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

18 Fieldview Drive, Scarsdale, NS B0R 1A0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

44Picture(s)

1,629Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

C$509000

Residential For Sale

18 Fieldview Drive, Scarsdale, NS B0R 1A0

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,629Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

Are you dreaming of owning your own private retreat, hobby farm or small manageable vineyard, here it is! This is perfect for gardeners & foodies alike, enjoy your own grapes for wine, jellies, or fresh eating, along with high bush blueberries, Hascap berries, & a huge cherry tree.

C$509000

Residential For Sale

18 Fieldview Drive, Scarsdale, NS B0R 1A0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$509000

Residential For Sale

32 Fielding Avenue, Kentville, NS B4N 2T6

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

50Picture(s)

2,068Sqft

Listing courtesy of MacKay Real Estate Ltd.

C$579000

Residential For Sale

32 Fielding Avenue, Kentville, NS B4N 2T6

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,068Sqft

Listing courtesy of MacKay Real Estate Ltd.

Welcome to 32 Fielding Avenue, a beautiful executive home that exudes character located on a park-like lot in the centre of one of Kentville’s most sought after subdivisions! This one level home features high end finishes throughout including hardwood flooring, tile, and exquisite granite countertops in the main floor bathroom and the well-appointed galley kitchen.

C$579000

Residential For Sale

32 Fielding Avenue, Kentville, NS B4N 2T6

Listing courtesy of MacKay Real Estate Ltd.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$579000

Residential For Sale

8 Horsburgh Drive, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,591Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)

C$719900

Residential For Sale

8 Horsburgh Drive, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

3,591Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)

With its timeless architecture, lush gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds, 8 Horsburgh Drive offers classic elegance in a true story book setting. Situated on over an acre lot complete in the heart of Berwick, this spacious and lovingly maintained 4 bedroom, 2,5 bath home is full of charm, character and modern convenience.

C$719900

Residential For Sale

8 Horsburgh Drive, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (New Minas)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$719900

Residential For Sale

142 Victoria Street, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

24Picture(s)

725Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

C$145000

Residential For Sale

142 Victoria Street, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

725Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

This inviting 1.5-storey, 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers, investors, or anyone looking to take on a project with great potential. Ideally located right in the town of Digby, it’s just a short walk to shops, restaurants, schools, parks, and the picturesque waterfront—making everyday living convenient and enjoyable.

C$145000

Residential For Sale

142 Victoria Street, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$145000

Residential For Sale

42 West Side Road, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1G9

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

49Picture(s)

2,000Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

C$649900

Residential For Sale

42 West Side Road, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1G9

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,000Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

Jaw-dropping views! Tucked deep within a stunning lakefront setting, this property is a true wildlife paradise offering complete privacy, tranquility, and an extraordinary connection to nature. The moment you arrive, you’ll feel the magic ushered in by a sprawling, wraparound deck perfect for lounging, entertaining, or soaking in the peaceful views.

C$649900

Residential For Sale

42 West Side Road, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1G9

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$649900

Residential For Sale

2353 Cow Bay Road, Cow Bay, NS B3G 1K8

More Details

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

22Picture(s)

613Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

C$249800

Residential For Sale

2353 Cow Bay Road, Cow Bay, NS B3G 1K8

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

613Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

Oceanfront Living Awaits! Dreaming of sun-soaked summer days by the sea? Here’s your chance to own oceanfront property in the highly sought-after Rainbow Haven Beach area of Cow Bay! This charming seasonal one-bedroom, one-bath cottage is being sold "as is, where is" - with true value on land and unbeatable location.

C$249800

Residential For Sale

2353 Cow Bay Road, Cow Bay, NS B3G 1K8

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$249800

Residential For Sale

6 Piers Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 1Z3

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,550Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$679900

Residential For Sale

6 Piers Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 1Z3

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

1,550Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

This lovely 1.5 storey is located in the popular Fairmont subdivision, a great family friendly neighbourhood. The main floor features a side porch area, a great spot for your outdoor gear that conveniently leads to the kitchen. The dining room has hardwood floors and stairs that lead you to the bright sunroom with patio doors to the level, landscaped backyard.

