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

1462 North River Road, Aylesford Lake, NS B0P 1C0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

47Picture(s)

936Sqft

Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty Canada

C$589000

Residential For Sale

1462 North River Road, Aylesford Lake, NS B0P 1C0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

936Sqft

Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Welcome to Aylesford Lake! On a meticulously landscaped 1.

C$589000

Residential For Sale

1462 North River Road, Aylesford Lake, NS B0P 1C0

Listing courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty Canada

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$589000

Residential For Sale

3878 South River Road, Greenwold, NS B2G 2H8

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

49Picture(s)

1,841Sqft

Listing courtesy of Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)

C$469900

Residential For Sale

3878 South River Road, Greenwold, NS B2G 2H8

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

1,841Sqft

Listing courtesy of Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)

Charming Character Home with River Frontage and Development Potential! Welcome to this character-filled two-storey home located in a mature neighbourhood just a five-minute walk from downtown Antigonish. Situated on municipal water and sewer, this spacious property offers the perfect blend of convenience, privacy, and natural beauty.

C$469900

Residential For Sale

3878 South River Road, Greenwold, NS B2G 2H8

Listing courtesy of Re/Max Park Place Inc. (Antigonish)

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$469900

Residential For Sale

136 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

More Details

6Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

43Picture(s)

2,758Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

C$469000

Residential For Sale

136 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

6Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,758Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

Beautiful home just steps from downtown with MORTGAGE HELPER! This spacious and well-maintained home includes a legal 1-bedroom basement suite—perfect for rental income, extended family, or guests. Ideally located within walking distance to cafés, shops, Lighthouse Park, the hospital, schools, and more, all while nestled in a quiet residential area.

C$469000

Residential For Sale

136 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

Listing courtesy of EXP Realty of Canada Inc.

6Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$469000

Residential For Sale

3 Summer Crescent, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3P4

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

18Picture(s)

924Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Extra Mile Realty

C$185700

Residential For Sale

3 Summer Crescent, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3P4

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

924Sqft

Listing courtesy of The Extra Mile Realty

A welcoming and spacious two-bedroom mini-home, featuring a steel roof, 4 pc main bath, primary bedroom with a 3 pc. ensuite bath, and his and hers double-size closets. The second bedroom is complemented with a single double-size closet.

C$185700

Residential For Sale

3 Summer Crescent, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3P4

Listing courtesy of The Extra Mile Realty

2Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$185700

Residential For Sale

1988 New Chester Road, New Chester, NS B0J 2K0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

44Picture(s)

1,237Sqft

Listing courtesy of Harbourside Realty Ltd.

C$249900

Residential For Sale

1988 New Chester Road, New Chester, NS B0J 2K0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,237Sqft

Listing courtesy of Harbourside Realty Ltd.

Tucked away from the hustle of the city, this fully renovated 3-bedroom riverfront retreat in New Chester is your chance to live close to nature with all the comforts of a modern home.

C$249900

Residential For Sale

1988 New Chester Road, New Chester, NS B0J 2K0

Listing courtesy of Harbourside Realty Ltd.

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$249900

Residential For Sale

Lot 18 Northwest Cove, Upper Lakeville, NS B0J 1Y0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

NoneParking(s)

24Picture(s)

660Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

C$199900

Residential For Sale

Lot 18 Northwest Cove, Upper Lakeville, NS B0J 1Y0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

NoneParking(s)

660Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

Recently renovated cottage on over half an acre with 100 feet of water frontage on Lake Charlotte. The lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities. These can range from relaxing pursuits like fishing and picnicking to more active options like kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and water sports.

C$199900

Residential For Sale

Lot 18 Northwest Cove, Upper Lakeville, NS B0J 1Y0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$199900

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

More Details

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

15Picture(s)

558Sqft

Listing courtesy of Blueberry Commercial Real Estate Limited

C$499000

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

UndergroundParking(s)

558Sqft

Listing courtesy of Blueberry Commercial Real Estate Limited

This stylish 1-bedroom condo blends industrial-chic vibes with everyday comfort: exposed concrete ceilings, rolling barn doors, engineered hardwood floors, and oversized windows that fill the space with natural light. Step out onto your generously sized balcony and soak in the vibrant North End energy. Built in 2025, NRTH is a sleek 8-storey, 72-unit building with secure fob access.

