The Connected Home
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 2019 Consumer Electronics Show, the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies, was recently held in Las Vegas, Nevada. For those who thrive on the business of consumer technology, this global stage that introduces attendees to next-generation innovations, was the place to be. There continues to be an influential trend of technology in today’s homes. More elements of the home that were once analog mainstays made their digital debut at this year’s CES.
The Kitchen
For the sous-chef in training, managing multiple items within a single oven can prove challenging. When there is a whole roasted chicken and a puff pastry that need to be ready for serving simultaneously, managing the oven temperature and cooking times can be frustrating.
Whirlpool’s Connected Hub Wall Oven utilizes a transparent 27” LCD interface in place of a traditional glass oven door. It will unlock access to discover, learn and control the cooking process from a central hub. Features include personalized recipe suggestions based upon a family’s preferences; step-by-step video instructions via the Yummly platform (no need for a cookbook!); Coordinated Cooking allows recipes to be stacked up and steps will be prompted at the right time on the LCD screen; and an internal vision system enables the temperature of food to be checked without opening the oven door. This new oven will offer families a whole new, automated approach to preparing meals in a timely manner.
Security
Smart locks have been around for several years now, but Lockly’s new Secure Pro Smart Lock has combined and refined the best features into one single package. In addition to being beautifully and meticulously designed, it features the highest level of security available. It includes a capacitive fingerprint scanner, which prevents any ‘scanned’ fingerprints from tricking the lock. One can also use the Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands to lock and unlock.
Most unique is a digital keypad (named PIN Genie) that randomly arranges the digits into groups of 3, so it is nearly impossible to guess the input, even if someone has visually observed it being entered. One can even remotely generate a temporary PIN to allow guests and potential home buyers to enter. Through a smartphone it will be possible to control and monitor door access from anywhere in the world and securely control who comes and goes.
Home Entertainment
The Sonos Beam, also previewed at the show, is a well-designed, extremely advanced soundbar. It automatically pairs with your TV and remote, playing music, TV, movies and more. It offers exceptional dialogue clarity with speech enhancement and also has Alexa voice control. Beam’s compact and versatile design is perfect for rooms where space is at a premium.
No doubt the influential technological trends will continue both in our homes and places of work in the years to come![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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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.