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

284 Rodney Drive, Militia Point, NS B0E 2Y0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,440Sqft

Listing courtesy of Cape Breton Realty

C$590000

Residential For Sale

284 Rodney Drive, Militia Point, NS B0E 2Y0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,440Sqft

Listing courtesy of Cape Breton Realty

Lakeside Paradise on the Bras d’Or Lake – A Nature Lover’s Dream This spacious and beautifully maintained home, built in 2019, sits in a prime location right on the shores of the stunning Bras d’Or Lake. Used only as a vacation residence, the property is in like-new condition and offers the perfect blend of modern comfort, sustainability, and natural beauty.

C$590000

Residential For Sale

284 Rodney Drive, Militia Point, NS B0E 2Y0

Listing courtesy of Cape Breton Realty

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$590000

Residential For Sale

1926 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

13Picture(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1926 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

Welcome to your dream home! Nestled on a peaceful, quiet street, this modern semi-detached residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and efficiency. Boasting 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 well-appointed bathrooms, this home is ideal for small families, professionals, or those seeking a cozy yet functional living space.

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1926 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1924 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

13Picture(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1924 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1924 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1922 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

13Picture(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1922 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1922 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

17 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C3

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

5Picture(s)

2,740Sqft

Listing courtesy of Verve Realty Group

C$829900

Residential For Sale

17 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C3

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

2,740Sqft

Listing courtesy of Verve Realty Group

Welcome to 17 Pearl Garden Close, a breathtaking 2,740 sq. ft. masterpiece that blends luxury, comfort, and modern elegance in the heart of Dartmouth. Step inside to discover high-end flooring flowing seamlessly throughout, complemented by upgraded tile selections in the bathrooms, creating a sophisticated ambiance at every turn.

C$829900

Residential For Sale

17 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C3

Listing courtesy of Verve Realty Group

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$829900

Residential For Sale

1920 Irwin Lake Road, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

13Picture(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1920 Irwin Lake Road, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,041Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

1920 Irwin Lake Road, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$379900

Residential For Sale

25 White Street, Dartmouth, NS B2X 2P6

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

33Picture(s)

1,902Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

C$649900

Residential For Sale

25 White Street, Dartmouth, NS B2X 2P6

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,902Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

Attention Investors, Builders, Developers. This 3-bedroom, 1 bath bungalow has preliminary approval granted for a building lot at back of property. This home has only had one owner since built. The main level has a large living room with hardwood floors, an efficient kitchen that is open to the dining area and a large primary bedroom.

C$649900

Residential For Sale

25 White Street, Dartmouth, NS B2X 2P6

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$649900

Residential For Sale

39 Davis Drive, Port Hastings, NS B9A 1R2

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

45Picture(s)

2,455Sqft

Listing courtesy of Harvey Realties Limited

C$579000

Residential For Sale

39 Davis Drive, Port Hastings, NS B9A 1R2

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,455Sqft

Listing courtesy of Harvey Realties Limited

1 3/4 STOREY HOME WITH AN ATTACHED SECONDARY/GRANNY SUITE. THIS HOME IS ACCESSIBLE AS THERE IS A RAMP AVAILABLE AND ACCESS FROM THE ATTACHED GARAGE TO THE SUITE ON THE MAIN FLOOR. 3 bedrooms upstairs plus a full en suite bath with walk in shower & Jet tub. Another Bath with a walk in shower. The Primary BR is large with 2 double closets.

C$579000

Residential For Sale

39 Davis Drive, Port Hastings, NS B9A 1R2

Listing courtesy of Harvey Realties Limited

4Bedroom(s)

5Bathroom(s)

C$579000

Residential For Sale

78 Maple Ridge Drive, Franey Corner, NS B0R 1H0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

21Picture(s)

810Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$199900

Residential For Sale

78 Maple Ridge Drive, Franey Corner, NS B0R 1H0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

810Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Excellent opportunity to live year round or seasonally in cottage country. This is the perfect place to relax or play. Located on 2.42 acres of nature you will find this sweet 2 bed, 1 bath cottage. Upon entry you will find the mudroom/laundry room and off to the left a screened in sunroom with patio door.

C$199900

Residential For Sale

78 Maple Ridge Drive, Franey Corner, NS B0R 1H0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$199900

Residential For Sale

220 Granville Street, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

21Picture(s)

2,134Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

C$239000

Residential For Sale

220 Granville Street, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

2,134Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

Beautiful grand house that is looking for a family to restore it to its prior beauty. Built in 1869 this 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home has so much of its original charm as seen in the woodwork, mantle and turret. Located near Jubilee Park and the boat launch for the Annapolis River, the potential for this home is endless. This home is being sold as is with its contents.

C$239000

Residential For Sale

220 Granville Street, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$239000

Residential For Sale

852 Highway 14, Upper Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

21Picture(s)

1,008Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

C$349000

Residential For Sale

852 Highway 14, Upper Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

1,008Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

What a gem this is!! Located in Upper Vaughn, 2 mins from the best 'Everything Store' and across from Zwicker Lake, this 3 bedroom, one bath home is all ready for some renos to bring it into the 21st century! The exterior is all done with vinyl siding, new windows, metal roof all done in 2013 lovely landscaping and the list goes on.

C$349000

Residential For Sale

852 Highway 14, Upper Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$349000

Residential For Sale

68 Element Court, Bedford, NS B4B 2K3

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

37Picture(s)

4,002Sqft

Listing courtesy of Parachute Realty

C$1729000

Residential For Sale

68 Element Court, Bedford, NS B4B 2K3

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

4,002Sqft

Listing courtesy of Parachute Realty

Welcome to 68 Element Court, where refined design meets everyday function. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac on an exceptionally large lot, this meticulously crafted home backs onto a lush greenbelt and walking trail—offering rare privacy and a true sense of escape. Step inside and feel the difference—this is not your typical new build.

C$1729000

Residential For Sale

68 Element Court, Bedford, NS B4B 2K3

Listing courtesy of Parachute Realty

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$1729000

4742 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

284 Rodney Drive, Militia Point, NS B0E 2Y0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1926 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1924 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1922 Irwin Lake Rd, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

17 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C3

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1920 Irwin Lake Road, Hilden, NS B0M 1C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

25 White Street, Dartmouth, NS B2X 2P6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

39 Davis Drive, Port Hastings, NS B9A 1R2

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

78 Maple Ridge Drive, Franey Corner, NS B0R 1H0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

220 Granville Street, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

852 Highway 14, Upper Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0

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.