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

2 Landsdown Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1T7

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

23Picture(s)

1,546Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)

C$399000

Residential For Sale

2 Landsdown Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1T7

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

1,546Sqft

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)

Corner Lot! This is a great property! 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, home with hardwood floors and cabinets in the upstairs kitchen and living room. Boasting 2 Heat Pumps heads, one on the main floor and one in the basement. Basement has a kitchenette and office that is used as a bedroom, (windows to be confirmed for egress). Workshop unfinished room, excellent for woodworking.

C$399000

Residential For Sale

2 Landsdown Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1T7

Listing courtesy of Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$399000

Residential For Sale

817 Granville Road, Victoria Beach, NS B0S 1A0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

43Picture(s)

832Sqft

Listing courtesy of FLAT RATE REALTY CANADA LTD - 15099

C$219000

Residential For Sale

817 Granville Road, Victoria Beach, NS B0S 1A0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

832Sqft

Listing courtesy of FLAT RATE REALTY CANADA LTD - 15099

When viewing this property on Realtor.ca MLS # 202519166 Please click on Realtor's website link to the right for further information. Contemporary home with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy inlet from every room! Watch the Fundy Rose ferry traverse from Digby to St.

C$219000

Residential For Sale

817 Granville Road, Victoria Beach, NS B0S 1A0

Listing courtesy of FLAT RATE REALTY CANADA LTD - 15099

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$219000

Residential For Sale

27 Cheticamp Back Road, Point Cross, NS B0E 1H0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

37Picture(s)

1,249Sqft

Listing courtesy of Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)

C$239500

Residential For Sale

27 Cheticamp Back Road, Point Cross, NS B0E 1H0

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,249Sqft

Listing courtesy of Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)

27 Cheticamp Back Road, in Point Cross, a charming 4-Bedroom Home Minutes from the Beach, a Cape Breton Retreat with Potential! Nestled just minutes from a beautiful sandy beach and the gateway to Cape Breton Island’s expansive ATV and snowmobile trail system, this 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers the ideal balance of comfort, location, and opportunity.

C$239500

Residential For Sale

27 Cheticamp Back Road, Point Cross, NS B0E 1H0

Listing courtesy of Cape Breton Realty (Port Hawkesbury)

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$239500

Residential For Sale

5 Black Point Drive, Blind Bay, NS B3Z 4C3

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

48Picture(s)

2,137Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$950000

Residential For Sale

5 Black Point Drive, Blind Bay, NS B3Z 4C3

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

DetachedParking(s)

2,137Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Spectacular Oceanfront Living in Exclusive Shag End Welcome to your private seaside escape, nestled in the sought-after community of Blind Bay. This exceptional property boasts bold ocean frontage with an impressive 386 feet of direct access to the Atlantic, offering uninterrupted views, a sandy beach, and the natural beauty of Nova Scotia’s rugged coastline.

C$950000

Residential For Sale

5 Black Point Drive, Blind Bay, NS B3Z 4C3

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

3Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$950000

Residential For Sale

42-44 Daley Drive, Coxheath, NS B1R 2J4

More Details

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

43Picture(s)

2,176Sqft

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty

C$399999

Residential For Sale

42-44 Daley Drive, Coxheath, NS B1R 2J4

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

PavedParking(s)

2,176Sqft

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty

Welcome to your dream home! This beautifully upgraded property in the sought-after Cantley Village offers the perfect blend of modern living and income potential, featuring a versatile layout with an income suite in the lower level.

C$399999

Residential For Sale

42-44 Daley Drive, Coxheath, NS B1R 2J4

Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Boardwalk Realty

5Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$399999

Residential For Sale

7239 Highway 329, East River Point, NS B0J 1T0

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

50Picture(s)

3,072Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

C$1250000

Residential For Sale

7239 Highway 329, East River Point, NS B0J 1T0

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

AttachedParking(s)

3,072Sqft

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

"Welcome to East River Point! This unique 2 acre parcel offers almost 600 feet of direct ocean frontage in ‘Rous Cove”. Conveniently located just outside the seaside village of Chester. Watch the sunrise from the back patio overlooking the waterfront where you can observe a variety of wildlife and bask in the sun all afternoon.

C$1250000

Residential For Sale

7239 Highway 329, East River Point, NS B0J 1T0

Listing courtesy of Engel & Volkers (Chester)

4Bedroom(s)

3Bathroom(s)

C$1250000

Residential For Sale

1620 Ostrea Lake Road, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

48Picture(s)

1,018Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

C$324900

Residential For Sale

1620 Ostrea Lake Road, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

1,018Sqft

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

Opportunity awaits at 1620 Ostrea Lake Road! This charming home or cottage is full of potential for the right flipper or savvy investor. Nestled along Nova Scotia’s beautiful Eastern Shore, the property offers a peaceful setting not far from stunning local beaches and coastal trails.

C$324900

Residential For Sale

1620 Ostrea Lake Road, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0

Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Nova

3Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$324900

Residential For Sale

6 Norman Boulevard, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1N5

More Details

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

47Picture(s)

1,856Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

C$599900

Residential For Sale

6 Norman Boulevard, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1N5

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,856Sqft

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

Welcome to 6 Norman Boulevard — the kind of place where life’s little moments become lasting memories. Tucked into the heart of Hammonds Plains, just 20 minutes from the city, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is equal parts cozy and functional.

C$599900

Residential For Sale

6 Norman Boulevard, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1N5

Listing courtesy of Royal LePage Anchor Realty

4Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$599900

Residential For Sale

85 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

37Picture(s)

2,022Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

C$485000

Residential For Sale

85 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

2,022Sqft

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

Welcome to this beautifully restored century home, where timeless character meets modern comfort. This property offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary updates, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking an inviting living space. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the gleaming hardwood floors that flow throughout the main level.

C$485000

Residential For Sale

85 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

Listing courtesy of EXIT Realty Inter Lake (Liverpool)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$485000

Residential For Sale

4 Ridge Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1Picture(s)

1,817Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

C$99900

Residential For Sale

4 Ridge Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

DoubleParking(s)

1,817Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

Tucked away in the quiet countryside of South Branch, this 1.5-storey character home is waiting for your personal touch. Surrounded by large fields and fresh country air, it's the kind of place where life slows down and sunsets feel a little bit sweeter. Only 20 minutes from the amenities of Brookfield, it offers the best of both worlds, peaceful rural living with town conveniences close by.

C$99900

Residential For Sale

4 Ridge Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$99900

Residential For Sale

34 Young Street, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 1V5

More Details

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

11Picture(s)

1,120Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

C$39900

Residential For Sale

34 Young Street, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 1V5

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

No GarageParking(s)

1,120Sqft

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

Located just minutes from downtown Sydney Mines and close to all local amenities, this single-family homeoffers stunning ocean views and great potential. The property features a 200 Amp electrical panel and is ideal for investors or renovators looking for their next project.This home requires substantial interior work, as shown in the photos, and is being sold "as is, where is.

C$39900

Residential For Sale

34 Young Street, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 1V5

Listing courtesy of Keller Williams Select Realty(Sydney,Townsend St.)

3Bedroom(s)

2Bathroom(s)

C$39900

Residential For Sale

796 French Road, Plympton Station, NS B0W 2R0

More Details

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

43Picture(s)

745Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

C$249000

Residential For Sale

796 French Road, Plympton Station, NS B0W 2R0

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

GravelParking(s)

745Sqft

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

Set in a rural country setting on approximately 2+/- acres, this charming and inviting home is brimming with warmth and charm. With the sweetest curb appeal and an expansive deck that stretches across the front and along one side-partially covered to offer both shade and sunshine - it’s a space that instantly makes you feel at ease.

C$249000

Residential For Sale

796 French Road, Plympton Station, NS B0W 2R0

Listing courtesy of Exit Realty Town & Country

2Bedroom(s)

1Bathroom(s)

C$249000

4910 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

2 Landsdown Drive, Antigonish, NS B2G 1T7

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

817 Granville Road, Victoria Beach, NS B0S 1A0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

27 Cheticamp Back Road, Point Cross, NS B0E 1H0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

5 Black Point Drive, Blind Bay, NS B3Z 4C3

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

42-44 Daley Drive, Coxheath, NS B1R 2J4

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

7239 Highway 329, East River Point, NS B0J 1T0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

1620 Ostrea Lake Road, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

6 Norman Boulevard, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1N5

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

85 Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

4 Ridge Road, South Branch, NS B0N 2P0

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

Residential For Sale

34 Young Street, Sydney Mines, NS B1V 1V5

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.