Never Do These 7 Things at An Open House
When you’re looking to buy a new home, chances are you’re going to attend some open houses. While it’s important to take a good look through the home which may potentially be yours, there are 7 things you should never do while you’re attending an open house.
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Make Yourself At Home
Although it may soon be, this is not your home yet, and the current homeowners likely wouldn’t appreciate you sitting on or touching their furniture.
In some cases, the furniture is rented for staging purposes, so the homeowners are on the hook for any damage made. They’re relying on you to be careful in their home.
Occasionally, the owner or real estate agent will invite you to sit down to have a chat or go over some papers. If this is the case, sit respectfully and keep your feet on the floor.
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Let Your Kids Run Around
Try not to bring your young children to an open house. When looking at a house to buy, you want to be able to take your time and look at everything. If you bring your kids, you’ll likely feel rushed. Plus, since they are unfamiliar with the stairs and other potential hazards in the house, they could get hurt.
If you must take your children with you, don’t let them run around the house or sit on the furniture.
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Use The Bathroom
Since open houses are often either staged by a professional or fixed up by the owner, nothing should be disrupted in any way.
If it truly is an emergency, ask the homeowner (if they are there) or the real estate agent showing the home first. Make sure you don’t leave a mess, and try not to touch the towels which are often rented for staging purposes.
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Criticize
Even if you like the house overall, there likely will be a few things you don’t like about it. Openly criticizing the home is rude and won’t get you a better deal on the home, no matter what you may have heard.
Even criticizing the furniture or décor won’t buy you any favours since it’s possible the real estate agent had a hand in staging the home. Plus, it’s not unheard of for a homeowner to go undercover as a potential buyer at their own open house to check out the people who will be putting in offers on their home. Not to mention the fact some people have hidden cameras and other security in their home which can record what is said.
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Snoop
It’s generally acceptable to open cupboards, closets, and appliances (if they are included in the home sale) since those are a part of the house you may potentially buy. But it’s NEVER acceptable to open desk drawers or poke through someone’s end table.
And even though you’ll likely want to open kitchen drawers and the fridge, since they could soon be yours, you are purely doing it to look at the space and see how they slide open. Whatever items are in there are not yours to look through.
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Take Photos
You may be tempted to take photos to remember certain things about the home you are viewing. However, you must remember you’re in someone else’s space, and they may not appreciate it.
If you feel you must have pictures to remember aspects of the house you particularly like or don’t like, ask the real estate agent. They may have already taken pictures of the space they can forward to you. Or they may have permission to allow you to take photos.
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Take Up Too Much Time
You’re certainly allowed to take your time looking at the home if you’re a serious buyer. But don’t stick around simply because you’re bored or want to chat with other buyers.
And yes, the real estate agent is there to answer questions and show you the benefits of the home, but if it’s a very busy open house, it’s inconsiderate to take up all their time. If you still have questions or would like more information, arrange a chat with the agent after the open house is over.
For more information about open houses, real estate, and any new homes for sale, contact Alex Irish & Associates. Whether you’re looking for a luxury condo or a townhome for sale, we’re here to serve you in Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Hamilton. Contact us today!
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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!
