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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

664 Ketch Harbour Road, Portuguese Cove, NS B3V 1K2

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,157Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
C$849900

Residential For Sale

664 Ketch Harbour Road, Portuguese Cove, NS B3V 1K2
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,157Sqft
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
Nestled along the breathtaking coastline of Portuguese Cove, 664 Ketch Harbour Road offers a rare blend of serenity, charm, and true oceanfront living—all just 20 minutes from downtown Halifax. This picturesque bungalow is set on a beautiful 1-acre lot with over 160 feet of direct frontage on the Atlantic Ocean.
C$849900

Residential For Sale

664 Ketch Harbour Road, Portuguese Cove, NS B3V 1K2
The Agency Real Estate Brokerage
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$849900

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

9558 Highway 10, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
2,013Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
C$389500

Residential For Sale

9558 Highway 10, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
2,013Sqft
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
What`s not to love about this wonderfully maintained 4 bedroom character home in Nictaux. Located under 15 minutes from Greenwood and 2 km from Middleton. The large living room with wood stove and hearth, formal dining room, modern Cape Cod kitchen cabinets with work island and most of the original wood flooring retained throughout reinforce its charm and character.
C$389500

Residential For Sale

9558 Highway 10, Nictaux, NS B0S 1P0
ViewPoint Realty Services Inc.(Greenwood)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$389500

Residential For Sale

6791 3 Highway, Lower Woods Harbour, NS B0W 2E0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
27Picture(s)
1,400Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
C$200000

Residential For Sale

6791 3 Highway, Lower Woods Harbour, NS B0W 2E0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
1,400Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
Welcome to this charming 1.5-storey, 3-bedroom home offering a peaceful country setting and beautiful ocean views from the upper level. Set on a spacious lot, this property combines comfort, functionality, and plenty of room to grow.
C$200000

Residential For Sale

6791 3 Highway, Lower Woods Harbour, NS B0W 2E0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Barrington Passage)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$200000

Residential For Sale

1105-1445 South Park Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0B6

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,264Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$709900

Residential For Sale

1105-1445 South Park Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0B6
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,264Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to this bright and spacious 11th-floor corner condo in the sought-after Trillium! This beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom corner unit features an open-concept layout that's perfect for entertaining family and friends. Floor to ceiling windows allows you to enjoy the fabulous natural light this condo has to offer.
C$709900

Residential For Sale

1105-1445 South Park Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0B6
Royal LePage Atlantic
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$709900

Residential For Sale

124 Mackay Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3H7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,144Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
C$324900

Residential For Sale

124 Mackay Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3H7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,144Sqft
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in New Glasgow offers comfort and convenience with many recent updates, ready for you to move in and enjoy. Step inside to a bright, open-concept kitchen and dining area featuring a lovely island and a gas stove, perfect for family meals and entertaining.
C$324900

Residential For Sale

124 Mackay Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3H7
Blinkhorn Real Estate Ltd.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$324900

Residential For Sale

10 Barque Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 2T6

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,934Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$579000

Residential For Sale

10 Barque Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 2T6
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,934Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Millwood, 10 Barque Court offers comfort and flexibility. The main level features two bright bedrooms, updated flooring (less than two years old), a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and fresh paint. Step out onto the spacious deck and enjoy a fully fenced backyard—ideal for kids and pets.
C$579000

Residential For Sale

10 Barque Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 2T6
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$579000

Residential For Sale

83 Red Fern Terrace, Halifax, NS B3S 1K9

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,413Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$749900

Residential For Sale

83 Red Fern Terrace, Halifax, NS B3S 1K9
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
2,413Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Charming 3-Bedroom Home with In-Law Suite & Pond Views - 83 Red Fern Terrace, Clayton Park West. Welcome to this beautifully maintained detached 3-bedroom home featuring a self-contained 1-bedroom in-law suite with its own private entrance and full kitchen rented for 1700 CAD. This home overlooks the scenic Belchers Marsh Park and offers the perfect blend of family living and smart investment.
C$749900

Residential For Sale

83 Red Fern Terrace, Halifax, NS B3S 1K9
Exit Real Estate Professionals
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$749900

Residential For Sale

18 Outhouse Lane, Digby County, NS B0V 1G0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,498Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$129000

Residential For Sale

18 Outhouse Lane, Digby County, NS B0V 1G0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,498Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Welcome to the picturesque village of Tiverton, Nova Scotia—an affordable, family-friendly community nestled on Long Island, just a short ferry ride from Digby Neck. This welcoming village feels like a hidden gem straight out of a movie set, with breathtaking coastal scenery, and charming homes dotting the shoreline.
C$129000

Residential For Sale

18 Outhouse Lane, Digby County, NS B0V 1G0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$129000

Residential For Sale

47 Lakeside Road, Hebron, NS B5A 5K4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,384Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

47 Lakeside Road, Hebron, NS B5A 5K4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,384Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
Welcome to 47 Lakeside Road - a true gem. This historical farm house, for the former Manor Inn, has undergone a huge transformation. Featured improvements include; replaced cedar shingles (2022), air exchange (2023), water filtration system (2024), oil tank (2022), fireplace (2023), ensuite (2022), front enclosed porch (2023) and back deck (2025). Enjoy the privacy of a beautifully manicured 2.
C$369000

Residential For Sale

47 Lakeside Road, Hebron, NS B5A 5K4
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate(Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$369000

Residential For Sale

86 Tremont Street, Chester, NS B0J 1J0

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
37Picture(s)
3,195Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
C$949000

Residential For Sale

86 Tremont Street, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
CarportParking(s)
3,195Sqft
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
This classic 1931 Cape Cod farmhouse with a fully self-sufficient guest house offers timeless charm, privacy, and year-round comfort on a large corner lot.
C$949000

Residential For Sale

86 Tremont Street, Chester, NS B0J 1J0
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$949000

Residential For Sale

145 Peck Hill, Bear River, NS B0S 1B0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
17Picture(s)
741Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
C$259900

Residential For Sale

145 Peck Hill, Bear River, NS B0S 1B0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
741Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
Discover a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to own over 22 acres in the heart of beautiful Bear River. Perched above this vibrant and artistic village, this cozy two-bedroom, one-bathroom home offers quiet living with plenty of space to embrace the peaceful lifestyle of the Annapolis Valley.
C$259900

Residential For Sale

145 Peck Hill, Bear River, NS B0S 1B0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$259900
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