How to Maximize Your Home’s Curb Appeal
There’s no denying that curb appeal is a huge part of the home selling process. After all, your house’s first impression is an important one. Here are some things you can do now to help boost your home’s curb appeal.
Make Over Your Yard
If your lawn is overgrown and your garden has more weeds than flowers, it’s time to get to work! Mow your lawn and keep it mowed while the house is on the market. And take the time to pull the weeds, trim overgrown bushes and tree branches, and remove any dead bushes and flowers from the yard.
If your yard needs a lot of work, it’s usually worth hiring someone who can use their specialized equipment and knowledge to get your yard cleaned up.
If possible, plant some new flowers, bushes, and trees in your yard. Greenery and fresh bursts of colour are appealing to the eye and will help your yard stand out.
Wash Your House
Giving your house a good power wash takes away all the grime and freshens it up. You probably don’t even realize how much buildup you have on your house until you see it freshly washed. Just make sure your siding can withstand the pressure and follow directions on the washer to get the job done right.
Driveway pressure washing by Sunrise Window Cleaning.
Fix What Needs Fixing
Often, we get used to seeing our house as it is and don’t notice the little eyesores that may exist. Take a good look at your home through fresh eyes and make note of what’s not quite up to snuff.
You’ll likely need to re-hang shutters, clean your gutters, and touch up a bit of paint.
Lighten Things Up
Prospective buyers will likely be turned off by homes that look dark. Not only does it make a home seem a little depressing, but people may feel it’s a safety issue as well. And if you’re selling your home during the fall or wintertime, this may be even more noticeable as the days are shorter and darker.
Make sure you have adequate lighting along the path to your home, on your driveway, and at your front porch. You may need to cut back bushes and tree branches that are blocking light and may pose a possible security risk.
Pump Up Your Front Door
Chances are your front door looks a little dated. The paint may be chipped, and it might just look a little blah. Now is your chance to make it POP!
Paint it a bold colour! Red, or other fun bold colours, can really make a front door pop and will draw attention to your house. Just make sure that the colour you choose doesn’t clash with the rest of the colours on the house.
And don’t be afraid to place some décor on your door too! Hang a festive, seasonal wreath or some other classy decoration to add a welcoming touch.
Finally, fix up the look of your door by changing out the hardware. New door handles don’t have to cost a lot and can add a fabulous classy touch to your door. Go ahead and add a cool new door knocker too.
Modernize Your House Numbers
It’s important to have clear house numbers on your home so people can find you—especially in an emergency. You likely still have the ones that came with the house. They do the job, but they may look a little faded and boring.
You can find all different sizes and fonts for house numbers at your local hardware store. And it’s an easy job to swap them out.
Create Symmetry
The eye is naturally drawn to symmetrical patterns. So, do your best to create symmetry around your home. If you have one chair outside your front door, place a matching one on the other side too. And if you have a hanging basket on one side of your garage, add one on the other side to balance the look.
Manage Your Mailbox
If you’re using the same rusty metal mailbox that came with your home, you should invest in a new one!
Upgrading your mailbox is a simple way to boost your outdoor décor. Most home improvement stores will have options to suit your house’s style.
Selling your home can be a stressful time. Make it easier by having a top-notch real estate agent on your side. The experts at Alex Irish & Associates are here to help you with all your real estate needs in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, and Mississauga. No matter if you’re looking for townhouses for sale in Oakville, or condos for sale in Mississauga, we’re here to help!
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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.