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.

Property Type

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Residential For Sale

12364 Cabot Trail, St. Joseph Du Moine, NS B0E 3A0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

32Picture(s)

774Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

C$199000

Residential For Sale

12364 Cabot Trail, St. Joseph Du Moine, NS B0E 3A0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

774Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

Set on two acres in the heart of St. Joseph du Moine, this charming 1.5-storey home blends character with modern updates. Nestled along the world-famous Cabot Trail, the property offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, making it an appealing choice for a year-round residence, summer home, or vacation rental.

C$199000

Residential For Sale

12364 Cabot Trail, St. Joseph Du Moine, NS B0E 3A0

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$199000

Residential For Sale

76 Stoney Brook Court, Clayton Park, NS B3M 3J7

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

49Picture(s)

1,354Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

C$424900

Residential For Sale

76 Stoney Brook Court, Clayton Park, NS B3M 3J7

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,354Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

Welcome to 76 Stoney Brook Court, Halifax! This ideally located condo townhouse offers a comfortable and modern lifestyle in a peaceful setting. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms plus a dedicated office or storage room, 1.5 bathrooms, and a built-in 2-car garage, this home is perfect for families, professionals, or anyone seeking versatile living space.

C$424900

Residential For Sale

76 Stoney Brook Court, Clayton Park, NS B3M 3J7

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$424900

Residential For Sale

1403 Princess Cres Crescent, Coldbrook, NS B4R 1B2

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

24Picture(s)

2,252Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Specialists

C$349900

Residential For Sale

1403 Princess Cres Crescent, Coldbrook, NS B4R 1B2

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

2,252Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Specialists

This welcoming 3-bedroom home is full of charm and some recent updates, offering the space and style many buyers are searching for. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a partially finished basement, it’s ideal for families of all ages. An additional finished room in the basement could provide a flexible area for an older teen’s bedroom, a den, or even a home office.

C$349900

Residential For Sale

1403 Princess Cres Crescent, Coldbrook, NS B4R 1B2

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Specialists

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$349900

Residential For Sale

1769 Highway 201, Round Hill, NS B0S 1A0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

49Picture(s)

2,519Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$474900

Residential For Sale

1769 Highway 201, Round Hill, NS B0S 1A0

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,519Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Welcome to this picturesque hobby farm nestled on 3.1 acres in the heart of the Annapolis Valley, ideally located just minutes from both Annapolis Royal and Bridgetown. This beautiful country home offers the perfect blend of original character and modern functionality, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for families, hobby farmers, or those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle.

C$474900

Residential For Sale

1769 Highway 201, Round Hill, NS B0S 1A0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$474900

Residential For Sale

137 Main Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

38Picture(s)

1,473Sqft

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Performance Realty

C$229900

Residential For Sale

137 Main Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,473Sqft

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Performance Realty

Charming 4 Bedroom home in the heart of Springhill Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Springhill. Full of character, this home showcases beautiful built-ins, original hardwood floors, and plenty of warmth throughout.

C$229900

Residential For Sale

137 Main Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Performance Realty

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$229900

Residential For Sale

Lot 12 Cottage Lane, Pleasantville, NS B0T 1E0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

10Picture(s)

522Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Barrington Passage)

C$130000

Residential For Sale

Lot 12 Cottage Lane, Pleasantville, NS B0T 1E0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

522Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Barrington Passage)

Hunting Camp/Cottage snuggled among the trees and situated on 1.33 acres of pristine land in the picturesque community of Pleasantfield near Ponhook Lake, Queens Country. This open concept camp has electricity and could be easily converted into that perfect cottage for anyone looking for lake living. Within minutes from public boat launch access to Ponhook Lake, perfect for boating and swimming.

C$130000

Residential For Sale

Lot 12 Cottage Lane, Pleasantville, NS B0T 1E0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Barrington Passage)

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$130000

Residential For Sale

349 Ioney Hill, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1N1

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

35Picture(s)

844Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

C$219900

Residential For Sale

349 Ioney Hill, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1N1

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

844Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

Step inside this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home that has been updated from top to bottom. Featuring fresh paint and new drywall in the hallway and kitchen, every detail has been carefully considered. The home offers all new flooring throughout, along with brand-new trim, interior doors, and hardware for a clean, modern look.