C$499000

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

Listing courtesy of Blueberry Commercial Real Estate Limited

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$499000

Residential For Sale

110 & 112 Victoria Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

29Picture(s)

1,026Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.

C$279900

Residential For Sale

110 & 112 Victoria Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

OtherParking(s)

1,026Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.

One level living on a double lot, in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Isn't that just about perfection? Offering a fantastic layout that flows beautifully throughout the home, this two bedroom/one bath property features a nice big living room space, open through to the dining room - this space is very open and impressive.

C$279900

Residential For Sale

110 & 112 Victoria Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$279900

Residential For Sale

3 Cornwall Street, Amherst, NS B4H 1H3

More Details

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

17Picture(s)

360Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.

C$149900

Residential For Sale

3 Cornwall Street, Amherst, NS B4H 1H3

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

360Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.

New, neat, clean and tidy - this small home is big on affordability and ready for you! On its own land too, so you get actual property! Everything is brand spanking new, giving you years of maintenance free living as well. The small lot is easy to care for, and gives you something of "your own" as you downsize into simple living.

C$149900

Residential For Sale

3 Cornwall Street, Amherst, NS B4H 1H3

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Cumberland Realty Ltd.

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$149900

Residential For Sale

5134 Stewiacke Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

31Picture(s)

1,707Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$284900

Residential For Sale

5134 Stewiacke Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,707Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Looking for a quieter, more simple way of life, where you are surrounded by nature yet not too far away from your amenities? Look no further! Welcome to 5134 Stewiacke Road in South Branch. This charming 1.5-storey farmhouse, with some original wood/dowel construction, has it all.

C$284900

Residential For Sale

5134 Stewiacke Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

4Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$284900

Residential For Sale

403 Les Collins Avenue, West Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

14Picture(s)

780Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

C$220000

Residential For Sale

403 Les Collins Avenue, West Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

780Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

Affordable 3-Bedroom One-Level Living with Stunning Views of Porters Lake, this renovated mini home sits on 1.86 acres of both cleared and wooded land—perfect for enjoying nature and privacy. Inside, you'll find thoughtful updates throughout: new flooring and baseboards in most rooms, all new bathroom with drywall, fresh paint, tub/shower enclosure, vanity, toilet, and fan.

C$220000

Residential For Sale

403 Les Collins Avenue, West Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$220000

Residential For Sale

5451 Highway 325, Baker Settlement, NS B4V 7G1

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

26Picture(s)

1,020Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

C$449000

Residential For Sale

5451 Highway 325, Baker Settlement, NS B4V 7G1

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,020Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

A move-in ready, meticulously maintained 2- bedroom bungalow with open concept kitchen/living/dining room, set back from the road on a 8.6 acre lot just 15 km. from Bridgewater. A full, unfinished basement with walkout to the backyard offers the potential to expand the living area. The roof is metal, the windows are double glazed.

C$449000

Residential For Sale

5451 Highway 325, Baker Settlement, NS B4V 7G1

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Metro

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$449000

4928 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

1462 North River Road, Aylesford Lake, NS B0P 1C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3878 South River Road, Greenwold, NS B2G 2H8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

136 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3 Summer Crescent, Bridgewater, NS B4V 3P4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1988 New Chester Road, New Chester, NS B0J 2K0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Lot 18 Northwest Cove, Upper Lakeville, NS B0J 1Y0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

207-5511 Bilby Street, Halifax, NS B3K 0M5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

110 & 112 Victoria Street, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3 Cornwall Street, Amherst, NS B4H 1H3

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

5134 Stewiacke Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

403 Les Collins Avenue, West Chezzetcook, NS B0J 2L0

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.