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

5032-199 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
3,428Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$1149900

Residential For Sale

5032-199 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,428Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Introducing The Quincey by Marchand Homes, a stunning executive two-storey home currently under construction, nestled in the sought-after community of Indigo Shores. Located in the heart of Middle Sackville, Indigo Shores is a vibrant and rapidly expanding neighbourhood, offering a mix of lakefront and lake-access properties designed to suit a variety of lifestyles.
C$1149900

Residential For Sale

5032-199 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$1149900

Residential For Sale

47 Lakeside Road, Hebron, NS B5A 5K4

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
47Picture(s)
1,375Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

47 Lakeside Road, Hebron, NS B5A 5K4
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,375Sqft
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
Welcome to 47 Lakeside Road in Hebron — a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home that combines comfort, updates, and the peaceful charm of country living just minutes from Yarmouth.
C$349900

Residential For Sale

47 Lakeside Road, Hebron, NS B5A 5K4
Engel & Volkers (Yarmouth)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$349900

Residential For Sale

111 Lake Road, Glace Bay, NS B1A 2G8

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
38Picture(s)
848Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
C$205000

Residential For Sale

111 Lake Road, Glace Bay, NS B1A 2G8
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
848Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
Beautifully Updated Four-Bedroom Home – Move-In Ready! This immaculate four-bedroom home showcases numerous quality updates and thoughtful improvements throughout. Recently, the interior and (much of ) the exterior have been professionally painted, creating a fresh and clean appearance.
C$205000

Residential For Sale

111 Lake Road, Glace Bay, NS B1A 2G8
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc. (Sydney)
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$205000

Residential For Sale

1578 Cooks Brook Road, Cooks Brook, NS B0N 2H0

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,696Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
C$950000

Residential For Sale

1578 Cooks Brook Road, Cooks Brook, NS B0N 2H0
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,696Sqft
Press Realty Inc.
This charming 3 bedroom bungalow sits atop 48 acres of rolling countryside with views so good you might start every morning with a cup of coffee and a contented sigh! Having just under 2,700 square feet of living space, it’s the perfect spot to embrace country living without being too far from the action, just 45 minutes to Halifax or, if you're feeling adventurous, about five hours by horseback
C$950000

Residential For Sale

1578 Cooks Brook Road, Cooks Brook, NS B0N 2H0
Press Realty Inc.
3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$950000

Residential For Sale

301-5530 Artillery Place, Halifax, NS B3J 1J3

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,235Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

301-5530 Artillery Place, Halifax, NS B3J 1J3
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
UndergroundParking(s)
1,235Sqft
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner-unit condo offers an unbeatable location just steps from Citadel Hill and Spring Garden Road. Living here means you’re close to everything such as shopping, great restaurants, cafés, and all the city has to offer, right at your doorstep.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

301-5530 Artillery Place, Halifax, NS B3J 1J3
RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

1-1280 Highway 1, Wellington, NS B5A 5A5

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
22Picture(s)
1,500Sqft
Modern Realty
C$458000

Residential For Sale

1-1280 Highway 1, Wellington, NS B5A 5A5
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
PavedParking(s)
1,500Sqft
Modern Realty
Move-In ready New Construction - Completed in 2025. This brand-new home offers modern comfort and thoughtful design, built with convenience and style in mind. Situated just 10 minutes from Yarmouth in the sought-after Meadowfields school district, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath property is perfect for families, retirees, or anyone looking for easy one-level living.
C$458000

Residential For Sale

1-1280 Highway 1, Wellington, NS B5A 5A5
Modern Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$458000

Residential For Sale

608 Granville Road, Victoria Beach, NS B0S 1A0

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
2,680Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

608 Granville Road, Victoria Beach, NS B0S 1A0
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,680Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
Perched high above the iconic Bay of Fundy, this extraordinary century home with impressive upgrades offers breathtaking westerly views of Point Prim Lighthouse and the ever-changing tides below. Brimming with coastal charm, the main residence is complemented by a beautifully constructed garage (new construction just 2.
C$699000

Residential For Sale

608 Granville Road, Victoria Beach, NS B0S 1A0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$699000

Residential For Sale

23 Berm Street Lot 25a, Herring Cove, NS B3R 0H2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
40Picture(s)
2,400Sqft
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
C$649900

Residential For Sale

23 Berm Street Lot 25a, Herring Cove, NS B3R 0H2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
2,400Sqft
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
Fantastic new semi with a legal secondary suite in the basement to support the mortgage! With two electric meters, laundry in both suites, & a 17' wide driveway , this lovely large, super bright, brand new semi-detached home is 2400 sqft and has lots of character.
C$649900

Residential For Sale

23 Berm Street Lot 25a, Herring Cove, NS B3R 0H2
PLUMB LINE REALTY INC. - 12234
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$649900

Residential For Sale

530 Greenwood Road, Harmony, NS B0P 1R0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
30Picture(s)
2,074Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
C$650000

Residential For Sale

530 Greenwood Road, Harmony, NS B0P 1R0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
2,074Sqft
Exit Realty Town & Country
Welcome to 530 Greenwood Road! This meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom slab home was constructed with unparalleled quality and care. Built as a forever home, no detail was overlooked, even featuring custom-milled pine trim from the original wood lot. Step into a grand foyer that welcomes you into a formal dining room with pristine hardwood flooring.
C$650000

Residential For Sale

530 Greenwood Road, Harmony, NS B0P 1R0
Exit Realty Town & Country
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$650000

Residential For Sale

26 Cambridge Drive, Valley, NS B6L 4P4

4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
38Picture(s)
4,985Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
C$849900

Residential For Sale

26 Cambridge Drive, Valley, NS B6L 4P4
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
4,985Sqft
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
Spacious 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom home offering 4,985 sq.ft.. of living space in a sought-after Valley location. Built with energy efficiency in mind, the home features double 2"x6" insulated walls and is climate-controlled via a central heat pump. Interior highlights include tall ceilings, abundant natural light, and a kitchen with dark cabinetry and Corian countertops.
C$849900

Residential For Sale

26 Cambridge Drive, Valley, NS B6L 4P4
Keller Williams Select Realty (Truro)
4Bedroom(s)
5Bathroom(s)
C$849900

Residential For Sale

150 Kingston Court, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,332Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$516900

Residential For Sale

150 Kingston Court, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,332Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
Welcome to The Woodlands! Ideally situated at the gateway to the historic Windsor/West Hants region of beautiful Nova Scotia, The Woodlands is a vibrant new lifestyle community in picturesque Three Mile Plains—just 40 minutes from Halifax.
C$516900

Residential For Sale

150 Kingston Court, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$516900

Residential For Sale

153 Kingston Court, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1Picture(s)
1,332Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
C$516900

Residential For Sale

153 Kingston Court, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
AttachedParking(s)
1,332Sqft
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
Welcome to The Woodlands! Ideally situated at the gateway to the historic Windsor/West Hants region of beautiful Nova Scotia, The Woodlands is a vibrant new lifestyle community in picturesque Three Mile Plains—just 40 minutes from Halifax.
C$516900

Residential For Sale

153 Kingston Court, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0
Royal LePage Anchor Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$516900
4284 Results returned.Per Page
Style Selector
Select the layout
Choose the theme
Preset colors
No Preset
Select the pattern