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

9345 366 Highway, Port Howe, NS B0K 1K0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
4,142Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

9345 366 Highway, Port Howe, NS B0K 1K0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,142Sqft
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
Welcome to this incredible 23-year-old custom built executive beach house, located in the ocean-side community of Port Howe, Nova Scotia! Set on a spacious 40,000 sq/ft parcel, this beautifully designed home offers luxurious coastal living just steps from the warm, sandy shores of the Northumberland Strait.
C$899900

Residential For Sale

9345 366 Highway, Port Howe, NS B0K 1K0
Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$899900

Residential For Sale

9 Chemin De Susanne Road, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,087Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

9 Chemin De Susanne Road, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,087Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Welcome to your next investment, getaway retreat or primary residence! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom property is ideally located directly across the ocean in the picturesque Chéticamp—a true destination location on Cape Breton Island.
C$329000

Residential For Sale

9 Chemin De Susanne Road, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$329000

Residential For Sale

15409 C Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
29Picture(s)
616Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$319000

Residential For Sale

15409 C Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
616Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Welcome to your next investment opportunity, vacation retreat, or year-round residence! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is perfectly positioned directly across from the harbour in scenic Cheticamp—a true destination along Cape Breton Island's world-renowned Cabot Trail.
C$319000

Residential For Sale

15409 C Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$319000

Residential For Sale

70 Hornes Road, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1A4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,485Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$419900

Residential For Sale

70 Hornes Road, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1A4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,485Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
First time to market for this great property! This lovingly cared for home has always been in the same family and is ready for new keepers. The solid, well-built bungalow sits on a very large and level lot in the great seaside community of Eastern Passage. The fabulous lot and home are located in what has always been a family friendly neighbourhood and has emerged as a highly desirable area.
C$419900

Residential For Sale

70 Hornes Road, Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1A4
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$419900

Residential For Sale

67 Birchview Drive, Lake Charlotte, NS B0J 2L0

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
19Picture(s)
2,184Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$649999

Residential For Sale

67 Birchview Drive, Lake Charlotte, NS B0J 2L0
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,184Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
NEW, quality finishes throughout, stunning water views from both levels AND move in ready September 2025! This 4 bedroom, 2 full bath home has a functional flow with open concept main floor kitchen/dining/living rooms and split bedroom layout on each level...big family OR use one/two of the bedrooms as a flex room...home office(s), gym, art studio.
C$649999

Residential For Sale

67 Birchview Drive, Lake Charlotte, NS B0J 2L0
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$649999

Residential For Sale

74 Canyon Point Road, Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DrivewayParking(s)
44Picture(s)
895Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
C$519900

Residential For Sale

74 Canyon Point Road, Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DrivewayParking(s)
895Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
Lakefront Retreat in Canyon Point – Your Year-Round Retreat Awaits! Nestled in the sought-after Canyon Point condominium community, this charming lakefront bungalow offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and relaxation. The open-concept layout features gleaming hardwood floors throughout, creating a warm and inviting space that’s ideal for both quiet evenings and lively entertaining.
C$519900

Residential For Sale

74 Canyon Point Road, Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0
Royal LePage Atlantic - Valley(Windsor)
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$519900

Residential For Sale

2650 Prospect Road, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1V6

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,551Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$424999

Residential For Sale

2650 Prospect Road, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1V6
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,551Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 2650 Prospect Road - a lovely well maintained family home in Whites Lake, in the Prospect communities. All you need to do with this home is move in and enjoy....3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, hardwood floors, nice bungalow style layout with room to grow in the lower level, with partially finished rec room area, laundry room, utility room and furnace room.
C$424999

Residential For Sale

2650 Prospect Road, Whites Lake, NS B3T 1V6
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$424999

Residential For Sale

1671 Chestnut Street, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3H 3T3

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,365Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$879900

Residential For Sale

1671 Chestnut Street, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3H 3T3
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,365Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Welcome to one of the best locations in all of Halifax! This South End charmer is in a great spot on beautiful tree-lined Chestnut Street in the South End. This area is so coveted for a reason - you're steps away from coffee shops, restaurants, amazing schools, universities, hospitals, you name it.
C$879900

Residential For Sale

1671 Chestnut Street, Halifax Peninsula, NS B3H 3T3
Royal LePage Atlantic
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$879900

Residential For Sale

8 Dufferin Mines Road, Port Dufferin, NS B0J 2R0

7Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
48Picture(s)
3,112Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$480900

Residential For Sale

8 Dufferin Mines Road, Port Dufferin, NS B0J 2R0
7Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,112Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Discover this magnificent, grand Victorian-Style home that exudes timeless charm, overlooking the ocean. A breathtaking panorama worthy of the most prestigious home. This property offers expansive rooms with high ceilings that flood the space with natural light.
C$480900

Residential For Sale

8 Dufferin Mines Road, Port Dufferin, NS B0J 2R0
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
7Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$480900

Residential For Sale

1713 Loganville Road, Diamond, NS B0K 1R0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
41Picture(s)
1,586Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

1713 Loganville Road, Diamond, NS B0K 1R0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,586Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
Discover the perfect blend of country charm and modern convenience with this sprawling 14-acre property, located just 15 minutes from the historic Town of Pictou. Built in 1998 and thoughtfully renovated in 2014, this inviting home boasts numerous upgrades, including a durable metal roof, updated siding and windows, an efficient heat pump, and cozy in-floor heating for year-round comfort.
C$374900

Residential For Sale

1713 Loganville Road, Diamond, NS B0K 1R0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Pictou)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$374900

Residential For Sale

74 Sunrise Drive, Georges River, NS B1Y 3B8

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,292Sqft
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
C$475000

Residential For Sale

74 Sunrise Drive, Georges River, NS B1Y 3B8
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
ConcreteParking(s)
2,292Sqft
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
This four bedroom, three bath home with beautiful shrubs, flowers, trees and even a pond in the back yard is tucked away at the end of Sunrise Drive in beautiful Georges River on almost an acre of well manicured property with a concrete driveway, an enclosed above ground pool with heat pump and newer liner, a large deck and screened gazebo and a bar, and also a deck that runs the length of the ba
C$475000

Residential For Sale

74 Sunrise Drive, Georges River, NS B1Y 3B8
VALMAC REALTY LTD. - 16139
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$475000

Residential For Sale

332 Oceanview Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 4H5

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
46Picture(s)
2,090Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$625000

Residential For Sale

332 Oceanview Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 4H5
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,090Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 332 Oceanview Drive in sought-after Bedford South! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and community.
C$625000

Residential For Sale

332 Oceanview Drive, Bedford, NS B4A 4H5
Keller Williams Select Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$625000
4890 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern