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

22 George Street, Middleton, NS B0S 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
49Picture(s)
1,440Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$489900

Residential For Sale

22 George Street, Middleton, NS B0S 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,440Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Wonderful opportunity to offset your mortgage and add to your real estate portfolio by adding not one but two properties under your belt. This property offers a renovated main home which features 3 beds with a potential of a 4th bedroom and 2.5 baths. An open and modern kitchen with lovely natural light, island, lots of cabinet space and a spacious dining area.
C$489900

Residential For Sale

22 George Street, Middleton, NS B0S 1P0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$489900

Residential For Sale

177 Rankin Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4G 3B4

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,939Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$524900

Residential For Sale

177 Rankin Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4G 3B4
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,939Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
A spectacular Sackville home at 177 Rankin Drive move in ready, a bright, well maintained bungalow home that blends comfort, and charm.
C$524900

Residential For Sale

177 Rankin Drive, Lower Sackville, NS B4G 3B4
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$524900

Residential For Sale

376 Smith Point Road, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
47Picture(s)
864Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$429900

Residential For Sale

376 Smith Point Road, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
OtherParking(s)
864Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Paradise found at 376 Smith Point Road, Fox Harbour, Nova Scotia! This two bedroom, one level, year-round home is being sold with contents included, so all that you have to do is pack your bags.
C$429900

Residential For Sale

376 Smith Point Road, Fox Harbour, NS B0K 1Y0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$429900

Residential For Sale

480 Main Street, Middleton, NS B0S 1P0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,214Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

480 Main Street, Middleton, NS B0S 1P0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,214Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
From the lush established gardens, to the storybook exterior. This gem of a property in Middleton will make you do a double take! Known as the “Heart of the Valley”, this quaint town offers a variety of shops and services, and a new medical clinic and Soldiers Memorial Hospital are within a 2-minute walk. Plenty of paved parking space and a true double car garage are both a nice touch.
C$369900

Residential For Sale

480 Main Street, Middleton, NS B0S 1P0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$369900

Residential For Sale

225 Farnham Gate Road, Halifax, NS B3M 4C3

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,664Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$469900

Residential For Sale

225 Farnham Gate Road, Halifax, NS B3M 4C3
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,664Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 225 Farnham Gate Road, a beautifully maintained townhouse condo offering comfort, convenience, and exceptional value in one of Halifax’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Perfectly situated in the vibrant Clayton Park community, this home offers easy access to schools, shopping, parks, and public transit—all just minutes from your front door.
C$469900

Residential For Sale

225 Farnham Gate Road, Halifax, NS B3M 4C3
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$469900

Residential For Sale

29 Island View Crescent, Caribou River, NS B0K 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
47Picture(s)
600Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$369000

Residential For Sale

29 Island View Crescent, Caribou River, NS B0K 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
600Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Whether you're looking for a year-round home or a cozy cottage getaway, this two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow offers the best of coastal living. Fully updated with new windows, roof, siding this home is move-in ready so you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings immediately.
C$369000

Residential For Sale

29 Island View Crescent, Caribou River, NS B0K 1H0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

72 Dalkeith Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 4E8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,000Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$484900

Residential For Sale

72 Dalkeith Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 4E8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,000Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to 72 Dalkeith Drive in Cole Harbour. This charming 3 bedroom/2 bath bungalow is move-in ready condition. There is lots of natural sunlight with open concept area, quartz countertops in kitchen, very large rec room with gym area. Sewing/craft, computer room is a bonus for extra space in basement. Laundry room is located in 3 piece bath in lower level.
C$484900

Residential For Sale

72 Dalkeith Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 4E8
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$484900

Residential For Sale

9 Cogan Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 3A7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
48Picture(s)
1,254Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
C$224000

Residential For Sale

9 Cogan Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 3A7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,254Sqft
3% Realty Nova Scotia
Welcome to 9 Cogan Street a beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home nestled in a quiet neighbourhood in the heart of North Sydney. This home has undergone extensive top-to-bottom updates, offering modern comfort, style, and efficiency.
C$224000

Residential For Sale

9 Cogan Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 3A7
3% Realty Nova Scotia
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$224000

Residential For Sale

1339 Conquerall Road, Conquerall Mills, NS B4V 6C7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,092Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
C$449000

Residential For Sale

1339 Conquerall Road, Conquerall Mills, NS B4V 6C7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,092Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Discover the perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, and rural tranquility in this newly constructed bungalow approximately 8 minutes to Bridgewater. Set on a level 2.
C$449000

Residential For Sale

1339 Conquerall Road, Conquerall Mills, NS B4V 6C7
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$449000

Residential For Sale

626 St. Joseph Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 4G8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
44Picture(s)
1,453Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
C$189000

Residential For Sale

626 St. Joseph Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 4G8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,453Sqft
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
Welcome to your new home, located at 626 St. Joseph St in New Waterford! A bright sun room greets you as you walk through the front door, from there it flows into a spacious well laid out living room. This home boasts a large eat in kitchen that has lots of room to sit around the kitchen table for family meals and gatherings with friends or space for a kitchen island.
C$189000

Residential For Sale

626 St. Joseph Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 4G8
Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$189000

Residential For Sale

23 Hilltop Lane, Caribou Island, NS B0K 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
39Picture(s)
985Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$449000

Residential For Sale

23 Hilltop Lane, Caribou Island, NS B0K 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
NoneParking(s)
985Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
Welcome to your peaceful escape on beautiful Caribou Island! This charming two-bedroom, one-bath cottage sits on a 15,000 sq ft lot overlooking the oceanand offers the perfect place to soak in the coastal lifestyle. Tucked in a friendly cottage community on a hilltop, you’ll love the welcoming feel and breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset.
C$449000

Residential For Sale

23 Hilltop Lane, Caribou Island, NS B0K 1H0
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$449000

Residential For Sale

85 Otter Point Road, East Chester, NS B0J 1J0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,463Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
C$745000

Residential For Sale

85 Otter Point Road, East Chester, NS B0J 1J0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
2,463Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
A curving driveway with a gentle rise beneath a canopy of trees arrives at a knoll which enjoys the cool sea breeze. This contemporary home on three levels offers complete privacy within a naturally forested setting of more than one acre.
C$745000

Residential For Sale

85 Otter Point Road, East Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Engel & Volkers (Lunenburg)
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$745000
4696 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern