is designed for elevated urban living, blending minimalist style with thoughtful finishes, clean lines, and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic throughout.

C$439900

Residential For Sale

308-5511 Bilby St, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$439900

Residential For Sale

22034 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

41Picture(s)

2,565Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$489000

Residential For Sale

22034 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,565Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Stunning Oceanfront retreat with modern upgrades and Water Access to Sheet Harbour! Welcome to your dream oceanfront escape!This beautifully updated home offers over 2,500 sq. ft. of well-appointed living space,nestled on the tranquil shores of Sheet Harbour. From high-end finishes to thoughtful design,every detail has been carefully curated for comfort,functionality and style.

C$489000

Residential For Sale

22034 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$489000

3491 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

125 Indian Path Road, Indian Path, NS B0J 2C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

85 Greenhouse Road, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

21 Fraser Street, Port Hood, NS B0E 2W0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3009 Main Street, Clarks Harbour, NS B0W 1P0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

960 Highway 208, Simpsons Corner, NS B0R 1E0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

89 Pond Road, Lower West Pubnico, NS B0W 2C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

139 Blainedale Drive, Salmon River, NS B2N 6M3

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

41 James Street, Brooklyn, NS B0J 1H0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

18665 Highway 103, Middlewood, NS B4V 6L8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

308-5511 Bilby St, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

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.