Good versus bad home staging: What you need to know
Staging is an effective way to help sell your home. In a competitive market like Oakville real estate, this little bit of effort goes a long way. By following a few tips from the pros, you can ace your staging and get the best price for your home!
Renos and repairs
Often it’s the little things that sell people on a home. If your home needs to be renovated, be sure to invest the time and money to do so. The market in the Oakville area is strong; buyers have a lot of money to invest in houses for sale and they have high standards. So, it’s imperative that even the smallest of repairs be looked after. That means ensuring all the nicks and cracks get patched up, chipped walls get painted, leaky faucets get fixed, and any broken or worn down furniture gets mended or removed.
Be inspired by Marie Kondo and Mr. Clean
The next task on the list is helpful both for staging and for the move: decluttering. Go through all of your belongings and ask yourself, “Do I need this?” If the answer is no, then prepare it for charity, give it to a friend or sell it online.
Once you’ve taken inventory, it’s time to get out the strong stuff and clean like you’ve never cleaned before. According to many real estate agents, having a dirty shower or kitchen area is a massive don’t. Even if your home looks beautiful on the outside, as soon as a buyer sees dirt and grime, you’ve lost the sale, whether it’s a house or condo.
De-personalize
While most branding today is very personal, when it comes to selling your house or condo, make it impersonal. For instance, if you’re into bold or challenging artwork, pack it into storage. If you love knick-knacks, put them in a safe space. The goal is to make prospective buyers feel at home, and not like guests in someone else’s.
Kitchen Home Staging
Oakville real estate is about luxury and simplicity—so keep it neutral
If you really want to sell the space, keep it neutral. An easy-on-the-eyes decor makes people notice how comfortable the house is, meaning the focus is kept on the house itself and not on how beautiful the furniture is. And a simple design can signal to the buyer that they’re about to purchase a luxury condo or hidden gem of a house. This is a bonus if you’re looking for the best value for your property!
Move the furniture around…again
When it comes to the furniture itself, it’s often best to assess the interior design. Is it as good as it can be? Does it efficiently show the best use of space for the room? Furniture placement can be a vital tool because not only are you trying to welcome people to your space, you’re also trying to catch the attention of prospective buyers online. Removing larger furniture pieces will make your space seem airier and larger.
Start with a great first impression
One of the most important points, especially for Oakville homes for sale, is not to forget about curb appeal. The outside of your home is the first thing people see when they come knocking. Make sure the grass is cut, any interlocking work is good to go, and the front door looks clean and welcoming. This could mean the difference between a great first impression and a terrible one.
If you have a backyard, keeping it trimmed and neat is also important. Ultimately, it should be treated like the inside of your home. If you renovate, repair, declutter and clean the backyard space, you increase the attractiveness of your home as a whole while also leaving people with a great first impression.
Focus on key points of interest
If you’re putting your house up for sale, the first thing agents will recommend is that you home in on key rooms of interest, so focusing on these three areas will make all the difference for buyers:
- The master bedroom
- The living room
- The kitchen
This point is key in another way, as it keeps you from over-staging your home. People can tell when something is too manicured, and the best home is one that feels beautiful but also a little lived in.
Draw lots of light into the room
Let there be light! Oakville condos are especially coveted if they can offer lots of light. This is for a few reasons, not just our long cold winters, but also because it gives people energy and adds a freshness to their potential new condo. If it’s during the day, you can opt for natural light. If your showing is at night, don’t panic, you can swap out your old light bulbs for better ones, light some candles and create a warm, cozy ambiance for your visitors.
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!
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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.