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.
Laura van Zeyl
Broker - Senior Associate
A distinguished, award-winning real estate professional, Laura van Zeyl has been associated with the real estate industry since the 1980s. With extensive personal experience relocating her family across Toronto, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton Highlands, Vancouver, Caledon, and Virginia, ultimately settling in idyllic Oakville nearly 30 years ago. This firsthand expertise provides Laura with a unique perspective in guiding her clients through buying and selling homes.
Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and client-first approach, Laura is highly regarded for her ability to truly listen to her clients’ needs. Her deep market insight, strong work ethic, refined communication skills, and commitment to due diligence ensure that every client achieves the results they deserve.
Beyond real estate, Laura is a dedicated community leader, actively serving on councils and associations, including the Oakville Lakeside Residents’ Association, Appleby College, Fern Hill, and Dearcroft Montessori Schools, as well as multiple sports organizations.
A proud graduate of the University of Toronto and the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Laura balances her professional success with personal passions. When she’s not working with clients, you’ll find her playing pickleball, enjoying music at the piano, or engaging in ecology and arts-related pursuits across the GTA and the Haliburton Highlands.
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Rate Cut Ignites GTA Real Estate
Market Snapshot
The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) September 2025 Market Watch report shows early signs of a GTA rebound.
- 5,592 sales, up 8.5% YoY
- 19,260 new listings, +4% YoY
- Average price ≈ $1,059,377, down 4.7% YoY
- MLS® HPI ↓ 5.5% YoY
- Sales up MoM, listings down MoM → tighter market forming
These numbers point to a slow but steady market recovery. But what’s really fueling the conversation now is the Bank of Canada’s latest decision.
Bank of Canada’s October 2025 Interest Rate Decision
On October 29 2025, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% — the second consecutive cut and the lowest level since 2022.
The Bank signaled that this may mark the end of its easing cycle unless inflation weakens further.
Why it matters:
- Borrowing costs drop, boosting affordability for buyers.
- Confidence returns to sellers and investors after months of hesitation.
- Refinancing and investment opportunities reopen for savvy property owners.
In short, this move has re-energized housing markets across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and even Muskoka, where buyers and investors had been waiting for the right signal.
What Buyers Should Do Now
- Act strategically: With rates lower and listings up, this is a golden moment to negotiate.
- Get pre-approved quickly — competition could ramp up by early 2026.
- Focus on quality locations like south Oakville, Lorne Park (Mississauga), and core Burlington — where long-term equity growth outperforms.
- For investors: Explore Muskoka vacation homes or rental-ready units before rising demand drives prices back up.
What Sellers Should Know
- Sales are rising despite lower average prices — buyers are re-entering the market.
- Presentation and pricing are everything. Professional staging, premium photography, and data-backed pricing attract serious offers.
- Upsizing or downsizing? With lower mortgage costs, you can move equity efficiently while conditions remain favourable.
- Luxury sellers: Demand for turnkey listings is picking up again — especially in Oakville and Mississauga.
Local Insights
Mississauga & Oakville: Still among the GTA’s most resilient sub-markets. Expect balanced conditions through Q4 2025.
Burlington: Family buyers are back — affordability plus lifestyle make it a top performer.
Toronto: Core condos are stabilizing; investors are returning to well-located downtown units.
Muskoka: Cottage and short-term rental demand remains strong — ideal for diversification and passive-income seekers.
Investor Takeaway
With the policy rate at 2.25% and inflation under control, investment real estate looks compelling again. Expect:
- Better cash-flow margins with cheaper financing
- Gradual price stabilization through 2026
- Long-term upside as population growth and housing supply constraints persist
What To Do Next
- Buyers: Review your mortgage options now — lenders are updating rates.
- Sellers: Get a current market evaluation to plan your listing window.
- Investors: Compare cap rates and projected yields across GTA vs Muskoka.
Need a strategy tailored to your goals? Let’s make your next move your smartest yet.
About Regan Irish & Associates
We specialize in luxury homes, resale properties, and investment real estate across the GTA and Muskoka. Our team’s market insight and negotiation expertise deliver results — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville ON L6J 7W5
905-842-7677
reganirish.com
Call to Action
The market has shifted — don’t wait for the crowd.
Contact Regan Irish & Associates today for a personalized market plan that helps you buy, sell or invest with confidence in Mississauga, Oakville, Toronto, Burlington or Muskoka.
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!