Tips on How to “Winterize” Your Home
If you live in an area that is similar to our hometown, Oakville, Ontario, you know that by this time of year, the temperature has started to drop. While it can be quite beautiful to see the trees adorned with snow, it is absolutely crucial that you get your house ready for winter if you have not done so already.
We love to keep cozy inside during these winter months, but there are a number of things that you should do to do to protect your house from possible damage.
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your home is “Winter Ready”:
1. Gutters. Ensure you check and clean your gutters. This sounds like a simple one… But it can cause a lot of issues if not done regularly! Especially if you live in an area with lots of trees and/or tree canopy. If there are any leaves or other debris leftover from the fall season, this could result in clogs, corrosion and eventually, flooding. If water is not able to flow freely through the guided path of the gutters and eavestroughs, the water will soon find its way over the edges and create other, much more expensive issues such as basement leaks and/or foundation damage. Also, be certain that the gutters and downspouts are secured as they should not be sagging. During the winter, and especially during large snow or ice storms, the elements can sometimes separate the eaves away from the house. Downspouts should be directing water at least 5 feet away from the house to avoid any serious water damage. Grading is another thing to consider when trying to protect your home from winter water and melted snow. The dirt should all be sloping away from the base of your home. You may have to add extra soil every few seasons to ensure the grading is proper.
2. Fireplace. It is important to inspect your fireplace to make sure that there is no animals, nests, build-up or large cracks. To be extra diligent, it might be best to hire a chimney sweep or chimney specialist to come and have a more in-depth look, possibly with a camera, as it could be a fire hazard if it is not well-maintained. The damper should open and then be able to close, tightly.
3. Windows & Doors. In order to keep the heat INSIDE during the winter, it may be wise to check all weather stripping around windows and doors to make sure they are sealed so heat does not escape. Caulking will help solve any small drafts.
4. Heating System. As a prudent home owner, you should have a professional come in and inspect your heating system (ideally, before turning it on for the season). Don’t forget to replace your furnace filter often as well to ensure proper functioning of your furnace and safer air quality. When you turn on your furnace, it is also advisable to replace all batteries in your Carbon Monoxide & Smoke detectors – if something happens to go awry with your heating system. If you have a ceiling fan, rotate them so they run in a clockwise direction – this will blow warm air
5. Pipes. It is crucial to turn off all exterior water fixtures and drain them, such as hoses, hose bibs, sprinkler systems, etc. Any pipes inside the home that are not well-insulated may benefit from an insulation sleeve being installed. Frozen pipes can be a very messy and very expensive issue to solve, especially if it is not caught right away.
6. Humidity. With your heating system running all winter long, the air tends to get quite dryindoors. Dry air causes a number of issues both within your home and within your body – from dry skin, static, and increased chance of catching a cold. A humidifier is the best protection against the dry air. You can get portable humidifiers or have one installed on your furnace. Just be sure to maintain them and clean them so they are not spreading mold spores throughout the air too! Humidity is also necessary to ensure hardwood and wood furniture does not crack or get damaged.
7. Trees. Before the first ice hits, any and all trees should be checked. With the ice and snow that will be landing on the branches, the weight of this makes the older, larger branches more susceptible to breakage – and that means potential damage to your homes, sheds, fences, garden beds, etc. Any dead trees or branches should be removed.
8. Attic. During the colder months, animals such as squirrels, birds, bats, or racoons can find shelter in your attic… If access holes are available! Having a pest control company come out to inspect your roof, vents and any other access points along the roof and roofline is a sure way to confirm your attic does not become a pest motel.
Alex Irish
CEO & Team Leader - Sales Representative
Alex Irish has been a leading force in real estate for over thirty years, establishing a reputation as one of Oakville’s most respected and successful realtors. Known for her unwavering work ethic and ethical approach, Alex consistently ranks among the top producers in the industry.
Her commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, exemplified by her signature concierge service that ensures each client receives personalized and dedicated attention. In late 2016, Alex embraced a new chapter as the Team Leader of Alex Irish & Associates, where she could uphold the high standards of service that have defined her career.
In 2024, Alex expanded her team’s reach by merging with the Regan team to create Regan Irish & Associates, forming a dynamic new firm that blends the strengths of both businesses. This partnership not only enhances their services but also provides clients with greater resources and an expanded network, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven approach that clients have come to trust.
Alex’s insights on real estate trends are highly sought after, and she has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Globe & Mail. A certified luxury marketing specialist, she has received numerous accolades throughout her career and frequently speaks at industry conferences.
Every February, Alex and her team at Regan Irish & Associates participate in the Kindness Tour, a tradition launched in 2017. During this month-long initiative, the entire team supports 28 local charities, embodying the company’s commitment to community. In recognition of their efforts, they were nominated for a Community Spirit Award.
At the heart of Alex’s philosophy is the belief in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” She is deeply committed to building lifelong client relationships and takes pride in mentoring a dedicated team of agents while continuing to actively sell real estate.
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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!
