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

987 West Bay Road, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,152Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$597000

Residential For Sale

987 West Bay Road, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,152Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Two properties on 6.4 acres with water views Welcome to your own slice of paradise! This stunning two-bedroom, two-bath mini home is nestled on a spacious 6.3-acre lot, offering an open concept kitchen, dining, and living area that is perfect for modern living.
C$597000

Residential For Sale

987 West Bay Road, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$597000

Residential For Sale

987 West Bay Road, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,152Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$597000

Residential For Sale

987 West Bay Road, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,152Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Two properties on 6.4 acres with water views Welcome to your own slice of paradise! This stunning two-bedroom, two-bath mini home is nestled on a spacious 6.3-acre lot, offering an open concept kitchen, dining, and living area that is perfect for modern living.
C$597000

Residential For Sale

987 West Bay Road, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$597000

Residential For Sale

1081 Highway 312, Englishtown, NS B0C 1H0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
36Picture(s)
2,170Sqft
Engel & Volkers
C$439000

Residential For Sale

1081 Highway 312, Englishtown, NS B0C 1H0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
2,170Sqft
Engel & Volkers
Located along the water's edge of St Annes Bay, with its very own water lot, this stunning property welcomes you to enjoy its modern aesthetics, striking view, and great location. When the owners bought this home, they purchased it with the intention of a full renovation.
C$439000

Residential For Sale

1081 Highway 312, Englishtown, NS B0C 1H0
Engel & Volkers
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$439000

Residential For Sale

63 Duke Street, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,509Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$285000

Residential For Sale

63 Duke Street, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,509Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Welcome to 63 Duke Street, Oxford NS where you will be situated in a family oriented residential neighborhood within walking distance to the school & amenities. Pride of ownership is evident throughout this well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath home and landscaped property. From the paved drive, enter through the mudroom, which takes you into the spacious and bright kitchen, to the dining room.
C$285000

Residential For Sale

63 Duke Street, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$285000

Residential For Sale

52-175 Darner Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 0E2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,967Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$659900

Residential For Sale

52-175 Darner Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 0E2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,967Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
Meet "Sasha", a beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home by Rooftight Homes, located in the cozy community of Carriagewood Estates in Beaver Bank, Halifax, Nova Scotia. This model starts at $624,900 offering exceptional value and this LEGAL basement suite version is just $659,900! These homes are built with municipal services (no well or septic to maintain!).
C$659900

Residential For Sale

52-175 Darner Drive, Beaver Bank, NS B4G 0E2
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$659900

Residential For Sale

149 Halewood Drive, Falmouth, NS B0P 1P0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
15Picture(s)
1,255Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
C$515000

Residential For Sale

149 Halewood Drive, Falmouth, NS B0P 1P0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,255Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
New home without the hassle! Still some time to choose colors and fixtures in this new build. Convenient one-level living with mudroom from the attached garage, providing for storage and parking. Open concept with 9 ft ceilings throughout (10 ft tray in living room). Economical electric heating with two heat pumps.
C$515000

Residential For Sale

149 Halewood Drive, Falmouth, NS B0P 1P0
Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$515000

Residential For Sale

75 Bowman Road, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
45Picture(s)
1,044Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
C$379900

Residential For Sale

75 Bowman Road, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,044Sqft
Exit Real Estate Professionals
Welcome home to 75 Bowman Road in the beautiful community of Garlands Crossing. This 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Bungalow sits on a stunning 3/4 acre landscaped lot with a small brook running through.
C$379900

Residential For Sale

75 Bowman Road, Garlands Crossing, NS B0N 2T0
Exit Real Estate Professionals
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$379900

Residential For Sale

80 Lundy Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 6M4

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,345Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
C$824900

Residential For Sale

80 Lundy Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 6M4
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,345Sqft
RE/MAX Nova
Stunning 4-Bedroom, 4-Bathroom Home in a Highly Desirable Neighborhood Welcome to this beautifully maintained home offering the perfect blend of space, style, and functionality. Featuring four spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms, this property is ideal for growing families or those who love to entertain.
C$824900

Residential For Sale

80 Lundy Drive, Cole Harbour, NS B2W 6M4
RE/MAX Nova
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$824900

Residential For Sale

3 Massachussets Road, Granville Centre, NS B0S 1A0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
27Picture(s)
1,132Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
C$399000

Residential For Sale

3 Massachussets Road, Granville Centre, NS B0S 1A0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,132Sqft
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Nestled on a scenic promontory along the beautiful Annapolis River, this much-loved family cottage has been a cherished retreat since it was first built in 1972. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of both the North and South Mountains, the property offers an idyllic combination of natural beauty, privacy, and comfort.
C$399000

Residential For Sale

3 Massachussets Road, Granville Centre, NS B0S 1A0
Sotheby's International Realty Canada
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$399000

Residential For Sale

122 Flagstone Drive, Cole Harbour, NS N2V 1Z8

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
37Picture(s)
3,010Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$624900

Residential For Sale

122 Flagstone Drive, Cole Harbour, NS N2V 1Z8
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,010Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Spacious Family Home with Room to Grow! Welcome to this family-friendly home offering space, comfort, and versatility. Upstairs features three generously sized bedrooms, a main bathrooms, including the large primary bedroom with a private 3-piece ensuite. A spacious bonus room offers the perfect space for a home office, playroom, or creative studio.
C$624900

Residential For Sale

122 Flagstone Drive, Cole Harbour, NS N2V 1Z8
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$624900

Residential For Sale

32 Osborne Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1H8

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,650Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

32 Osborne Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1H8
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,650Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
From the outside, 32 Osborne Avenue is simply a house on a quiet cul-de-sac. But step inside and you’ll feel something different. A warmth. A sense of calm. A place where life slows down just enough to catch your breath. The living room, with its soft light and view of the quiet street, feels like the kind of space where stories unfold.
C$425000

Residential For Sale

32 Osborne Avenue, Dartmouth, NS B2W 1H8
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$425000

Residential For Sale

114 Bog Road, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
1,800Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$399900

Residential For Sale

114 Bog Road, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,800Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Charming 3-Bedroom Home on a Private, Nature-Lover's Lot Just Steps from Berwick! Welcome to this spacious and beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, perfectly nestled on a large, private lot just moments from the heart of Berwick.
C$399900

Residential For Sale

114 Bog Road, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$399900
4662 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern