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

34 Northumberland Lane, Clayton Park, NS B3M 1R7

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

38Picture(s)

1,912Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

C$425000

Residential For Sale

34 Northumberland Lane, Clayton Park, NS B3M 1R7

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,912Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

Welcome to 34 Northumberland Lane, a beautifully maintained semi-detached home tucked away on a quiet, family-friendly street in one of Clayton Park’s most desirable neighbourhoods. This property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and thoughtful upgrades; ideal for families, professionals, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with city convenience close at hand.

C$425000

Residential For Sale

34 Northumberland Lane, Clayton Park, NS B3M 1R7

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$425000

Residential For Sale

9658 Highway 215, Walton, NS B0N 2R0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

42Picture(s)

977Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

C$225000

Residential For Sale

9658 Highway 215, Walton, NS B0N 2R0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

977Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

Welcome to this charming home nestled on a beautiful lot in the peaceful community of Walton. This property offers a perfect blend of comfort and updates, making it ideal for anyone seeking a move-in ready home with room to enjoy the outdoors! The main level features a welcoming mudroom, spacious kitchen, and adjoining dining area.

C$225000

Residential For Sale

9658 Highway 215, Walton, NS B0N 2R0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$225000

Residential For Sale

370 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3P6

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

27Picture(s)

1,791Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

C$265000

Residential For Sale

370 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3P6

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,791Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

Welcome to 370 Hudson St. The perfect family home! This charming and spacious property is ready for its new owners. Featuring four bedrooms and one full bathroom upstairs, it's perfect for a growing family. On the main level, you'll find a bright kitchen, a comfortable living room and a dinning area-ideal for everyday living and entertaining.

C$265000

Residential For Sale

370 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3P6

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$265000

Residential For Sale

1194 Alma Road, Loch Broom, NS B0K 2A0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

24Picture(s)

2,080Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)

C$285000

Residential For Sale

1194 Alma Road, Loch Broom, NS B0K 2A0

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

2,080Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)

Charming Split-Entry Home on a Private Rural Lot!!! Nestled in a peaceful rural setting, this split-entry home offers the perfect opportunity for those seeking space, privacy, and potential. The property features a beautifully private yard surrounded by nature and it's ideal for anyone who enjoys quiet country living.

C$285000

Residential For Sale

1194 Alma Road, Loch Broom, NS B0K 2A0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$285000

Residential For Sale

40 Martins Point Road, Enfield, NS B2T 1H9

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

36Picture(s)

2,512Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$1495000

Residential For Sale

40 Martins Point Road, Enfield, NS B2T 1H9

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,512Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Welcome to The Grand Reset — a modern 2,500 sq ft lakeside retreat with 260 ft of private frontage on Grand Lake. Reimagined from top to bottom, this turnkey property blends natural tranquility with contemporary design for the ultimate year-round escape — whether as a permanent home, luxury Airbnb, or family retreat. Set on 1.

C$1495000

Residential For Sale

40 Martins Point Road, Enfield, NS B2T 1H9

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$1495000

Residential For Sale

2774 East River West Side Route, Glencoe, NS B0K 1B0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

36Picture(s)

2,392Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)

C$299900

Residential For Sale

2774 East River West Side Route, Glencoe, NS B0K 1B0

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

2,392Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)

Attention Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts! Your dream property has arrived! Renovated 2-level, 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is perfectly set on approximately 20 +/- acres of scenic land along the beautiful East River. Offering endless possibilities — from a spacious family home to an investment property, hobby farm, or multi-generational retreat — this property truly has it all.

C$299900

Residential For Sale

2774 East River West Side Route, Glencoe, NS B0K 1B0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$299900

Residential For Sale

43 Deepwood Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 2Y5

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,669Sqft

Listing courtesy of Bryant Realty Atlantic

C$749900

Residential For Sale

43 Deepwood Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 2Y5

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,669Sqft

Listing courtesy of Bryant Realty Atlantic

This beautiful 5-bedroom, two-storey Clayton Park home welcomes you with a spacious, light-filled floor plan and tranquil treetop views. Designed for family living, the layout offers seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, with abundant natural light streaming in from every angle.

C$749900

Residential For Sale

43 Deepwood Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 2Y5

Listing courtesy of Bryant Realty Atlantic

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$749900

Residential For Sale

322 Transom Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 0K9

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,853Sqft

Listing courtesy of Sutton Group Professional Realty

C$1089900

Residential For Sale

322 Transom Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 0K9

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

3,853Sqft

Listing courtesy of Sutton Group Professional Realty

Welcome to 322 Transom Drive, a stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath executive home offering over 3,800 sq. ft. of meticulously crafted living space in one of Halifax’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Perfectly blending modern design, timeless comfort, and functionality, this luxurious home showcases exceptional craftsmanship and refined sophistication throughout.

C$1089900

Residential For Sale

322 Transom Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 0K9

Listing courtesy of Sutton Group Professional Realty

5Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$1089900

Residential For Sale

248 Marine Drive, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

37Picture(s)

3,700Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

C$1299000

Residential For Sale

248 Marine Drive, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

3,700Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

CHESTER BASIN SAILOR'S DELIGHT. Solidly built, 3800 sq. ft 4 bedrm, 3 bath home with two levels of living space, firmly anchored on + one acre, 144' of direct oceanfront, and wharf with protected anchorage.

C$1299000

Residential For Sale

248 Marine Drive, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$1299000

Residential For Sale

55 Lighthouse Road, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

46Picture(s)

1,814Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$324900

Residential For Sale

55 Lighthouse Road, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

1,814Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Step into the charm of a century home where timeless character meets modern comfort. Nestled just steps from Digby’s waterfront, 55 Lighthouse Road offers a perfect blend of history and thoughtful updates. In the inviting living room you'll find a new picture window with ocean views.

C$324900

Residential For Sale

55 Lighthouse Road, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$324900

Residential For Sale

11 Walters Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1S9

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

27Picture(s)

2,009Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$599900

Residential For Sale

11 Walters Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1S9

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

2,009Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Thinking about downsizing???? This is the property you've been waiting for. One level living. Beautifully updated with lots of custom closets and cabinetry. Loads of storage both inside and outside. Walking distance to absolutely everything. Safe, quiet neighbourhood and still enjoying life in the heart of the city.

C$599900

Residential For Sale

11 Walters Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1S9

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$599900

Residential For Sale

771 Highway 10, Springfield, NS B0R 1H0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

29Picture(s)

1,432Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

C$224800

Residential For Sale

771 Highway 10, Springfield, NS B0R 1H0

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,432Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

This renovated home offers breathtaking sunrise views over the tranquil waters of Springfield Lake. Situated on a regularly maintained and plowed road, this property boasts easy year round access to the nearby beach, local lakes & provincial ATV trail network, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

C$224800

Residential For Sale

771 Highway 10, Springfield, NS B0R 1H0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Banner Real Estate

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$224800

4292 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

34 Northumberland Lane, Clayton Park, NS B3M 1R7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

9658 Highway 215, Walton, NS B0N 2R0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

370 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3P6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1194 Alma Road, Loch Broom, NS B0K 2A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

40 Martins Point Road, Enfield, NS B2T 1H9

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2774 East River West Side Route, Glencoe, NS B0K 1B0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

43 Deepwood Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 2Y5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

322 Transom Drive, Halifax, NS B3M 0K9

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

248 Marine Drive, Chester Basin, NS B0J 1K0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

55 Lighthouse Road, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

11 Walters Street, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1S9

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.