How Do I Sell My House? Everything You Need to Know
There are many reasons why people make the decision to sell their homes.
Maybe you can no longer afford your mortgage due to a change in financial fortunes, a common one in this post Covid-19 era actually. Or probably you are relocating to a different part of the country or world for one reason or the other.
Some do it from the need to downsize, others entirely for personal reasons which vary broadly – cohabiting (or divorce), distance of commuting, neighborhood issues, too small a house, backpacking across the globe, you name it.
No matter the reasons behind it, selling a house is a big decision that can be confusing, if not overwhelming, if you don’t know where to start or how to go approach it.
By following a few straightforward steps, however, you can minimize the stress that comes with home selling.
So, before you start sourcing moving boxes and packing tape or looking for a moving company to move you out, here are all the important details you need to know.
A home is a big project financially-speaking. The last thing you therefore want is to rush into a deal that will have you regretting the sale.
Step 1: Decide which approach you want to take
There are different ways to sell a house, each with its own pros and cons. The best method varies from seller to seller as people’s needs and capabilities differ.
Some options to consider when determining the most viable option for you include:
- FSBO. Short for “For Sale By Owner”, all the responsibilities involved in the sale process are in the seller’s hands – the listing, marketing, showing the home to potential buyers, negotiating, contracts etc. The profit margins can be good, but there is a big learning curve and its time-consuming.
- Selling through a realtor. In this approach, you entrust the whole selling process to an experienced real estate agent. They can help you establish the best sale price, market the property, and close the deal.
- Online. A modern way of selling homes according to the Zillow Group Report.
Step 2: Pricing your home
This is a tricky aspect every seller struggles with. Your personal expectations and emotional attachment may dictate one thing, but the prevailing market conditions cannot be ignored.
There are two types of markets to take note of. The seller’s market favors you, the seller (meaning you stand to sell the home at a higher price due to increased property demand), while the buyer’s market favors homebuyers.
It is important to remember that your home listing price will determine how fast offers come in. That’s why fair and competitive pricing is important.
Step 3: Make your home show-ready
The phrase first impressions matter applies more in house selling than most other cases. Both the interior and exterior condition of your home have a direct bearing on how many offers you receive, therefore the need to ensure everything is tip-top.
That means making the necessary repairs and replacements, especially structural and cosmetic ones. Some low-cost but significant improvements include addressing flooring issues, adding a fresh coat of paint, upgrading light fixtures, and changing the front door.
Making your home show-ready should also factor in remodeling to boost the return on investment – e.g. a small kitchen upgrade or replacing the siding of the house.
A thorough clean is a must, and staging the home a bonus.
Step 4: Home inspection
To avoid potential snags when you put your home up for sale, consider having a home inspection which formally documents the condition of every aspect of your home, from the windows to the roof, to the walls and floors, and all the systems in place – electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, etc.
A home inspection gives the property a clean bill of health, and every buyer worth their six pence will place great importance on this.
Step 5: Marketing the home
With the repairs done and remodeling completed to breathe new life into your home, all that remains now is to take photos of the property in all its splendor.
Photographing your home to put up on the property market calls for more than just your smartphone camera, though. A dedicated camera works best, and if photography is not your biggest strong suit, consider bringing in a professional photographer who can also do the editing work for you.
That is, of course, if you’re selling the home yourself.
Otherwise, some few rules to follow when photographing include:
- Make sure the home is completely devoid of any clutter
- Avoid photographing at night or during cloudy weather
- Ensure all curtains and blinds are open to let in natural light
- Aim for more wide-angle photos
As regards the number of photos you should be looking at, according to Zillow research, the most ideal number of images for real estate is between 22 and 27.
Step 6: Negotiate the best terms and seal the deal
So, you have done the hard work and it’s finally starting to pay off. The offers have started coming in and you get one, or better yet, multiple attractive offers and are ready to close the contract.
Before you hand over the keys to the buyer, the two of you need to agree on the terms of course. In addition to the final price of the home, you also need to set the closing date, agree on the closing costs, as well as discuss any structural and/or cosmetic updates that may be needed.
As much as you may be in a hurry to close the contract, try to stave off the pressure of accepting any offer that comes your way.
A home is a big project financially-speaking. Matter of fact, this is one of the largest, if not the largest, project you’ll be involved in on a personal level. The last thing you therefore want is to rush into a deal that will have you regretting the sale.
Make sure you’re well-versed with the nuts and bolts involved in closing a home before signing on the dotted line.
Conclusion
Selling a home does take a good amount of work and time.
Armed with these steps, however, you’ll avoid many of the potential snags that may slow down the final sale.
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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.