Choosing the Right Realtor®: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Embarking on the journey of home sale is an exciting endeavour filled with possibilities and opportunities. As you take this important step, one of the most crucial decisions you will make is selecting the right realtor to guide you through the process.
In this article, we will delve into the top five mistakes that home sellers often make when choosing a real estate agent. With our friendly guidance and expert tips, you will be well-equipped to embark on this exciting journey with confidence and peace of mind. Let us get started!
Agent-Friend Syndrome
One of the most common mistakes the home sellers make is choosing a Realtor® based solely on personal connections rather than qualifications. While it is natural to want to support a friend or family member in their profession, it is also crucial to prioritize expertise and experience in the Canadian real estate market.
According to statistics, 89% of sellers are assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home. However, familiarity should not outweigh expertise.
Falling for the Highest Listing Price
Another pitfall many home sellers encounter is falling for the allure of the highest listing price offered by a real estate agent. While it may seem tempting to go with the Realtor® who promises the highest price, this tactic can often backfire.
According to real estate industry data, pricing your home accurately is crucial for a successful sale. Utilizing relevant comparables, or similar homes recently sold in your neighbourhood, is essential for determining the market value of your property.
Overpricing can lead to prolonged listing periods and ultimately reduce your profit.
Experience Matters
Experience is a key factor when selecting a Realtor®. Surprisingly, almost 70% of new agents leave the real estate business within their first five years. This statistic underscores the importance of choosing a real estate agent with a proven track record and extensive knowledge of your local neighbourhood.
Opting for an inexperienced agent, although well-intentioned, can lead to mispricing and ineffective negotiation strategies.
Commission-Based Decision Making
Many home sellers make the mistake of choosing a Realtor® based solely on commission fees. While it may be tempting to opt for a discount Realtor® to save on costs, this decision can backfire in terms of the final home sale price. Real estate is a 100% commission-based industry, and agents who offer discounts may lack the necessary skills and resources to effectively market your home and negotiate on your behalf.
Lack of Local Real Estate Experience
Though it is important to go through an agent’s experience in the real estate market, it should not be solely measured by the number of homes sold or years in the business. It is crucial to ensure that your Realtor® possesses in-depth knowledge of your local neighbourhood. This hyperlocal expertise enables them to accurately price your home, network with other local agents, and target the right potential buyers.
Seeking Out the Right Realtor®
When interviewing potential real estate agents, it is essential to ask the right questions and conduct thorough research. Request references from recent clients and utilize online platforms like Zillow to read reviews and testimonials. Additionally, prioritize full-time agents with dedicated team, as they have the motivation and resources to effectively market your home and handle the intricacies of the transaction process.
Key Questions to Ask the Realtor® while interviewing
How many homes have you sold in the past year?
How long have you been a Realtor®?
Are you a full-time Realtor®?
Will you personally handle the sale of my home?
What is your marketing strategy for selling my property?
How do you utilize online platforms to market my home?
How do you determine the value of a home?
What sets you apart from other real estate agents?
When do you recommend listing my house?
How often will you communicate with me, and how?
Selecting the right Realtor® requires careful consideration and research. By avoiding common mistakes and asking the right questions, you can find an agent who will effectively represent your interests and maximize the value of your home sale.
Prioritize expertise, experience, and a proven track record to ensure a smooth and successful real estate transaction.
Ready to Sell Your Home with Confidence? Contact The Regan Team today!
When it comes to selling your home, trust the expertise and dedication of The Regan Team. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we work tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful transaction from start to finish.
Let us make your dream of selling your home a reality together.
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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!
