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.
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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.