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

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

2Picture(s)

2,243Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$744900

Residential For Sale

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

2,243Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Discover The Bellhaven, a 3-bed, 3.5-bath corner unit townhome by Shaughnessy Homes in the desirable Belle Rose Park in West Bedford. Spanning 2,243 sq. ft. across three finished levels, this home blends modern comfort with stylish design.

C$744900

Residential For Sale

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$744900

Residential For Sale

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

2Picture(s)

2,243Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$729900

Residential For Sale

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

2,243Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

Discover The Bellhaven, a 3-bed, 3.5-bath townhome by Shaughnessy Homes in the desirable Belle Rose Park in West Bedford. Spanning 2,243 sq. ft. across three finished levels, this home blends modern comfort with stylish design. The main floor features a home office, a sleek kitchen with a walk-in pantry and premium finishes, and an open-concept living and dining area perfect for entertaining.

C$729900

Residential For Sale

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

3Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$729900

Residential For Sale

2 Candlewood Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1A5

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

1,400Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

C$474900

Residential For Sale

2 Candlewood Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1A5

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,400Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

Tucked into a friendly, walkable neighborhood in Lower Sackville, this charming back split checks all the boxes. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or just searching for a move-in ready space to call your own. With 3 spacious bedrooms, 1.5 updated bathrooms, and a generously sized laundry room, this home offers function and flow across every level.

C$474900

Residential For Sale

2 Candlewood Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1A5

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$474900

Residential For Sale

151 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3P8

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

44Picture(s)

1,549Sqft

Listing courtesy of Harbourside Realty Ltd.

C$618900

Residential For Sale

151 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3P8

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

1,549Sqft

Listing courtesy of Harbourside Realty Ltd.

A short walk from Downtown Dartmouth, conveniently located in this sought after Southdale neighbourhood is 151 Pleasant Street. This lovely 2 storey home has lots to offer. The addition of a main floor family room, laundry w/half bath and mudroom provide great family space. The home has been very well cared for over the years inside and out.

C$618900

Residential For Sale

151 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3P8

Listing courtesy of Harbourside Realty Ltd.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$618900

Residential For Sale

667 Crombe Road, Mill Village, NS B0N 2H0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

36Picture(s)

1,564Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

C$475000

Residential For Sale

667 Crombe Road, Mill Village, NS B0N 2H0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,564Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

Beautifully Renovated Century Farmhouse with Modern Comforts!Welcome to 667 Crombe Road—where charm meets convenience. Since 2022, this spacious farmhouse has been thoughtfully updated with new metal roof, propane furnace, 200-amp panel, generator hookup, and more (see docs tab). The main floor offers a versatile layout with front room and 2-piece bath—ideal as a home office or guest suite.

C$475000

Residential For Sale

667 Crombe Road, Mill Village, NS B0N 2H0

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$475000

Residential For Sale

4-62 Western Point Lane, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

33Picture(s)

1,358Sqft

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty

C$749900

Residential For Sale

4-62 Western Point Lane, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,358Sqft

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty

Welcome to 62 Western Point Lane, a serene waterfront oasis nestled in the peaceful community of East Uniacke. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a generous 1.25-acre lot and offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and nature.

C$749900

Residential For Sale

4-62 Western Point Lane, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$749900

Residential For Sale

14 Everette Street, Woodside, NS B2W 1G5

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

49Picture(s)

1,330Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$389900

Residential For Sale

14 Everette Street, Woodside, NS B2W 1G5

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,330Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

A young home like this in this neighbourhood is a rare find. 3-bedroom semi in the heart of Woodside. This 20-year-old semi-detached home is ideally located within walking distance to the Woodside Ferry Terminal, Dartmouth General Hospital, and No Frills.

C$389900

Residential For Sale

14 Everette Street, Woodside, NS B2W 1G5

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$389900

Residential For Sale

6 Codroy Avenue, Lake Loon, NS B2W 3R2

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

32Picture(s)

1,739Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

C$494900

Residential For Sale

6 Codroy Avenue, Lake Loon, NS B2W 3R2

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,739Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

Welcome to 6 Codroy Avenue! This well-maintained bungalow features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, and is conveniently located near Montague Golf Course, schools, amenities, and more. Recent upgrades include a ducted electric heat pump (2021), a new stand-up shower on the main level (2025), a hot water tank (2021), and a bright sunroom addition — perfect for enjoying your morning coffee.

C$494900

Residential For Sale

6 Codroy Avenue, Lake Loon, NS B2W 3R2

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$494900

Residential For Sale

925 Mushaboom Road, Mushaboom, NS B0J 3H0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

48Picture(s)

1,627Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Agency Real Estate Brokerage

C$319900

Residential For Sale

925 Mushaboom Road, Mushaboom, NS B0J 3H0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

1,627Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Agency Real Estate Brokerage

Nestled on over 5 acres in the peaceful coastal community of Mushaboom, this well-maintained 4-bedroom home offers breathtaking ocean views and a lifestyle defined by comfort and privacy.

C$319900

Residential For Sale

925 Mushaboom Road, Mushaboom, NS B0J 3H0

Listing courtesy of The Agency Real Estate Brokerage

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$319900

Residential For Sale

159 Riverside Drive, Sydney River, NS B1S 1G6

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

45Picture(s)

1,650Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

C$399900

Residential For Sale

159 Riverside Drive, Sydney River, NS B1S 1G6

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,650Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

159 Riverside Drive is a well-maintained family home situated in one of Sydney River’s few waterfront communities, offering a quiet, spacious lifestyle with all amenities nearby. Set on a nearly half-acre lot, the property combines low-maintenance living with mature landscaping, featuring towering oak and chestnut trees that provide natural shade and privacy.

C$399900

Residential For Sale

159 Riverside Drive, Sydney River, NS B1S 1G6

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$399900

Residential For Sale

571 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z2

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

17Picture(s)

775Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

C$129900

Residential For Sale

571 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z2

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

775Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

This beautiful drive-by home boasts incredible curb appeal with a well landscaped yard and a 24x24 detached garage, offering both functionality and charm. Inside you'll find a cozy 1.5 story layout featuring two bedrooms on the second level and a three piece bath. Kitchen and living room on the main level.

C$129900

Residential For Sale

571 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z2

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$129900

Residential For Sale

77 Windwood Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A2

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

48Picture(s)

2,140Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

C$629900

Residential For Sale

77 Windwood Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A2

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,140Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

Stunning Executive Split Entry Home in Prime Location! Welcome to your dream home! This immaculate meticulously maintained 3-bedroom plus den executive split-entry is ready for you to move in and make it your own.

C$629900

Residential For Sale

77 Windwood Drive, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3A2

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$629900

4892 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

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Stephs Street, Bedford West, NS B4B 0L1

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

2 Candlewood Lane, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1A5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

151 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 3P8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

667 Crombe Road, Mill Village, NS B0N 2H0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

4-62 Western Point Lane, East Uniacke, NS B0N 1Z0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

14 Everette Street, Woodside, NS B2W 1G5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

6 Codroy Avenue, Lake Loon, NS B2W 3R2

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

925 Mushaboom Road, Mushaboom, NS B0J 3H0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

159 Riverside Drive, Sydney River, NS B1S 1G6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

571 King Street, New Waterford, NS B1H 3Z2

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.