Tammy Sharp, Realtor

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://tammysharp.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/10/2026

What’s Next for Canada’s Housing Market?

06/09/2026

Multi-generational households in Canada grew 21.2% over the past decade — more than twice the overall rate of household formation, according to Statistics Canada's 2021 Census. And that growth has only accelerated since. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

This isn't a trend. It's a structural shift.

Driving factors include an aging population, affordability pressures that make independent living difficult for young adults, and immigration patterns that prioritise family reunification. For families housing an aging parent or a family member with a disability, there's an added incentive: the federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit provides up to $7,500 for constructing a self-contained secondary suite for a qualifying senior or adult.

House hacking doesn't always mean renting to strangers. Sometimes it means sharing a home — and the costs — with the people who matter most.

Read the full article: https://tammysharp.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/08/2026

Vancouver Buyers Face Tough Entry Costs

06/07/2026

OPEN HOUSE TODAY 2-4PM

3-STOREY Townhome- End Unit!

Welcome to Forest Trails at Garrison Crossing! End unit, 3-STOREY townhome features THREE bedrooms & 3 FULL bathrooms. NEW FLOORING & PAINT (May 2026). OPEN FLOORPLAN on the main w/ 9 CEILING & covered BALCONY off living room. END-UNIT side windows provide lots of NATURAL LIGHT. TWO BEDROOMS UPSTAIRS w/ full bath plus primary ensuite bath. Upstairs bedroom w/ MOUNTAIN VIEWS. Downstairs features a 3RD BEDROOM/FLEX w/ensuite BATH. Third bed entrance through garage or from rear covered patio - perfect office or older kids room. Located in the heart of GARRISON w/ shopping, restaurants, trails, parks & schools. Proactive well maintained strata. Two PETS- cats and/or dogs. 2 PARKING. OPEN HOUSE SAT/SUN JUNE 6/7; 2-4pm. Last sale in the complex only took 2 days! Hurry on this one!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Sqft: 1410

#37 5805 Sappers Way, Chilliwack BC

https://tours.tammysharp.com/51073

MLS # R3130501

Welcome to Forest Trails at Garrison Crossing! End unit, 3-STOREY townhome features THREE bedrooms & 3 FULL bathrooms. NEW FLOORING & PAINT (May 2026). OPEN FLOORPLAN on the main w/ 9 CEILING & covered BALCONY off living room. END-UNIT side windows provide lots of NATURAL LIGHT. TWO BEDROOMS UPSTAIR...

06/05/2026

GCC Smart Home Market Expected to Reach US$ 7.40 Billion by 2034 as Smart Cities and IoT Adoption Accelerate Across the Gulf
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

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://tammysharp.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

06/02/2026

Unlock North Vancouver Open House Secrets with Tammy Sharp
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

06/02/2026

Unlock North Vancouver Open House Secrets with Tammy Sharp
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

06/02/2026

House hacking isn't about living for free — it's about making homeownership possible when it otherwise wouldn't be. In 2026, the strategy is less about eliminating a mortgage payment and more about engineering one you can actually afford. 🏡

Here's what's working:

✅ Secondary suites — The Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program offers up to $80,000 at 2% fixed over 15 years to build or convert a suite

✅ Multi-generational homes — Multi-generational households in Canada grew 21.2% over the past decade, more than double the overall household formation rate

✅ Small multi-family properties — CMHC mortgage insurance allows as little as 5% down on owner-occupied properties, with the insured ceiling now raised to $1.5 million

✅ Realistic expectations — If rental income cuts your $3,800 payment down to $2,200, that's a win

The math has to work. The zoning has to be legal. And the lifestyle has to fit. But for the right buyer, house hacking can turn a closed door into an open one.

Read the full article: https://tammysharp.com/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/