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

15 Essex Lane, Halifax, NS B3S 1E3

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
46Picture(s)
3,190Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$834000

Residential For Sale

15 Essex Lane, Halifax, NS B3S 1E3
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
3,190Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Welcome to 15 Essex Lane – a spacious and beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath family home on a quiet cul-de-sac in sought-after Clayton Park. Backing onto the Mainland Trail and just steps from schools, Canada Games Centre, Lacewood Terminal, and Clayton Park Shopping Plaza, this home blends comfort, convenience, and privacy.
C$834000

Residential For Sale

15 Essex Lane, Halifax, NS B3S 1E3
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$834000

Residential For Sale

101 Second Avenue, Digby, NS B0V 1A0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
35Picture(s)
936Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$299900

Residential For Sale

101 Second Avenue, Digby, NS B0V 1A0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
936Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Immaculate, well kept and commanding your attention. This desirable bungalow is ready for you to make it your own. Sitting pleasantly on a low maintenance lot in the Town of Digby and easy walking distance to all amenities, schools and Digby’s breathtaking waterfront.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

101 Second Avenue, Digby, NS B0V 1A0
Exit Realty Town & Country
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

8 Heritage Place, Truro, NS B2N 6J5

3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
49Picture(s)
2,628Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
C$589900

Residential For Sale

8 Heritage Place, Truro, NS B2N 6J5
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,628Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
Welcome to 8 Heritage Place – a beautifully upgraded and meticulously maintained family home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Truro. This spacious two-storey offers 3 oversized bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 2 half baths, perfect for families who love space, comfort, and style.
C$589900

Residential For Sale

8 Heritage Place, Truro, NS B2N 6J5
Royal LePage Atlantic (Enfield)
3Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$589900

Residential For Sale

9 Roxbury Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 4S9

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
48Picture(s)
2,901Sqft
Verve Realty Group
C$898000

Residential For Sale

9 Roxbury Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 4S9
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,901Sqft
Verve Realty Group
Located in the heart of Clayton Park West this large home is perfect for the growing family as well as extended family. A short 2 minute walk to school for primary to grade 9, makes it the ideal location for kids and parents alike. Also close to all that Clayton park has to offer - library, sports fields, Canada Games centre, shopping and Bayers lake business park.
C$898000

Residential For Sale

9 Roxbury Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 4S9
Verve Realty Group
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$898000

Residential For Sale

70 Gerrior Road, Larrys River, NS B0H 1T0

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
13Picture(s)
768Sqft
Del Mar Realty Inc.
C$94000

Residential For Sale

70 Gerrior Road, Larrys River, NS B0H 1T0
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
Circular DrivewayParking(s)
768Sqft
Del Mar Realty Inc.
This house and property are well maintained and cared for. Currently it is used as a cottage and lends itself very well for this purpose. A quiet and private location but close to the pavement. Very suitable for outdoor activities like fishing and hunting. Ample parking and a circular driveway make convenient use of the property. With a few upgraded it could serve as a full time residence as well.
C$94000

Residential For Sale

70 Gerrior Road, Larrys River, NS B0H 1T0
Del Mar Realty Inc.
2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$94000

Residential For Sale

101 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2S6

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
23Picture(s)
2,714Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$998000

Residential For Sale

101 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2S6
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,714Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Fabulous investment opportunity in one of the fastest growing areas in Nova Scotia to own this 5 bedroom 3 bathroom large residential home sitting on a double lot (16200 sq ft) with currently R-2 zoning and unlimited possibilities for an expansion or for a total redevelopment.
C$998000

Residential For Sale

101 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth, NS B2W 2S6
Sutton Group Professional Realty
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$998000

Residential For Sale

85 Rufus Avenue, Fairview, NS B3N 2L8

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,244Sqft
FLAT RATE REALTY CANADA LTD - 15099
C$489900

Residential For Sale

85 Rufus Avenue, Fairview, NS B3N 2L8
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
1,244Sqft
FLAT RATE REALTY CANADA LTD - 15099
This lovely 3 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow is located in sought after Fairview neighbourhood and is available for a quick closing if required. Home is heated by 2 ETS and baseboards. The spacious living room has hardwood floors and gets lots of light. The 2 bedrooms on the main level are a good size and also have hardwood floors.
C$489900

Residential For Sale

85 Rufus Avenue, Fairview, NS B3N 2L8
FLAT RATE REALTY CANADA LTD - 15099
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$489900

Residential For Sale

18 Alderney Drive, Enfield, NS B2T 1J7

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
20Picture(s)
2,680Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
C$639000

Residential For Sale

18 Alderney Drive, Enfield, NS B2T 1J7
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,680Sqft
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. 4 bed, 3 bath home- plus apartment! Spacious family home with large backyard in a desirable residential area close to schools, shopping and the amenities of Enfield. Five minutes to Halifax airport and 20 minutes to HRM. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, kitchen & dining area with plenty of closet space.
C$639000

Residential For Sale

18 Alderney Drive, Enfield, NS B2T 1J7
PG Direct Realty Ltd.
5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$639000

Residential For Sale

886 Maple Street, Waterville, NS B0P 1V0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,196Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
C$299900

Residential For Sale

886 Maple Street, Waterville, NS B0P 1V0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
1,196Sqft
RE/MAX Advantage
Don't miss this opportunity for home ownership on the outskirts of Berwick. This quaint 1.5 storey home offers more space than meets the eye. The the yard is spacious and backs on the trail system. The home has undergone many updates in the last 15 years and is ready for you to add your personal touches.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

886 Maple Street, Waterville, NS B0P 1V0
RE/MAX Advantage
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

1634 Camperdown Road, Camperdown, NS B4V 6S5

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
40Picture(s)
3,150Sqft
Red Door Realty(Lunenburg)
C$895000

Residential For Sale

1634 Camperdown Road, Camperdown, NS B4V 6S5
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
3,150Sqft
Red Door Realty(Lunenburg)
This lake front property has been a much-loved family home for years, and it is ready to welcome a new chapter. Set on 1.77 acres of peaceful, subdividable land, this property is situated on one of the regions largest and quietest lakes, with an impressive 363 feet of secluded shoreline.
C$895000

Residential For Sale

1634 Camperdown Road, Camperdown, NS B4V 6S5
Red Door Realty(Lunenburg)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$895000

Residential For Sale

86 La Pierre Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 5C8

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
39Picture(s)
2,860Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
C$660000

Residential For Sale

86 La Pierre Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 5C8
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,860Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty
Welcome to 86 La Pierre Crescent in the lovely community of Woodlawn. Clean, bright, and warm this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has almost 2900 sq.Ft. on two level. Set up with a secondary unit in the lower unit! Ideal for large families or supplementary income to help pay for your mortgage.
C$660000

Residential For Sale

86 La Pierre Crescent, Dartmouth, NS B2W 5C8
Keller Williams Select Realty
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$660000

Residential For Sale

26 Tenth Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4L8

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
15Picture(s)
1,040Sqft
RE/MAX NOVA (Windsor)
C$289900

Residential For Sale

26 Tenth Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4L8
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,040Sqft
RE/MAX NOVA (Windsor)
Welcome to the Oceanside community of Glace Bay in beautiful Cape Breton Island ! This one year young bungalow awaits a new family. Step inside and be greeted by an airy open concept ( ideal for accessibility needs) . The livingroom is bright and spacious and open to the eat in kitchen, adorned with white cabinetry. For convenience a storage room with laundry is located off the kitchen as well.
C$289900

Residential For Sale

26 Tenth Street, Glace Bay, NS B1A 4L8
RE/MAX NOVA (Windsor)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$289900
4921 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern