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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

32 Lorne Crescent, Amherst, NS B4H 4B7

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
16Picture(s)
896Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
C$139900

Residential For Sale

32 Lorne Crescent, Amherst, NS B4H 4B7
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
No GarageParking(s)
896Sqft
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
Immaculate well maintained 3 bedroom, fully furnished mini home, located in a quiet neighbourhood close to all amenities. This home is bright, cheery and clean. It features a metal roof on both the home and garden shed, 2019 mini split heat pump, all appliances and freshly painted deck and ramp. Nothing needs done, move in ready.
C$139900

Residential For Sale

32 Lorne Crescent, Amherst, NS B4H 4B7
Coldwell Banker Performance Realty
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$139900

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27 Somerset Drive, Bible Hill, NS B6L 4J3

5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
3,601Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
C$725000

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27 Somerset Drive, Bible Hill, NS B6L 4J3
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,601Sqft
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
Nestled on a beautifully landscaped lot in one of Bible Hill’s most prestigious subdivisions, this home greets you with impeccable curb appeal featuring low maintenance perennial gardens and a brand new concrete walkway. This sprawling 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence impresses from the moment you arrive.
C$725000

Residential For Sale

27 Somerset Drive, Bible Hill, NS B6L 4J3
EXP Realty of Canada Inc.
5Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
C$725000

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2282 Patrice Road Road, Concession, NS B0W 1M0

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
1,370Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2282 Patrice Road Road, Concession, NS B0W 1M0
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,370Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
If you're looking for the perfect family home with excellent curb appeal and a country setting, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Affordable, comfortable and designed for easy living, this move-in ready, well-maintained, charming three-bedroom bungalow at 2282 Patrice Road near Church Point is ready for you to simply enjoy. Set on a private 1.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2282 Patrice Road Road, Concession, NS B0W 1M0
Royal LePage Atlantic (Greenwood)
3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

2272 French River Road, French River, NS B0K 1G0

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
36Picture(s)
1,077Sqft
J.F. MacIvor Properties
C$49999

Residential For Sale

2272 French River Road, French River, NS B0K 1G0
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
GravelParking(s)
1,077Sqft
J.F. MacIvor Properties
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom bungalow nestled on a spacious half-acre lot in the peaceful community of French River. This single-level home offers excellent potential for renovation and customization, making it a great opportunity for investors, handymen, or buyers looking to create their own retreat.
C$49999

Residential For Sale

2272 French River Road, French River, NS B0K 1G0
J.F. MacIvor Properties
4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$49999

Residential For Sale

273 Main Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,390Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
C$275000

Residential For Sale

273 Main Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DetachedParking(s)
1,390Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
Well maintained historic home situated on a tidy, landscaped double lot in the centre of the coastal community of Parrsboro.
C$275000

Residential For Sale

273 Main Street, Parrsboro, NS B0M 1S0
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.(Antigonish)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$275000

Residential For Sale

5040b-39 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2

4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1Picture(s)
3,059Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$934900

Residential For Sale

5040b-39 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
3,059Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Welcome to Marchand Homes’ newest model, The Harper, located in the sought-after Indigo Shores community. Situated on 3.48 acres of land on a quiet, desirable street, this stunning two-storey home offers the perfect blend of space, style, and function—ideal for family living.
C$934900

Residential For Sale

5040b-39 Orchid Court, Middle Sackville, NS B4E 0X2
Sutton Group Professional Realty
4Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
C$934900

Residential For Sale

4526 Prospect Road, Bayside, NS B3Z 1L7

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
43Picture(s)
2,292Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
C$665000

Residential For Sale

4526 Prospect Road, Bayside, NS B3Z 1L7
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
2,292Sqft
Sutton Group Professional Realty
Escape to your own private paradise with this charming oceanfront bungalow! Nestled right on the shore of Shad Bay, this cozy home offers stunning views of the ocean and direct access to the waterfront. Main floor features two bedrooms, one bath, an open-concept living area, and a spacious deck perfect for sunrise coffees or sunset dinners.
C$665000

Residential For Sale

4526 Prospect Road, Bayside, NS B3Z 1L7
Sutton Group Professional Realty
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$665000

Residential For Sale

229 Kaye Street, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1N3

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,812Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
C$549900

Residential For Sale

229 Kaye Street, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1N3
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,812Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic
This updated bungalow in the heart of Lower Sackville offers the perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, and potential. Featuring 4 bedrooms plus a den and 2 full bathrooms, it’s a great option for families, first-time buyers, or investors. Recent upgrades include 3 brand new ductless heat pumps, new windows, granite countertops, a new water heater, and a new sump pump.
C$549900

Residential For Sale

229 Kaye Street, Lower Sackville, NS B4C 1N3
Royal LePage Atlantic
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$549900

Residential For Sale

13510 Hwy 6, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
10Picture(s)
1,730Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
C$269000

Residential For Sale

13510 Hwy 6, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,730Sqft
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
Welcome to this charming and inviting home, where character meets comfort. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and 1.5 baths, this property offers a perfect blend of classic details and thoughtful updates. Recent upgrades include new insulation in the exterior walls, many new vinyl windows, a new oil tank, and a heat pump—keeping energy costs low and the home cozy year-round.
C$269000

Residential For Sale

13510 Hwy 6, Isaacs Harbour North, NS B0H 1S0
Royal LePage Atlantic(Stellarton)
3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$269000

Residential For Sale

40 Jefferson Road, Bear River East, NS B0S 1B0

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
38Picture(s)
800Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
C$299900

Residential For Sale

40 Jefferson Road, Bear River East, NS B0S 1B0
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
800Sqft
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
Charming Fully Renovated Bungalow with Wired Garage on a Private 1-Acre Lot – 4 Minutes from Bear River Welcome to your turnkey escape just outside the vibrant artisan village of Bear River, Nova Scotia. This beautifully upgraded 1-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow offers modern comfort, energy efficiency, and worry-free living—all nestled on a serene, park-like 1-acre property.
C$299900

Residential For Sale

40 Jefferson Road, Bear River East, NS B0S 1B0
RE/MAX Banner Real Estate
1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
C$299900

Residential For Sale

56 Hiram Lynds Rd, North River, NS B6L 6K2

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
50Picture(s)
1,755Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
C$515000

Residential For Sale

56 Hiram Lynds Rd, North River, NS B6L 6K2
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
DoubleParking(s)
1,755Sqft
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
Welcome to the spacious 4-bedroom, 2 bath bungalow set on a stunning 27-acres property in beautiful North River, just minutes from Truro. Perfectly situated close to scenic trails, the North River Falls, and with convenient highway access, this home offers the ideal blend of rural tranquility and accessibility.
C$515000

Residential For Sale

56 Hiram Lynds Rd, North River, NS B6L 6K2
Viewpoint Realty Services Inc.
4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$515000

Residential For Sale

23 Perry Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0

2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
35Picture(s)
928Sqft
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
C$398800

Residential For Sale

23 Perry Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
SingleParking(s)
928Sqft
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
Another NEW Build in Stewiacke River Crossing. This one is 2 Bedroom with 2 full baths. Infloor heat includiung garage. 9 foot ceilings and cathederal ceiling in living room. Heat pump. Finished and ready to go. All landscaped with green grass. Town services sewer and water.. Have a look at this fine development just off exit 11 in Stewiacke. See the new Foodland store.
C$398800

Residential For Sale

23 Perry Crescent, Stewiacke, NS B0N 2J0
BORDEN REAL ESTATE LIMITED - A586
2Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
C$398800
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