Tips for Selling Your Home with Pets
As Realtors, we are frequently asked by clients preparing their homes for sale, “does it matter that I have pets?”
The truth is that… it does. Whether it be cats, dogs, birds, rodents or reptiles, not everyone is a fan. Many potential buyers are not pet lovers. They may be nervous around animals, or in some cases, they may suffer from allergies that make their visit to the house uncomfortable.
For many reasons you may want to consider temporarily relocating your pets while your house is listed for sale. Animals can be unpredictable, even if well behaved.
Nervous visitors may make your pet nervous… Causing them to react in a way that is not normal for them. A nervous Buyer may cause your pet to bark, scratch, bite or run, putting both them and the Buyer at risk. Although this will likely make your house memorable, it will definitely not help sell it.
An agent will do their best to keep your pet contained, but I can tell you from past experience, it’s not always possible.
I’ve spent a lot of time trying to coral a cat or catch a dog. As a Seller, you want the agent’s attention on selling your house and not on securing your pet. From a practical standpoint, it’s also easier to prepare a house for showings without pets and potential buyers will feel more comfortable in your home. If relocating your pet isn’t an option, there are many things you can do to help make your home less of a pet zone. Consider taking your pet out of the house for showings or if it’s absolutely necessary to keep them in the house, try crating.
Remove all your pet paraphernalia including beds, scratching posts, food dishes, toys and especially litter boxes. Litter boxes should be without exception, clean and discreetly tucked away. If possible use a litter box that has a lid that hides your pet’s activity.
Start well in advance of listing your house by preparing your cat for a new litter box location.
No buyer or agent wants to find an unwelcome surprise because your cat didn’t know where you hid the box.
Fabric and textiles in a house absorb pet odours.
Although you may be nose blind to the scents, someone entering the house for the first time may not be. Be very critical about pet scents.
Ask non household members for an honest opinion.
Prior to listing your home, wash carpets, upholstery and window coverings. Vacuum and wash floors regularly while you are on the market. Your home should be a fur-free zone. If possible, use dry food as opposed to canned food. It tends to have less of an odour.
Repair any damage your pet may have caused including scratches, chew marks and stains.
Finally, CLEAN your yard!!!
Before listing, during the listing and after the sale. No one wants to move into a new home with pet droppings in the yard. Think Karma.
Remember: many potential buyers avoid homes with pets. If you’re trying to sell your house, you don’t want to discourage showings.
By eliminating signs of your pets, you will make your home appealing to more buyers often resulting in a faster and more profitable sale. That’s a good thing for both you and your pet!
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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.