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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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!