C$219900

Residential For Sale

349 Ioney Hill, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1N1

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$219900

Residential For Sale

168 Culloden Road, Mount Pleasant, NS B0V 1A0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

19Picture(s)

474Sqft

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)

C$120000

Residential For Sale

168 Culloden Road, Mount Pleasant, NS B0V 1A0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

474Sqft

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)

This little house with a big heart is looking for new occupants. Tucked into a serene, treed lot, on the outskirts of Digby, this 474 Sqft. bungalow is a great starter home or a downsizing opportunity. Two bedroom, one bath and an open kitchen and main living area inside with a long, partially shared driveway off of Culloden Road outside. Ask your Realtor to book a showing today.

C$120000

Residential For Sale

168 Culloden Road, Mount Pleasant, NS B0V 1A0

Listing courtesy of ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$120000

Residential For Sale

30 Headings Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3E1

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

48Picture(s)

1,200Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

C$409900

Residential For Sale

30 Headings Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3E1

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,200Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath semi-detached home in Middle Sackville, perfectly positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac with no traffic—an ideal spot for kids to play safely. With a spacious backyard for barbecues, pets, and family fun, plus a sunny back deck to unwind on, this home is designed for comfort and everyday living. Extra storage space keeps seasonal gear neatly tucked away.

C$409900

Residential For Sale

30 Headings Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3E1

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Dartmouth)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$409900

Residential For Sale

49 Arbor Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1S8

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

CarportParking(s)

22Picture(s)

1,040Sqft

Listing courtesy of Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)

C$249900

Residential For Sale

49 Arbor Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1S8

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

CarportParking(s)

1,040Sqft

Listing courtesy of Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)

49 Arbour Drive, Antigonish Located in the heart of Antigonish, this home is within walking distance to all town amenities. The main floor features two bedrooms, a full bath with Jacuzzi tub, a bright living room with fireplace and built-in shelving, and an open view to the dining area. The galley-style kitchen offers efficiency, while the dining room includes built-in cabinetry for added storage.

C$249900

Residential For Sale

49 Arbor Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1S8

Listing courtesy of Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$249900

Residential For Sale

206-1350 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

26Picture(s)

1,110Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$565000

Residential For Sale

206-1350 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

1,110Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Don’t miss this bright and spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo! Ideally located next to Armbrae Academy, directly across from Dalhousie University and King’s College, and less than a 5-minute drive to Saint Mary’s University, IWK Hospital, and the Halifax Central Library. Shopping, restaurants, parks, and all daily conveniences are just a short walk away.

C$565000

Residential For Sale

206-1350 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$565000

Residential For Sale

5547 Cabot Place, Halifax, NS B3K 2J6

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

42Picture(s)

1,333Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$635000

Residential For Sale

5547 Cabot Place, Halifax, NS B3K 2J6

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

1,333Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Nows your chance to live in one of the most sought after areas in Halifax! From the quiet treelined boulevard you are greeted to a beautiful entry that leads to a sun filled living space, kitchen, mudroom/sunroom that continues outside to a newly built fenced deck and parking. Upstairs you will find two spacious bedrooms and renovated spa like bathroom with in floor radiant heat.

C$635000

Residential For Sale

5547 Cabot Place, Halifax, NS B3K 2J6

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$635000

4773 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

12364 Cabot Trail, St. Joseph Du Moine, NS B0E 3A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

76 Stoney Brook Court, Clayton Park, NS B3M 3J7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1403 Princess Cres Crescent, Coldbrook, NS B4R 1B2

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1769 Highway 201, Round Hill, NS B0S 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

137 Main Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Lot 12 Cottage Lane, Pleasantville, NS B0T 1E0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

349 Ioney Hill, Beaver Bank, NS B4E 1N1

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

168 Culloden Road, Mount Pleasant, NS B0V 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

30 Headings Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3E1

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

49 Arbor Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1S8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

206-1350 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8

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.