5 Tips for Vacation Homeowners

July 12, 2021

By Regan Irish Team

Just like any other home, your vacation home still requires significant maintenance over time. There are ways to keep your vacation paradise in good condition, even if you’re not there all year to check on it.

Hire a Property Caretaker or Manager

A good property caretaker or manager makes all the difference. These services can be pricey, but they give you peace of mind. If you live in a planned vacation community, such services are likely part of your association fees. Otherwise, find a caretaker with good references who is a long-time area resident.

Any caretaker should visit the home at least every two weeks to make sure there is no damage. They should check faucets, toilets, heating and the like. This person can handle lawn duties, clean-ups and minor repairs, but professionals are needed for emergencies.

Install Keyless Entry

Consider installing a keyless entry system to your vacation home. This allows repairmen to enter in case of an emergency, or cleaning people to make the place spic and span before your arrival. Painters can come in the off-season to freshen the home’s look. Keyless entry also allows HVAC personnel to enter if you want the furnace tuned up just prior to winter, or the air conditioning inspected before your summer vacation.

Check on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

You want to ensure your air conditioning works in the hottest days of summer and that you can rely on heat in the midst of winter. Your HVAC contract should include an annual inspection and maintenance agreement. Get a report on your unit’s condition when the inspection is completed, so major repairs or replacements can be completed before you use the home.

Research Local Repair Services

Keep a list of local repair services—plumbers, electricians, septic providers—on hand. Ask locals or other vacation homeowners for recommendations. If your community has a Facebook page, join it so you can get information about the best home technicians available.

Master Opening and Closing

If you don’t have a property manager or caretaker, opening and closing the home each season becomes your obligation. These are also occasions to inspect the property carefully and note any necessary repairs or items requiring replacement. When opening the home, take a good look at all water fixtures for evidence of leaks. Check for signs of termites or other infestations. Opening day is the best time to replace your smoke detector batteries and filters in the furnace.

Here is a basic checklist for closing your home at the end of the season:

Take in outdoor furniture and other items you do not want to be left out.
Shut off and unplug appliances and electronics.
Set your furnace at the proper temperature.
Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked.
Turn on your alarm system.

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

Downsizing is on the rise across Canada, with more homeowners seeking simpler, more affordable living. This guide explores why and when to downsize, how to plan the move, and what to consider when choosing your next home.

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.