Sandra Govender Real Estate
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06/11/2026
Want to know the original house hack? Buy a duplex, triplex, or small multi-family. Live in one unit. Rent out the others. It's been working for decades — and it still does in 2026.
CMHC mortgage insurance allows buyers to purchase owner-occupied properties with as little as 5% down on homes up to $500,000, sliding to 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $999,999. As of December 2024, the insured mortgage ceiling was raised from $1 million to $1.5 million — opening the door to more buyers in higher-priced markets.
The financing options are more accessible than most buyers realise. For those willing to share a property line with their tenants, the income potential is typically higher than a single secondary suite, and the strategy is time-tested. If you're serious about house hacking, don't overlook the classic approach.
Read the full article: https://sandragovender.myagent.site/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/
06/04/2026
Secondary suites have become the gold standard for house hacking in 2026 — and there's a reason why. 🏠
The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, administered through CMHC, now offers homeowners up to $80,000 at a fixed 2% rate over 15 years to build or convert a secondary suite — double the program's original limit. For buyers who need more, CMHC's refinancing program allows access to up to 90% of your home's post-renovation value.
Secondary suites include:
🔹 Basement apartments
🔹 Laneway houses
🔹 Garden suites
They're increasingly legal, federally supported, and proven in the rental market. If affordability is your biggest barrier to homeownership, a property with secondary suite potential might be the solution.
Read the full article: https://sandragovender.myagent.site/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/
Not every pre-listing fix needs to be big or expensive. But there are a few small repairs sellers shouldn’t ignore because buyers notice them immediately.
Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Leaky faucets or running toilets
Small issues like these can make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained.
2. Loose handles, hinges, or cabinet hardware
They’re inexpensive to fix, but they affect how cared-for a home feels.
3. Scuffed paint and wall damage
Patches, touch-ups, and fresh paint in key areas can make the whole home feel cleaner and more current.
4. Burned-out light bulbs or outdated fixtures
Lighting has a huge impact on first impressions, especially in photos and showings.
5. Doors that stick, squeak, or don’t close properly
These are small annoyances that can make a home feel older or neglected.
None of these repairs will transform a home on their own. But together, they can reduce buyer hesitation and help your home feel better maintained from the start.
If you’re getting ready to sell, the best pre-listing strategy usually starts with the simple things first.
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2541 Estevan Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8R2S6