C$679900

Residential For Sale

6 Piers Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 1Z3

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$679900

Residential For Sale

63 Maclean Street, Inverness, NS B0E 1N0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

43Picture(s)

1,811Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$375000

Residential For Sale

63 Maclean Street, Inverness, NS B0E 1N0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,811Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Location, potential, and investment opportunity—this Inverness property checks all the boxes. Just a 5-minute walk to world-renowned Cabot Links Golf Course, this solid 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a rare oversized, level 1.32-acre lot in the heart of town.

C$375000

Residential For Sale

63 Maclean Street, Inverness, NS B0E 1N0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$375000

Residential For Sale

111 Church Street, Florence, NS B1V 3G4

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

29Picture(s)

1,304Sqft

Listing courtesy of 3% Realty Nova Scotia

C$324000

Residential For Sale

111 Church Street, Florence, NS B1V 3G4

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,304Sqft

Listing courtesy of 3% Realty Nova Scotia

Discover the perfect blend of modern style and turn-key convenience in this immaculate home, only five years old and in excellent condition. Step inside and be captivated by the bright and airy open-concept layout, flooded with natural light that highlights the gleaming hardwood floors.

C$324000

Residential For Sale

111 Church Street, Florence, NS B1V 3G4

Listing courtesy of 3% Realty Nova Scotia

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$324000

Residential For Sale

Sweetland Road Unit 36, Sweetland, NS B0J 1E0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DrivewayParking(s)

11Picture(s)

1,540Sqft

Listing courtesy of Holm Realty Limited

C$683999

Residential For Sale

Sweetland Road Unit 36, Sweetland, NS B0J 1E0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DrivewayParking(s)

1,540Sqft

Listing courtesy of Holm Realty Limited

This turn-key package includes the lot price along with everything completely in place and ready to move in. Lot 36 is designed for those who appreciate both elegance and ease. As a member of the Sweetland Estates community, you are granted exclusive access to the secluded haven of Old Sweetland Beach.

C$683999

Residential For Sale

Sweetland Road Unit 36, Sweetland, NS B0J 1E0

Listing courtesy of Holm Realty Limited

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$683999

Residential For Sale

46 Fathom Court, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

49Picture(s)

2,570Sqft

Listing courtesy of Verve Realty Group

C$739900

Residential For Sale

46 Fathom Court, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

2,570Sqft

Listing courtesy of Verve Realty Group

Ready to make 46 Fathom Court your new home?.....Call your Realtor quick as this one won't last! This 3 Bedroom, 4 bath home offers everything the growing family needs and is close to schools, shopping, restaurants. The main floor features a large living room/ dining room combination, large eat in kitchen with propane fireplace, hardwood staircase, hardwood and ceramic floors.

C$739900

Residential For Sale

46 Fathom Court, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7

Listing courtesy of Verve Realty Group

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$739900

Residential For Sale

193 Red Tail Drive, Newburne, NS B0J 2E0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

Circular DrivewayParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,171Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

C$948000

Residential For Sale

193 Red Tail Drive, Newburne, NS B0J 2E0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

Circular DrivewayParking(s)

3,171Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

Discover enchanting lake life PARADISE at the end of a winding drive through your very own tree farm. More than a place to live, it's a place to belong. This BEAUTIFUL home immediately impresses with its landscaping & privacy. Here your tranquil mornings begin with the scent of fresh coffee as you wake up to your stunning panoramic lake vistas from every room.

C$948000

Residential For Sale

193 Red Tail Drive, Newburne, NS B0J 2E0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$948000

4647 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

18 Fieldview Drive, Scarsdale, NS B0R 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

32 Fielding Avenue, Kentville, NS B4N 2T6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

8 Horsburgh Drive, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

142 Victoria Street, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

42 West Side Road, Porters Lake, NS B3E 1G9

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2353 Cow Bay Road, Cow Bay, NS B3G 1K8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

6 Piers Avenue, Halifax, NS B3N 1Z3

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

63 Maclean Street, Inverness, NS B0E 1N0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

111 Church Street, Florence, NS B1V 3G4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Sweetland Road Unit 36, Sweetland, NS B0J 1E0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

46 Fathom Court, Halifax, NS B3M 0A7

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.