Home Staging Tips
It’s important to remember that the way we photograph and show homes is not realistically the way we live in our homes on a day-to-day basis. Presenting your home in its best light is key to getting top dollar. These home staging tips can make a world of difference in how buyers perceive your home and its value.
Areas of Influence
When staging your home to sell, focus on the main areas of influence where buyers typically make decisions on whether or not to consider a property or move on to other options. These include curb appeal, kitchens, living rooms, principal bedrooms and bathrooms.
A Fresh Perspective
We become accustomed to seeing our furniture in the same layout and our rooms used in the same way, but when it comes to staging, the first thing you should be open to is moving things around! Try to envision prospective buyers viewing your home, put your personal preferences aside and think of how most people would want to use the space so they can envision their future in your home.
Keep It Simple
Staging doesn’t need to break the bank. The key is creating one well executed element in each room, which is more efficient than feeling like you need to completely overhaul a room or outdoor space. Keeping the style simple is often more affordable, quicker to execute and will appeal to more buyers.
Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, so elevating your curb appeal will pay off in spades. A few affordable and quick suggestions are to power wash siding, gutters, decks and driveways to send the message that your home is well cared for and maintained. Paint the front door a bright colour that compliments your homes architecture. Replacing old lighting and mailboxes can add a modern flare. Top it off with some decorative, seasonal planters and a fresh welcome mat!
Kitchens
Simply put – kitchens sell houses. Always start with a deep clean, including inside cabinets and appliances. Wipe down stainless steel, so that it shines! Make your kitchen feel spacious and functional by removing seldomly used small appliances and excessive décor items so that countertops are clear and clean. Time to accessorize with a white vase of wooden utensils and a vibrant bowl of green apples! Edit items inside your cabinets and pantry. If they are too crammed, prospective buyers will feel there isn’t enough storage space or that the kitchen is too small. Highlight glass-front and display cabinets to create a beautiful vignette to draw a buyer’s attention. Achieve a designer look by displaying white china and dishes in dark cabinets and groupings of coloured items in white cabinetry; centering them within the glass pane.
Furniture Placement
Furniture placement can make a world of difference – and all it costs is a bit of heavy lifting! Usually, rooms where furniture pieces are lined up against every wall feel uninspired and often smaller than they actually are. Clear out the clutter and haul away redundant furniture pieces. You want potential buyers to be able to move around a room without being blocked by furniture. Make sure they can easily access your home’s best features like the fireplace, built-in cabinetry and showcase any architectural details. Strategic sightlines through windows will work to expand your rooms and create an additional area of interest.
Bedroom Makeovers
Creating a bedroom oasis will definitely elevate a buyer’s perception of value. The bed is the focal point and should be skillfully executed. White linens make a bed feel fresh and elegant; giving that hotel-vibe buyers are looking for. Add sophisticated layers of neutral pillows and frame the bed with nightstands on either side dressed with elegant lamps – the symmetry helps create a soothing space.
Set The Mood With Lighting
One of the things that make a home feel warm and welcoming is great lighting. A mishmash of warm and cool white lights throughout your home can be jarring. Change out bulbs to create a consistent glow throughout your spaces. Make sure you have three types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. These lights can be adjusted to create the perfect mood for both daytime and nighttime showings.
Keep Things Fresh
Steer away from fake plants and flowers. They often look cheap and do not add to the perception of value that you want a buyer to feel when they walk into a space. Instead, opt for fresh flowers, a carefully selected houseplant or a bowl of green apples or yellow lemons for a bit of sunshine.
Finishes Touches
You’re finally ready for the finishing touches! Depersonalize your space so that prospective buyers can feel at home. Replace family photos and personal artwork with more generic art. If you are struggling with a dark and heavy sofa, try layering cream or white pillows to lighten up the look. Be sure to add visual interest by combining different textures, sizes and shapes. Accessorize in threes – odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye, especially when organized in a triangle shape. Play with scale so the larger item is at the back with two smaller items in front. Have fun experimenting with colour, shape and textures!
Staging your home to sell is worth the investment of time and money. Following these staging tips will ensure that your home’s best features are showcased, allow a buyer to envision themselves in your home and elevate the perception of value which will separate you from the competition and help you to get top dollar!
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.
Related Posts
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!