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

46 Somerset Drive, Bible Hill Ns B6l 4j2

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,690Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
C$739000

Residential For Sale

46 Somerset Drive, Bible Hill Ns B6l 4j2
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4,690Sqft
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
Welcome to your dream family home, nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly sought-after Saywood Estates. This stunning, immaculately maintained property offers the perfect blend of elegance, functionality, and comfort-tailored for family living and entertaining.
C$739000

Residential For Sale

46 Somerset Drive, Bible Hill Ns B6l 4j2
Royal LePage Truro Real Estate
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$739000

Residential For Sale

7 Twin River Trailer Park Court, Stellarton Ns B0k 1s0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3Picture(s)
832Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
C$174000

Residential For Sale

7 Twin River Trailer Park Court, Stellarton Ns B0k 1s0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
832Sqft
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
Welcome to your totally new deluxe 2 BR minihome, manufactured right here in Pictou County! Customize your order now & you're move in ready in the Spring of 2026. The home features tasteful kitchen cabinets (buyer can choose cabinet colours from a wide array of selections in the onsite decor centre, plus your own choice of hardware & light fixtures).
C$174000

Residential For Sale

7 Twin River Trailer Park Court, Stellarton Ns B0k 1s0
RE/MAX Fairlane Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$174000

Residential For Sale

75 Danica Drive, Pine Grove Ns B4v 7z2

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
29Picture(s)
1,026Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
C$485000

Residential For Sale

75 Danica Drive, Pine Grove Ns B4v 7z2
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,026Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
Tucked at the end of the cul de sac sits this perfect retirement home, especially if you enjoy privacy and rounds of golf! Located directly next to Osprey Ridge Golf Course, but with enough forest to keep you separate and private.
C$485000

Residential For Sale

75 Danica Drive, Pine Grove Ns B4v 7z2
EXIT Realty Inter Lake
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$485000

Residential For Sale

9295 Hwy#366 Highway, Port Howe Ns B0k 1k0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,056Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$374500

Residential For Sale

9295 Hwy#366 Highway, Port Howe Ns B0k 1k0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
1,056Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Welcome to your dream escape! Nestled on 1.27 beautifully landscaped acres this truly unique property offers privacy, charm, and views of the Northumberland Strait. Whether you're seeking a peaceful year-round residence, a charming vacation home, or an income-generating retreat, this home offers it all.Step inside the home and experience a bright, open-concept layout.
C$374500

Residential For Sale

9295 Hwy#366 Highway, Port Howe Ns B0k 1k0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$374500

Residential For Sale

75 Green Hall Drive, Mersey Point Ns B0t 1k0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,831Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake Liverpool
C$389900

Residential For Sale

75 Green Hall Drive, Mersey Point Ns B0t 1k0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,831Sqft
EXIT Realty Inter Lake Liverpool
Privacy, privacy and just minutes from the town of Liverpool this 3 bedroom bungalow is ready to move in and with no work to do. This home sits on almost 2 acres and has two driveways and an one car garage with a wooden floor, a shed that holds the wood for the wood fireplace in the rec room and the shed also has more room for your toys.
C$389900

Residential For Sale

75 Green Hall Drive, Mersey Point Ns B0t 1k0
EXIT Realty Inter Lake Liverpool
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$389900

Residential For Sale

85 Greenhouse Road, Nictaux Ns B0s 1p0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,987Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$989000

Residential For Sale

85 Greenhouse Road, Nictaux Ns B0s 1p0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,987Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
An exceptional opportunity to buy this fabulous 50-acre farm property in the heart of the Valley, with an access to a beautiful Nictaux River. Perfectly positioned for agricultural ventures, equestrian use, rural retreat, a new development idea, this versatile estate offers a rare combination of space, functionality, natural beauty and privacy. This property consists of 1.
C$989000

Residential For Sale

85 Greenhouse Road, Nictaux Ns B0s 1p0
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$989000

Residential For Sale

53 King Street, Hortonville Ns B4p 2r3

6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
34Picture(s)
4,759Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1075000

Residential For Sale

53 King Street, Hortonville Ns B4p 2r3
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
4,759Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
You have to visit this property to understand its beauty and versatility. The original farmhouse was fully renovated and upgraded ensuring care for its charm and a two-storey addition was added, originally designed to care for independent but ageing parents. As a result, the options for this property are many. Live in the family home while having up to 3 rental units in addition to it.
C$1075000

Residential For Sale

53 King Street, Hortonville Ns B4p 2r3
Royal LePage Atlantic
6Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1075000

Residential For Sale

9662 Highway 311, Waughs River Ns B0k 1v0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
41Picture(s)
932Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

9662 Highway 311, Waughs River Ns B0k 1v0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
932Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Welcome to 9662 Highway 311 in Waughs River, Nova Scotia—a riverfront chalet built in 2017 using Alantra Cottage Packages. This property is perfectly suited for first-time buyers, retirees, year-round living, or as a rewarding investment.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

9662 Highway 311, Waughs River Ns B0k 1v0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

213 Lower Grant Road, Chester Basin Ns B0j 1k0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,044Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

213 Lower Grant Road, Chester Basin Ns B0j 1k0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
1,044Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Three Bedroom bungalow with all new vinyl windows and doors, 200AMP electrical panel, renovated bathroom, the Rails-to-Trails nearby, a public park with sandy beach that's great for swimming and quick highway access putting you less than 5 minutes to all Chester conveniences and only 40-minutes to Halifax! The home is situated on a mature lot with gradual slope offering a level backyard, privacy a
C$399900

Residential For Sale

213 Lower Grant Road, Chester Basin Ns B0j 1k0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399900

Residential For Sale

4311 Stellarton Trafalgar Road, Hopewell Ns B0k 1c0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,268Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

4311 Stellarton Trafalgar Road, Hopewell Ns B0k 1c0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,268Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to this meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow, situated on over 2 acres of land. The extensive driveway provides ample parking space, while the house is set back to ensure optimal privacy. The interior boasts an open concept formal living room, dining room, kitchen with 2 bedrooms upstairs and 2 bedrooms, laundry and spacious Rec room downstairs, complete with a heat pump.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

4311 Stellarton Trafalgar Road, Hopewell Ns B0k 1c0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

6540 Geldert Street, Halifax Ns B3h 2c8

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
38Picture(s)
4,888Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$1850000

Residential For Sale

6540 Geldert Street, Halifax Ns B3h 2c8
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
4,888Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Nestled in the heart of Halifax’s coveted South End, 6540 Geldert Street is a rare blend of timeless charm and exceptional space, offering over 4,800 square feet of finished living on a 6,000 square foot lot, just steps from Conrose Park and The Waegwoltic Club. This stately four-bedroom home welcomes you with warmth from the moment you arrive.
C$1850000

Residential For Sale

6540 Geldert Street, Halifax Ns B3h 2c8
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1850000

Residential For Sale

182 Thompson Run, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 1t7

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,444Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$1589000

Residential For Sale

182 Thompson Run, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 1t7
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,444Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
I'm excited to present this meticulously maintained executive bungalow in the sought-after Glen Arbour community. The pride of ownership is evident from the moment you arrive.
C$1589000

Residential For Sale

182 Thompson Run, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 1t7
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$1589000
4664 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern