Preparing for Open Houses: 5 Must-dos!
You have probably been looking at houses for sale on your electronic devices for a while now. You know what you want, but until you get to see the inside of the home, it is hard to be sure if it is truly the right house for you.
Open houses have been a long-standing technique used by sellers and realtors. This casual sales strategy gets people into a home, and potential buyers don’t feel obligated to make an offer. You have probably seen numerous signs for open houses in Burlington each weekend, and now you want to start attending some.
There are 5 points you are going to want to keep in mind during your open-house visits.
1. Don’t Get Distracted by Elaborate Staging
When an owner is trying to sell a home, they are going to do what it takes. The way a house looks, both inside and out, isn’t necessarily what it is going to look like when you move in. As you go through the home, be sure to look past the elaborate staging that the owner has set up for your viewing pleasure and focus on what is important. Check for potential problems like broken appliances or any damage to the home.
2. Go Through the Home Systematically
Attending an open house can be a little awkward because you are walking through someone else’s home. However, if you want to thoroughly see the home and still be polite, be systematic. Go from room to room in an orderly fashion. Don’t be afraid to open doors and look at everything. Bring a tape measure or a notepad to take notes.
3. Listen to Everyone and Look at Everything
Though it is a commonplace to look for potential issues when at an open house, it can be crowded, and things can get missed. As you are looking at everything, listen to what others are saying around you. A little innocent eavesdropping may open your eyes to an issue someone else has caught that you didn’t see.
4. Learn Everything You Can
One of the primary advantages of attending an open house is the ability to look at houses for sale naturally. There is no one breathing down your neck as you look around the home, the yard, and even the neighbourhood. Learn about the houses that sold on the same street or adjacent streets recently, and take the time to ask about amenities, schools, and restaurants.
5. Watch Other Buyers
As you are going through the home, you can quickly spot the experienced open-house shoppers. Pay attention to what other potential buyers are doing. If you see people going in and out without much thought, it is a bad sign. If you see people hovering around the showing agent waiting to ask questions, the house could be priced well and might sell quickly.
Talk to a Local Realtor
As you begin your house hunting journey, find a local realtor who knows the area and who can point you to the right open houses. Come visit us at Alex Irish, we know the Burlington, Oakville, and Mississauga area and can provide you with a wealth of information to maximize your open-house experience.
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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!
