Where Can I Get a Mortgage?
Over the past decade, mortgages have had their fair share of attention. As a first-time homebuyer, starting the process of obtaining one can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re shopping for a new home, or maybe you’re looking to shift yours around for the purposes of investments, there are several ways to get your hands on a mortgage. For anyone looking to start their search for an Oakville condo or other home for sale, knowing where to start is easy: it’s about asking the experts.
Mortgage Lenders
Mortgage lenders tend to be the primary point of contact. These are called your A and B lenders and generally include institutions you already work with, such as:
Oakville Mortgage● Banks
● Insurance companies
● Credit unions
● Trust companies
● Loan companies
● Mortgage companies
All of these options will provide you with the mortgage you need to purchase a home. A few things to keep in mind here are that each institution will provide different interest rates and conditions for very similar services. It’s important, especially for your first foray into real estate, that you shop around and ensure that you’re getting the best option for your needs.
Mortgage Brokers
Mortgage brokers are a little different, as they do not directly supply you with the loan, but, instead, they seek out the lender for you. The benefits of this option include access to deals that are only offered through lenders, a wider array of services and products, and zero fees for their services.
If you’re shopping for Oakville real estate or for the neighbouring areas, be sure to do a quick internet search for brokers in your area as the rules vary from province to province, and sometimes between cities.
Types of Mortgages
Now that you know where to go for a mortgage, you can start considering what type of mortgage you might need. There are different types of mortgages with different types of conditions and requirements that can change whether you’re looking for houses for sale, for luxury condos, or for special types of properties. These can include:
Oakville Mortgage in Oakville● Conventional loans: The loans are from mortgage lender institutions, including banks.
● Fixed and adjustable rate loans: Each of these options has its benefit, with a fixed rate loan being safer in the long-run, and adjustable rates offering the chance to save more in some situations.
● Mortgage term-based loans: This option allows you to choose between several terms. If you want to pay over 10 years, your payments will be larger but your interest will be smaller, and vice versa for a 30-year option.
● Private mortgage loans: These loans are a little different, as it involves a contract between a borrower and lender in an unregulated industry. The perks can include shorter terms and interest-only payments (leaving the principal untouched), and they require different criteria to traditional lenders. The downside tends to be higher interest rates, but, either way, it can be a great option for many.
First-Time Homeowners: What You’ll Need and What Steps to Take
When it comes down to buying your first home, there is a four-step process to getting you ready to shop for your home.
1. Get your credit checked—and in check.
2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage by a lender. This will give you an initial idea of how much you have to work with.
3. Determine the best mortgage for your goals.
4. Decide on a mortgage lender or a mortgage broker.
As with any large purchase or one that requires credit, you will be required to show proof of income stability, your credit and debt history, and sometimes other elements from your financial statements. This is true whether you’re shopping for a home in Burlington or browsing around for Mississauga condos—with a large purchase comes a lot of responsibility, and a whole lot of excitement and fun!
Upgrade with Oakville Real Estate
If you’re ready to shop for your first home, a great place to start is with any of the Oakville houses for sale. This local hotspot is close to the country’s largest airport, a hop, skip, and a jump away from Toronto’s many attractions, and is secluded in a beautiful, upscale waterfront neighbourhood. If you’re looking to retire or downsize, Oakville condos are a great option too. If you decide on the area, reach out to our realtors at Alex Irish where we specialize in local real estate, from Mississauga to Burlington. And remember, no matter where you are in the process, if you have a real estate question, let us know. We’re here to help!
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!
