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

745-700 Celebration Drive, Fall River Ns B2t 1s3

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4Picture(s)
3,071Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$949900

Residential For Sale

745-700 Celebration Drive, Fall River Ns B2t 1s3
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,071Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Another Quality Built Gerald Mitchell Home. Welcome to The Ava Split Entry. This sprawling split entry is designed with the growing family in mind. The Ava is a popular home plan loved for its unique layout with the Master suite on one side of the home and the 2nd & 3rd bedroom separated by the warm and open concept main living area.
C$949900

Residential For Sale

745-700 Celebration Drive, Fall River Ns B2t 1s3
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$949900

Residential For Sale

Lot 312 Hideaway Trail, Brookside Ns B3t 0m2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
8Picture(s)
2,521Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$749900

Residential For Sale

Lot 312 Hideaway Trail, Brookside Ns B3t 0m2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,521Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Welcome home to "The Elm." This stunning new construction home offers over 2,500 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, complete with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Step inside to find an inviting open-concept layout that seamlessly blends the kitchen, dining, and living areas, ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying family time.
C$749900

Residential For Sale

Lot 312 Hideaway Trail, Brookside Ns B3t 0m2
Engel & Volkers
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$749900

Residential For Sale

1 Moore Street, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,118Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$249000

Residential For Sale

1 Moore Street, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,118Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Nestled in the quaint seaside village of Parrsboro, this lovely home exudes a timeless, comforting charm. The lot is private and has a fantastic view of the aboiteau, where you can watch nature, the ebb and flow of the water and enjoy sunsets while roasting marshmallows at the fire pit! Inside, the home is cozy and inviting, exuding a gentle blend of rustic simplicity and vintage elegance.
C$249000

Residential For Sale

1 Moore Street, Parrsboro Ns B0m 1s0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$249000

Residential For Sale

87 Cow Bay Road, Eastern Passage Ns B3g 1a3

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
42Picture(s)
2,688Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$750000

Residential For Sale

87 Cow Bay Road, Eastern Passage Ns B3g 1a3
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,688Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Nestled in the charming coastal community of Eastern Passage, 87 Cow Bay Road offers more than just a place to live—it’s a dynamic investment opportunity with exceptional potential. This spacious property features 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, blending comfort, flexibility, and the promise of future income or business ventures.
C$750000

Residential For Sale

87 Cow Bay Road, Eastern Passage Ns B3g 1a3
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$750000

Residential For Sale

744-682 Celebration Drive, Fall River Ns B2t 1s3

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
5Picture(s)
2,025Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$829900

Residential For Sale

744-682 Celebration Drive, Fall River Ns B2t 1s3
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,025Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Another Quality Built Gerald Mitchell Home. Welcome to the Tessa Split Entry, designed with the growing family in mind. You will love the open kitchen with large island, and the open concept flow of the main living area. Lots of space for a large family dining table. Cozy up next to the custom trimmed, and inviting propane fireplace in the main living space.
C$829900

Residential For Sale

744-682 Celebration Drive, Fall River Ns B2t 1s3
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$829900

Residential For Sale

36 George Samuel Drive, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 1l9

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
2,747Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
C$869000

Residential For Sale

36 George Samuel Drive, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 1l9
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,747Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
Welcome to this home tucked beautifully into a stunning landscaped lot in the heart of Kingswood! Kingswood is a wonderful place to call Home with so much space and privacy, municipal water and located minutes to the city! As you enter the subdivision you have a plethora of community shops and award winning restaurant Edible Matters! Go and grab your country loaf for Saturday morning breakfast! Al
C$869000

Residential For Sale

36 George Samuel Drive, Hammonds Plains Ns B4b 1l9
Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$869000

Residential For Sale

498 Fox Point Road, Fox River Ns B0m 1s0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,261Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$439000

Residential For Sale

498 Fox Point Road, Fox River Ns B0m 1s0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,261Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Nestled on 6.8 acres, this lovely home was built in 2022 and offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and peaceful country living.
C$439000

Residential For Sale

498 Fox Point Road, Fox River Ns B0m 1s0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$439000

Residential For Sale

940 East Dalhousie Road, East Dalhousie Ns B0r 1h0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,248Sqft
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
C$279000

Residential For Sale

940 East Dalhousie Road, East Dalhousie Ns B0r 1h0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,248Sqft
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
EXCELLET BUY HERE... Vacant for immediate possession... Located just minutes from Famous Lake Torment. Public beach close by. Community store with gas & groceries & take out 1.5 km's. Home is bungalow style on upper level, with walk out from lower level. See the photos. Excellent Home for couples. Home has had so many renovations/upgrades in past couple years.
C$279000

Residential For Sale

940 East Dalhousie Road, East Dalhousie Ns B0r 1h0
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$279000

Residential For Sale

407-25 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0E4

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
37Picture(s)
1,236Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$645000

Residential For Sale

407-25 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0E4
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,236Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Experience upscale urban living in this beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom sun-drenched condo in The Avery, ideally located across from Alderney Landing in the heart of Downtown Dartmouth. This stylish city-view suite features soaring ceilings, custom motorized Quoya curtains, and a bright open-concept layout.
C$645000

Residential For Sale

407-25 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0E4
Exit Realty Metro
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$645000

Residential For Sale

235 Small Gains Road, Arcadia Ns B5a 5j1

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,454Sqft
Modern Realty
C$539000

Residential For Sale

235 Small Gains Road, Arcadia Ns B5a 5j1
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,454Sqft
Modern Realty
Your Country Escape Just Minutes from Town – 235 Small Gains Road Discover the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience at this exceptional 11-acre property, located less than 5 minutes from town. Tucked away in a peaceful, private setting, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is ideal for nature lovers, hobby farmers, or anyone craving space and serenity.
C$539000

Residential For Sale

235 Small Gains Road, Arcadia Ns B5a 5j1
Modern Realty
5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$539000

Residential For Sale

2865 Highway 340, Corberrie Ns B0w 3t0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
2,682Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
C$475000

Residential For Sale

2865 Highway 340, Corberrie Ns B0w 3t0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,682Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
Exceptional country home with over 4 acres of manicured lawns and attractive landscaping. Enjoy views of the picturesque hills and dales of Corberrie from the pretty gazebo, the main floor deck, or from the South facing windows that grace this home. The expansive paved driveway with ample parking can easily accommodate an RV and there is an extra large double garage (wired) with workshop.
C$475000

Residential For Sale

2865 Highway 340, Corberrie Ns B0w 3t0
Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$475000

Residential For Sale

11 Lois Lane, Simms Settlement Ns B3p 2t3

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
896Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
C$179900

Residential For Sale

11 Lois Lane, Simms Settlement Ns B3p 2t3
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
896Sqft
Exit Realty Metro
Tucked away on a quiet street in the welcoming Ten Beaches Estates community, 11 Lois Lane offers comfort, charm, and convenience just minutes from the coast. This well-maintained mini home features three bedrooms and one full bathroom, all freshly painted and enhanced with stylish new light fixtures.
C$179900

Residential For Sale

11 Lois Lane, Simms Settlement Ns B3p 2t3
Exit Realty Metro
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$179900
4671 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern