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

2721 Northwood Terrace Lot 2, Halifax Ns B3k 3s9

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

45Picture(s)

3,485Sqft

Listing courtesy of Sutton Group Professional Realty

C$1400000

Residential For Sale

2721 Northwood Terrace Lot 2, Halifax Ns B3k 3s9

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

3,485Sqft

Listing courtesy of Sutton Group Professional Realty

Unique opportunity to own this archetype new construction of a Edwardian Home on the exterior with a modern interior boasting 3,485 sq. ft. of total living area, all located on a tree lined street on the desirable Halifax Peninsula. The exterior was built with consideration of keeping with the established heritage culture residing in this community.

C$1400000

Residential For Sale

2721 Northwood Terrace Lot 2, Halifax Ns B3k 3s9

Listing courtesy of Sutton Group Professional Realty

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$1400000

Residential For Sale

4054 Highway 3, Lower Argyle Ns B0w 1w0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

28Picture(s)

770Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Real Estate Store

C$199900

Residential For Sale

4054 Highway 3, Lower Argyle Ns B0w 1w0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

770Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Real Estate Store

If you are looking for a unique property 4054 Highway 3 in Lower Argyle, this may be for you. This 3-bedroom 1 bath home is ready to go. There are multiple heating sources here including baseboard electric heat, ductless heat pump and a wood stove. The property contains 3 parcels. There are several out buildings here including a 24x40 barn style garage/ workshop.

C$199900

Residential For Sale

4054 Highway 3, Lower Argyle Ns B0w 1w0

Listing courtesy of The Real Estate Store

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$199900

Residential For Sale

423 Canaan Road, Nicholsville Ns B0p 1c0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,670Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$949000

Residential For Sale

423 Canaan Road, Nicholsville Ns B0p 1c0

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,670Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Welcome to 423 Canaan, an extraordinary 7-year-old home nestled on a a stunning 8 acre lot, with an additional 18.6 acres available boasting magnificent views of the Annapolis Valley. This property is a haven of possibilities, offering the chance to cultivate your own orchard, vineyard, hobbie farm, or simply revel in its current state of luxurious comfort.

C$949000

Residential For Sale

423 Canaan Road, Nicholsville Ns B0p 1c0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$949000

Residential For Sale

1200-1461 Brenton Street, Halifax Ns B3j 3s7

More Details

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

950Sqft

Listing courtesy of Full Circle Realty Inc.

C$565000

Residential For Sale

1200-1461 Brenton Street, Halifax Ns B3j 3s7

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

950Sqft

Listing courtesy of Full Circle Realty Inc.

Residential or Commercial Opportunity! This condo can dual function as your business and living space. This completely renovated 950 Sq foot Brenton St. condo is located in the Spring Garden Business district. Currently configured as an office; perfect for a professional or commercial setting.

C$565000

Residential For Sale

1200-1461 Brenton Street, Halifax Ns B3j 3s7

Listing courtesy of Full Circle Realty Inc.

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$565000

Residential For Sale

1572 Lansdowne Road, Bear River Ns B0s 1b0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

41Picture(s)

1,665Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)

C$699000

Residential For Sale

1572 Lansdowne Road, Bear River Ns B0s 1b0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,665Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)

Just built in 2023! This beautiful home on just over 5 acres has been designed for maximum energy efficiency, comfort and easy maintenance. Built on slab with attached double garage, wrap-around veranda, and clad with high quality "shake style" vinyl siding, this attractive contemporary design has classic elements that exude the warmth of Home.

C$699000

Residential For Sale

1572 Lansdowne Road, Bear River Ns B0s 1b0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Annapolis Royal)

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$699000

Residential For Sale

45 Maple Crescent, Mount William Ns B2h 5c6

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

30Picture(s)

2,561Sqft

Listing courtesy of Results Realty Atlantic Inc.

C$469900

Residential For Sale

45 Maple Crescent, Mount William Ns B2h 5c6

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,561Sqft

Listing courtesy of Results Realty Atlantic Inc.

This amazing property has so much to offer! The spacious 1.8 acre lot with municipal service and county taxes is a huge bonus. The circular driveway leave lots of parking and easy out and in for multi vehicles. The house is very unique with a covered in veranda on the front and 2 patios in the back for you early morning coffee or late night relaxing in all types of weather.

C$469900

Residential For Sale

45 Maple Crescent, Mount William Ns B2h 5c6

Listing courtesy of Results Realty Atlantic Inc.

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$469900

Residential For Sale

4 Smith Avenue, Springhill Ns B0m 1x0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

11Picture(s)

1,500Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

C$185000

Residential For Sale

4 Smith Avenue, Springhill Ns B0m 1x0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,500Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

This three bedroom home is located close to schools and downtown shopping as well as recreation center and playground. Improvements on main floor include new ,bathroom, added second layer of insulation .repaired and painted walls. sanded living room and dining room floors, installed new dishwasher ,new kitchen sink new kitchen counter top and cabinets, installed new front entrance door.

C$185000

Residential For Sale

4 Smith Avenue, Springhill Ns B0m 1x0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$185000

Residential For Sale

4308 Highway 2, Upper Economy Ns B0m 1b0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

37Picture(s)

1,861Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

C$469900

Residential For Sale

4308 Highway 2, Upper Economy Ns B0m 1b0

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,861Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

Nova Scotia Ocean front Property with beach access. A rare opportunity to purchase rapidly dwindling N S ocean front property in the Geopark designation. This beautiful old farmhouse on the banks of the Cobequid Bay sits on a 2.7-acre lot with 235 feet of bay frontage. The charming old 5 BR house has been well maintained & upgraded.

C$469900

Residential For Sale

4308 Highway 2, Upper Economy Ns B0m 1b0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Fairlane Realty

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$469900

Residential For Sale

102-1470 Summer Street, Halifax Ns B3h 3a3

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,881Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$1299900

Residential For Sale

102-1470 Summer Street, Halifax Ns B3h 3a3

2Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

2,881Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

This luxurious 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath unit is truly unique, offering two spacious levels of elegant living. Upon entering, you’ll be captivated by the soaring 12-foot ceilings, large windows, and beautiful engineered hardwood floors. The living room provides an inviting space for both relaxing and entertaining, exuding warmth and sophistication with its natural woodwork and abundant light.

C$1299900

Residential For Sale

102-1470 Summer Street, Halifax Ns B3h 3a3

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

2Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$1299900

Residential For Sale

23 Williams Road, Ostrea Lake Ns B0j 2l0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,782Sqft

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.

C$625000

Residential For Sale

23 Williams Road, Ostrea Lake Ns B0j 2l0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,782Sqft

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.

Enjoy spectacular 180 degree views of the ocean from each level of this gorgeous custom designed turn-key new construction home just 15 minutes from all of the amenities of Musquodoboit Harbour.

C$625000

Residential For Sale

23 Williams Road, Ostrea Lake Ns B0j 2l0

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Trident Realty Ltd.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$625000

Residential For Sale

203-14 Highway 203 Highway, Carleton Ns B5a 5r2

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

34Picture(s)

1,200Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

C$149500

Residential For Sale

203-14 Highway 203 Highway, Carleton Ns B5a 5r2

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

1,200Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

Great location! This large 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom country home in the village of Carleton is within walking distance from the elementary school, convenience store and only 20 minutes drive to the Town of Yarmouth and all amenities. This home boasts a large eat-in kitchen with ample storage. 3-bedrooms upstairs offer plenty of living space for a family.

C$149500

Residential For Sale

203-14 Highway 203 Highway, Carleton Ns B5a 5r2

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Shelburne)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$149500

Residential For Sale

65 Austins Lane, Judique Ns B0e 1p0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,170Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

C$270000

Residential For Sale

65 Austins Lane, Judique Ns B0e 1p0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,170Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

A charming property, consisting of 8 acres, in a serene location at 65 Austin's Lane, Judique, Inverness County, offers a wonderful combination of peaceful, rural living with easy access to local culture and nature. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it is spacious and well suited for family life or a retreat.

C$270000

Residential For Sale

65 Austins Lane, Judique Ns B0e 1p0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$270000

4804 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

2721 Northwood Terrace Lot 2, Halifax Ns B3k 3s9

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

4054 Highway 3, Lower Argyle Ns B0w 1w0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

423 Canaan Road, Nicholsville Ns B0p 1c0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1200-1461 Brenton Street, Halifax Ns B3j 3s7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1572 Lansdowne Road, Bear River Ns B0s 1b0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

45 Maple Crescent, Mount William Ns B2h 5c6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

4 Smith Avenue, Springhill Ns B0m 1x0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

4308 Highway 2, Upper Economy Ns B0m 1b0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

102-1470 Summer Street, Halifax Ns B3h 3a3

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

23 Williams Road, Ostrea Lake Ns B0j 2l0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

203-14 Highway 203 Highway, Carleton Ns B5a 5r2

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.