Choosing the Ideal Winter Window Coverings—Top Tips from the Designers
As a homeowner, there’s no doubt that you take a great amount of pride in how your home looks on the inside and outside. And it’s more than just looks; homeowners are often on a quest to ensure all the design choices they make enhance the comfort level of their home. I mean, what’s a home if it’s not cozy and welcoming?
With that said, there are all kinds of little touches that you can add to your house that will help to make it more energy efficient, homey, functional, and modern. One item that can check off all those items is window coverings. Window coverings can play a huge role in the look and feel of a home, as well as all the other items listed.
Now, did you know that the ideal window coverings in the warm months of spring and summer may not be your best options for the winter months? As winter weather continues throughout Canada and the temperatures plummet, you may find yourself questioning your window covering choices.
When it comes to blinds, drapery, and custom drapery, there are winter options to consider.
Look for Window Coverings that Offer Insulation
One of the biggest complaints that homeowners have in the winter months is the draft that can be felt throughout the home. Even if you don’t actually have a draft, it can still feel chilly and even damp indoors. Window coverings that can block a draft will improve your home’s efficiency and will help keep the warm air in and the cool air out.
To block drafts, look for something with an insulated backing. You will often see this kind of backing on blackout curtains. What’s great about this style of window covering is that it works in the summer by keeping the heat out, and it also allows your air conditioner to better cool the interior of your home.
The Perfect Fit is a Must
No matter what kind of window coverings you choose—whether it is blinds, sheers, or panel curtains—it’s critical that they fit perfectly. If they don’t have the correct fit, they won’t be able to perform properly. Not only that, but they won’t look “right” in the room.
For those with windows that aren’t the standard size, the best option is to go for custom drapery and blinds. These are measured to fit your windows, specifically creating that impeccably designed look. Most places will offer a variety of styles to choose from, also ranging in fabric/material, and colour.
Home Window CoveringsChoose a Trusted Designer
Now, if you don’t want to be stuck updating your window coverings each winter, then you’ll want to look for a trusted and well-known designer. High-quality equals durability and lasting power, so you’ll be able to get a good number of years out of them.
Take Hunter Douglas blinds for example. Hunter Douglas is well known for offering blinds that excel in terms of energy efficiency. These blinds can even help to protect your furniture and carpeting from fading caused by the sunlight.
What About Convenience?
Of course, besides being energy efficient and looking clean, modern, and sophisticated, you also want window coverings that are user friendly and that you don’t have to fuss with. You can’t get more convenient than motorized blinds that are hardwired and battery operated. This works especially well for windows that are out of reach. Many window covering retailers now offer motorized models that can be controlled via an app on your smart device.
Home DraperyIt’s About More than Just Style
As you can clearly see, choosing the ideal winter window coverings involves much more than just what looks good and matches with your décor. By keeping each of these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find options that meet a number of your needs.
Contact Alex Irish for all your Oakville real estate needs
If you’re looking to sell your home or condo in the Oakville area, Alex Irish can get you started. Contact us today and we can help you choose the best sale price, access an incredible pool of potential buyers and, of course, stage your home!
Alex Irish
CEO & Team Leader - Sales Representative
Alex Irish has been a leading force in real estate for over thirty years, establishing a reputation as one of Oakville’s most respected and successful realtors. Known for her unwavering work ethic and ethical approach, Alex consistently ranks among the top producers in the industry.
Her commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, exemplified by her signature concierge service that ensures each client receives personalized and dedicated attention. In late 2016, Alex embraced a new chapter as the Team Leader of Alex Irish & Associates, where she could uphold the high standards of service that have defined her career.
In 2024, Alex expanded her team’s reach by merging with the Regan team to create Regan Irish & Associates, forming a dynamic new firm that blends the strengths of both businesses. This partnership not only enhances their services but also provides clients with greater resources and an expanded network, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven approach that clients have come to trust.
Alex’s insights on real estate trends are highly sought after, and she has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Globe & Mail. A certified luxury marketing specialist, she has received numerous accolades throughout her career and frequently speaks at industry conferences.
Every February, Alex and her team at Regan Irish & Associates participate in the Kindness Tour, a tradition launched in 2017. During this month-long initiative, the entire team supports 28 local charities, embodying the company’s commitment to community. In recognition of their efforts, they were nominated for a Community Spirit Award.
At the heart of Alex’s philosophy is the belief in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” She is deeply committed to building lifelong client relationships and takes pride in mentoring a dedicated team of agents while continuing to actively sell real estate.
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FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB) 
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com——
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!
