Keeping Track of Your Home Expenses
The cost of homeownership in Southern Ontario, in particular, the GTA, is one that can be pretty shocking. Let’s face it, it’s always on the rise, and compared to other parts of the country, it can be downright horrifying. Owning a home encompasses all kinds of expenses outside of the initial mortgage payment, as there are also things like property taxes, mortgage insurance, utility bills, and much more. Without keeping careful track of your bills each month, it won’t take long before they can get out of control and you find yourself falling behind. So what can you do to alleviate this issue?
Keeping track of your home expenses really doesn’t need to be difficult, nor does it need to be confusing. By using these simple tips and techniques, you’ll never forget about a bill again or worse yet, start to fall behind because of a lack of funds due to poor money management.
Figure Out Your Monthly Budget
A great place to start is by creating a monthly budget. It’s really difficult to know what your expenses are and how to budget for them if you don’t have a clear picture. In order to create your budget, you’ll need to have a few months’ worth of bill payment invoices on hand to ensure you input the right costs and that you don’t forget anything.
Expenses should include such things as your mortgage, mortgage insurance, property tax, monthly maintenance fee, utility bills, water bill, cable/internet/landline phone, general maintenance and repairs, and any other expense related to your home.
Make Use of Free Budgeting Apps
Another tip is to check out the variety of free budgeting apps out there that can be downloaded on to your mobile device. These are a great and user-friendly way to keep track of all your expenses, not just the ones related to your home. Many of these also allow you to keep track of your income as well, giving you a more complete overview of your monthly financial portfolio.
Be sure to look for an app that allows you to customize it, adding in all the main expenses, as well as those that may be variable, recurring on a specific basis, or just happen every now and then. You should also be able to set up reminders so that you can’t possibly forget when a bill is due.
Use the Auto Payment Feature through Your Bank Account
If the expense is one that is fixed, meaning it is the same price each month, then you can make use of the auto-payment feature available through online banking. You can pick the date, the amount that will be automatically withdrawn, and the account it will come out of. Thanks to this feature, there is no need for you to remember anything.
The one con with this tip is that it only works on fixed expenses that don’t vary from month to month.
Start Keeping a Notebook of Expenses
Another tip is to start keeping a notebook where you can jot down each and every time you spend money, not just on the household expenses. This can be helpful if you’re tight on cash or you’re trying to find extra money that you can put into savings. Just seeing where your money is going, and how much is being spent, can help you to adjust your ways.
Home Expenses Notes
Downsizing is Always an Option
If you find that, even with keeping track of all your expenses, it’s still too difficult to get everything paid and not fall behind, then it may be time to consider downsizing. Get in touch with a local real estate agent that can show you smaller homes in the GTA—like the fabulous condos in Oakville and Hamilton—with asking prices that are lower than the value of your current home.
Don’t Put it Off—Take Control Today
At the end of the day, getting a better hold on your household expenses will not only ensure that all the bills are paid on time, but your credit rating will remain in good standing (missed payments will affect it negatively), it will alleviate a bunch of financial stress and worry, and it will help you to take better control of your finances.
If you do plan on selling your home or even investing in income property in the near future, be sure to contact Alex Irish & Associates today, we are a leading real estate brokerage serving the areas of Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, and Ancaster.
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.