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

2633 Highway 206, Arichat, NS B0E 1A0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

19Picture(s)

2,078Sqft

Listing courtesy of PG Direct Realty Ltd.

C$329900

Residential For Sale

2633 Highway 206, Arichat, NS B0E 1A0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

2,078Sqft

Listing courtesy of PG Direct Realty Ltd.

Visit REALTOR® website for additional information. Nestled on 2.3 acres this fully furnished investment gem features two distinct living spaces - ideal for family living or generating rental income. An updated 3 bed, 1 bath residence with generous living spaces AND a charming 1 bed, 1bath apt featuring spacious rooms, wheelchair access and designed for comfort and relaxation.

C$329900

Residential For Sale

2633 Highway 206, Arichat, NS B0E 1A0

Listing courtesy of PG Direct Realty Ltd.

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$329900

Residential For Sale

3199 Brooklyn Street, Weston, NS B0P 1R0

More Details

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

44Picture(s)

576Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$225000

Residential For Sale

3199 Brooklyn Street, Weston, NS B0P 1R0

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

576Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

This is a gem of an opportunity you don't want to miss!" Peace, privacy, and serenity, in a highly desirable area. Gorgeous North/South Mountain views! Easy access to amenities in Aylesford, to 101, shopping in Berwick ( only 7 min), and schools. A perfect spot to let your creativity flow at an affordable price. Great potential to add extra space to this half acre oasis.

C$225000

Residential For Sale

3199 Brooklyn Street, Weston, NS B0P 1R0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

1Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$225000

Residential For Sale

15920 Highway 3, Hebbville, NS B4V 6Z8

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

20Picture(s)

1,930Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

C$365000

Residential For Sale

15920 Highway 3, Hebbville, NS B4V 6Z8

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,930Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

Welcome to Hebbville living — where comfort meets convenience and a touch of sunshine powers your day! This bright and happy split-entry home has all the right vibes —( 4 bedrooms in total ) 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs, another downstairs, and two full baths to keep everyone's morning routine running smoothly.

C$365000

Residential For Sale

15920 Highway 3, Hebbville, NS B4V 6Z8

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$365000

Residential For Sale

444 Piggott Avenue, Fall River, NS B2T 1S6

More Details

6Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

7,464Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Real Estate Professionals

C$2499900

Residential For Sale

444 Piggott Avenue, Fall River, NS B2T 1S6

6Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

7,464Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Real Estate Professionals

Welcome to a rare opportunity to own one of Nova Scotia’s most breathtaking lakeside estates, where luxury, tranquility, and natural beauty converge in flawless harmony. This extraordinary one-of-a-kind residence offers 7,464 square feet of impeccably designed living space, thoughtfully set on 3.

C$2499900

Residential For Sale

444 Piggott Avenue, Fall River, NS B2T 1S6

Listing courtesy of Exit Real Estate Professionals

6Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$2499900

Residential For Sale

141 Pelham Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

45Picture(s)

3,409Sqft

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty(Lunenburg)

C$950000

Residential For Sale

141 Pelham Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

3,409Sqft

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty(Lunenburg)

THE PERFECT LIVE-WORK OPPORTUNITY! -- This beautiful 2-storey, 2600 sq ft Victorian home with 4 Bedrooms and 4 full baths, also features fabulous street level studio & gallery space below, creating the potential for an ideal 'Live-Work' opportunity if you're entrepreneurial, an artist or have a professional practice.

C$950000

Residential For Sale

141 Pelham Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty(Lunenburg)

4Bedroom(s)

4Bathroom(s)

C$950000

Residential For Sale

3774 St. Margarets Bay Road, Hubley, NS B3Z 1B7

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

NoneParking(s)

48Picture(s)

1,043Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

C$399000

Residential For Sale

3774 St. Margarets Bay Road, Hubley, NS B3Z 1B7

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

NoneParking(s)

1,043Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!!!! Cozy 3 bedroom 1 bath cottage on beautiful Five Islands Lake. Nestled into a private 1 acre plus double lot with utmost privacy and lake frontage. Just minutes to all amenities Halifax has to offer! Upgrades include most new windows, roof reshingled, oil tank 2022.

