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

36 Gail Avenue, Lower Branch Ns B4v 4r2

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,614Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$749900

Residential For Sale

36 Gail Avenue, Lower Branch Ns B4v 4r2
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,614Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
This beautifully updated 5 bedroom & 4 bathroom home sits in a quiet, highly desirable area just outside of Bridgewater—offering the perfect mix of peaceful living with quick access to all town amenities, including schools, shopping, restaurants, and more. A scenic walking trail nearby even leads down to the LaHave River.
C$749900

Residential For Sale

36 Gail Avenue, Lower Branch Ns B4v 4r2
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$749900

Residential For Sale

10250 Highway 4 Highway, Broadway Ns B0k 1g0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,688Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$319000

Residential For Sale

10250 Highway 4 Highway, Broadway Ns B0k 1g0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,688Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Beautiful country home conveniently located minutes from the main highway which makes the property a desirable location for people looking to commute to either New Glasgow or Antigonish while still having all the tranquility that country living offers.
C$319000

Residential For Sale

10250 Highway 4 Highway, Broadway Ns B0k 1g0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$319000

Residential For Sale

802-105 Dunbrack Street, Halifax Ns B3m 3g7

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
19Picture(s)
700Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$314000

Residential For Sale

802-105 Dunbrack Street, Halifax Ns B3m 3g7
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
700Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Beautiful top-floor penthouse in Parkhill Terrace featuring 9-foot ceilings, rich mahogany laminate flooring, and tasteful décor. The spacious layout includes a living room, kitchen, and dining area with a stylish mirrored closet/pantry that reflects light from the wall-to-wall windows and provides extra storage.
C$314000

Residential For Sale

802-105 Dunbrack Street, Halifax Ns B3m 3g7
Keller Williams Select Realty
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$314000

Residential For Sale

106 Belleshire Drive, Lower Sackville Ns B4c 1m7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,033Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$494900

Residential For Sale

106 Belleshire Drive, Lower Sackville Ns B4c 1m7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,033Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Back to market at no fault of its own and waiting for you to start your next chapter is 106 Belleshire Drive in the heart of Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. From driveway to doorway this property is pure charm. This well cared for side split single family home is tucked away on a quiet, family-friendly street.
C$494900

Residential For Sale

106 Belleshire Drive, Lower Sackville Ns B4c 1m7
Exit Real Estate Professionals
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$494900

Residential For Sale

6266 Liverpool Street, Halifax Ns B3l 1x8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
24Picture(s)
1,408Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$699900

Residential For Sale

6266 Liverpool Street, Halifax Ns B3l 1x8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,408Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
Stylish West End Townhouse at 6268 Liverpool Street. Located in the heart of Halifax’s vibrant West End, this fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo townhouse offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and low-maintenance living.
C$699900

Residential For Sale

6266 Liverpool Street, Halifax Ns B3l 1x8
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$699900

Residential For Sale

6145 Highway 215, Cheverie Ns B0n 2a0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,120Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$319000

Residential For Sale

6145 Highway 215, Cheverie Ns B0n 2a0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,120Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Set on nearly 3 acres of land, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath mini home offers peaceful country living with wide-open space to enjoy. Whether you're relaxing on the back deck or exploring the expansive backyard, this property is ideal for families, pet owners, or anyone craving more outdoor space.
C$319000

Residential For Sale

6145 Highway 215, Cheverie Ns B0n 2a0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$319000

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$309900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
Just outside the Town of Yarmouth is 2473 Chebogue Road. This property has evolved over time . It started out as a summer home and then with an addition became a dual purpose property. One section is un finished and the other section is finished for year round living. There is 4.15 acres here with good frontage on Bunkers Island Road.
C$309900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
The Real Estate Store
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$309900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
33Picture(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
C$309900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,100Sqft
The Real Estate Store
Just outside the Town of Yarmouth is 2473 Chebogue Road. This property has evolved over time . It started out as a summer home and then with an addition became a dual purpose property. One section is un finished and the other section is finished for year round living. There is 4.15 acres here with good frontage on Bunkers Island Road.
C$309900

Residential For Sale

2473 Chebogue Road, Sand Beach Ns B5a 4h2
The Real Estate Store
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$309900

Residential For Sale

32 Circle Drive, Halifax Ns B3p 1k2

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
29Picture(s)
1,015Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$345000

Residential For Sale

32 Circle Drive, Halifax Ns B3p 1k2
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,015Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
New price! This newly renovated bungalow is perfect for young families or those looking to downsize. It features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a spacious living room. The kitchen overlooks a large, private backyard, making it ideal for children to play or for relaxing on the deck. The basement includes laundry hookups, storage space, and a workspace.
C$345000

Residential For Sale

32 Circle Drive, Halifax Ns B3p 1k2
RE/MAX Nova
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$345000

Residential For Sale

145 Sunset Linkway, Labelle Ns B0t 1e0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
32Picture(s)
624Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$235900

Residential For Sale

145 Sunset Linkway, Labelle Ns B0t 1e0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
624Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
If you have yet to find that special place where memories are made and the city lights are behind you, look no further than this charming retreat in Labelle’s Cottage Country. 145 Sunset Linkway is situated in the heart of nature, where life slows down, and every season brings new adventures. Whether it’s just for the summer or 365 days a year, you can decide how you spend your days.
C$235900

Residential For Sale

145 Sunset Linkway, Labelle Ns B0t 1e0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$235900

Residential For Sale

289 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x2

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
31Picture(s)
3,270Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1057800

Residential For Sale

289 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x2
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,270Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
All interior pictures are from a previous build. A quality built home by Highmark Custom Home Builders. Welcome to our newest model "The Malcolm" located at 289 Orchid Crt . Where luxury meets comfort! This 2-level residence is a masterpiece in design and functionality. Boasting a built-in garage, and located on a private 3.
C$1057800

Residential For Sale

289 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville Ns B4e 0x2
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1057800

Residential For Sale

5315 Granville Road, Granville Ferry Ns B0s 1k0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,760Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$789000

Residential For Sale

5315 Granville Road, Granville Ferry Ns B0s 1k0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,760Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
The "Willett House" is a timeless Classic Georgian masterpiece erected in 1833 by shipbuilder Walter Willett. Commanding pride of place this iconic landmark of Granville Ferry is set on four meticulously manicured acres with water views and framed by an original stone wall along Canada's first graded road - blending heritage, prestige and natural beauty.
C$789000

Residential For Sale

5315 Granville Road, Granville Ferry Ns B0s 1k0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$789000
4678 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern