Serious Red Flags When Looking at a New Home!
You’ve jumped through the hoops, acquired your down payment, and secured your mortgage amount. Now comes the fun part: shopping for your new home. This is arguably the best part of the process, where your hard work meets with the search for your dream home. Whether you’re shopping for houses for sale, or perhaps for luxury condos, there are a list of red flags to keep an eye out for. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds, and the best way to start is to work your way up!
Everything Begins with the Foundation
A house is nothing but a money pit without a solid foundation, so this is exactly where you should start. Take a walk around the property noting anything that seems off to you including cracks, crumbling, water pooling, or even an area that might be sinking. This is true of any property, but it’s certainly something to keep in mind if you’re shopping for an Oakville waterfront condo or home as erosion and water-based issues will become an even bigger issue for this type of property.
Structural Issues
Although open concept is a popular design feature in many Oakville homes for sale, not having proper supports is a big red flag. There are cases where renovations are done without consideration to key structural elements from supporting beams and pillars to full, and necessary, walls. If your walk-through takes you to an area that seems to be a little too open, it could be a red flag.
Homes for Sale Should Look Maintained Inside…
It certainly goes without saying that the better you care for your things, the longer they will last. The same can be said for your home, and it’s one of the largest red flags to look out for, albeit sometimes the hardest. Be sure to take note of the wiring during your visit to a potential new home. Are the wires frayed? Are there wires to nowhere? Can you see duct tape that looks like it’s been holding up the electrical for a little too long? These are concerning issues that need to be addressed.
…And Out
How about the windows? Do they have excess moisture in between the panes of glass, or any cracks and fractures? Outdoor fixtures, including multiple types of tiles on the roof or cracks and plants taking over the gutters, can offer you hints about just how much work you’ll have to do to clean up this new space. This can be kept in mind for any kind of dwelling too. For instance, if you’re considering Oakville condos, many of these elements still apply, both when it comes to inside the condo itself or even applied to the entire building.
Quick Fixes that Disguise the Undesirable
Sometimes sellers wish to get rid of their home in a hurry, leaving you with whatever current problem they are experiencing. Take a look for things that stand out because they look a bit too good compared to the remainder of the space. This could be a room with one freshly painted wall meant to disguise mould, or wooden beams that have been patched up in certain areas instead of being replaced in order to hide rot.
Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, so always look for these seemingly small red flags before they become your big problems.
Neighbourhood Watch: Are People Moving In or Moving Out?
Location, location, location! This has always been and continues to be an important indicator of a successful home purchase. The main thing here is to find out if there has been an exodus from the area, any positive or negative changes to the local economy, or if there have been any migration trends related to the surrounding neighbourhoods. Chances are, if you’re shopping for Mississauga condos, Oakville real estate, or any property within the Golden Horseshoe, you have a very high chance of purchasing in either an up-and-coming neighbourhood or an older established one.
Seek Out the Experts
In order to have the best experience possible when shopping for your new home, the rule of thumb is to always seek out the professionals! Organizing a professional inspection will ensure that you safeguard your current and future assets and keep the experience as positive as possible. If you’re considering condos for sale in the Oakville and surrounding areas, reach out to our expert realtors at Alex Irish. Whether you’re buying or selling, Alex Irish & Associate Real Estate team will guide you seamlessly from tour to purchase and from marketing to getting your best sale ever. Start your search 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!