C$399000

Residential For Sale

3774 St. Margarets Bay Road, Hubley, NS B3Z 1B7

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$399000

Residential For Sale

236 Janda Crescent, Tantallon, NS B3Z 4R8

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

36Picture(s)

2,532Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

C$799000

Residential For Sale

236 Janda Crescent, Tantallon, NS B3Z 4R8

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,532Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

Welcome to 236 Janda Crescent, nestled on a private 1.2-acre lot in Glen Haven Estates. This home offers the peace of country living with the convenience of nearby amenities. It’s less than an 8-minute drive to the shops of Upper Tantallon and close to beaches, trails, Shining Waters, and scenic drives along the bay.

C$799000

Residential For Sale

236 Janda Crescent, Tantallon, NS B3Z 4R8

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova (Halifax)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$799000

Residential For Sale

42 Pierce Point Road, Western Head, NS B0T 1K0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

36Picture(s)

2,549Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

C$899000

Residential For Sale

42 Pierce Point Road, Western Head, NS B0T 1K0

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,549Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

Discover classic East Coast charm and modern comfort with this stunning south-facing oceanfront property, perfectly positioned to capture breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Set on 2.7 private acres, this timeless Cape Cod–style home features the look of a traditional cape but with a versatile open concept layout for entertaining, working from home, or sitting and reading in a quiet nook.

C$899000

Residential For Sale

42 Pierce Point Road, Western Head, NS B0T 1K0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$899000

Residential For Sale

18 Commodore Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3B2

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

39Picture(s)

946Sqft

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty

C$274900

Residential For Sale

18 Commodore Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3B2

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

946Sqft

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty

Welcome to 18 Commodore Avenue, a beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that has been transformed from top to bottom. Featuring recently updated drywall, plywood walls, insulation, all-new windows, siding, and skirting, recessed lighting, newly constructed decks, a new back patio area, and ductless heat pump, this property is designed for comfortable and efficient living.

C$274900

Residential For Sale

18 Commodore Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3B2

Listing courtesy of Red Door Realty

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$274900

Residential For Sale

902 Highway 3, Birchtown, NS B0T 1W0

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

32Picture(s)

2,568Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

C$439999

Residential For Sale

902 Highway 3, Birchtown, NS B0T 1W0

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

2,568Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

Nestled on a breathtaking 8 acres this property stretches from Highway 3 in Birchtown to the 103, with a convenient well-maintained driveway meanders across the property. Enjoy over 1000 feet of water frontage along Birchtown Brook with your own bridge making this beautifully landscaped yard a true oasis- newer deck and luxurious hot tub perfect for a relaxing and entertaining.

C$439999

Residential For Sale

902 Highway 3, Birchtown, NS B0T 1W0

Listing courtesy of Royal Lepage Atlantic (Mahone Bay)

5Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$439999

Residential For Sale

65 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C2

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

17Picture(s)

1,950Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

C$770900

Residential For Sale

65 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C2

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

SingleParking(s)

1,950Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

This property is subject to a quick-closing incentive! Welcome to The Sullivan on Pearl Garden Close - a spacious detached home with a walkout, located in The Parks of Lake Charles. This newly constructed two-storey home offers 1950 sqft of finished living space, featuring three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

C$770900

Residential For Sale

65 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C2

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Atlantic

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$770900

Residential For Sale

87 Lemarchant Drive, Canaan, NS B4N 4K1

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

47Picture(s)

2,305Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

C$629900

Residential For Sale

87 Lemarchant Drive, Canaan, NS B4N 4K1

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,305Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

What a beautiful place to live. This property has so many wonderful features, all tucked away on a private 3-acre lot just outside of New Minas. Let's start with the 3-bedroom home, so bright and spacious, gracious-sized rooms, new kitchen, everything is painted throughout, in-floor electric hot water heat.

C$629900

Residential For Sale

87 Lemarchant Drive, Canaan, NS B4N 4K1

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty (Kentville)

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$629900

4281 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

2633 Highway 206, Arichat, NS B0E 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3199 Brooklyn Street, Weston, NS B0P 1R0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

15920 Highway 3, Hebbville, NS B4V 6Z8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

444 Piggott Avenue, Fall River, NS B2T 1S6

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

141 Pelham Street, Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

3774 St. Margarets Bay Road, Hubley, NS B3Z 1B7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

236 Janda Crescent, Tantallon, NS B3Z 4R8

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

42 Pierce Point Road, Western Head, NS B0T 1K0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

18 Commodore Avenue, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 3B2

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

902 Highway 3, Birchtown, NS B0T 1W0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

65 Pearlgarden Close, Dartmouth, NS B2X 0C2

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.