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A few hours of work this fall can save you from expensive surprises in January. Here’s your checklist, split into outdoor jobs (do these while the weather holds) and indoor jobs (spread them across the season). Each is tagged DIY or Pro.

Exterior

• Gutters and downspouts (DIY): Clear debris once most leaves have fallen, flush with a hose and make sure downspouts drain at least six feet from the foundation.
• Roof (Pro, or binoculars from the ground): Look for missing, curling, or cracked shingles and damaged flashing around chimneys and vents.
• Foundation and grading (DIY): Check for cracks and make sure soil slopes away from the house. Poor grading is a top cause of wet basements.
• Window wells and drainage (DIY): Clear leaves from window wells and confirm the sump pump’s discharge line is free and flowing.
• Windows, doors, and siding (DIY): Re-caulk gaps and repair damaged trim to keep out water, cold air and pests.
• Outdoor plumbing (DIY): Disconnect and drain hoses and shut off the exterior water supply. Frozen spigots are a classic cause of burst pipes.
• Decks, porches, and railings (DIY): Tighten loose boards and wobbly railings. Apply sealant before snow arrives.
• Driveway and walkways (DIY): Seal cracks so water can’t get in and freeze.
• Lawn and yard (DIY): Rake leaves, aerate, overseed and fertilize. Trim branches near the roof or power lines.
• Equipment and storage (DIY): Drain gas from the mower, store patio furniture, clean and cover the A/C unit and bring in window units.
• Garage door and lighting (DIY): Lubricate tracks and rollers, test the auto-reverse and replace burnt-out exterior bulbs.
• Pest-proofing (DIY): Seal gaps around the foundation, vents and utility entries to keep out mice and other critters.

Interior

• Furnace (Pro): Book your annual tune-up early – professionals get busy fall. Replace the filter every one to three months (DIY).
• Chimney and fireplace (Pro): Wood-burning fireplaces need a sweep to remove creosote. Gas fireplaces should be inspected annually too.
• Drafts (DIY): Feel around windows, doors, and pipe entries on a breezy day. Replace weatherstripping and caulk gaps. Add storm windows or window film where needed.
• Smoke and CO detectors (DIY): Test every unit, replace batteries and check expiry dates. Most last seven to ten years.
• Fire extinguisher and emergency kit (DIY): Check the gauge and restock flashlights, batteries, blankets, and water.
• Sump pump (DIY): Pour a bucket of water into the pit to confirm it activates and drains.
• Water heater (DIY or Pro): Flush sediment and check the temperature and relief valve.
• Exhaust fans and range hood (DIY): Clean filters and make sure bathroom fans vent properly to reduce moisture.
• Humidifier and thermostat (DIY): Replace the humidifier pad and consider a programmable thermostat.
• Basement and attic (DIY): Look for moisture, pests, and drafts. Make sure attic insulation is even and dry to help prevent ice dams.
• Pipes (DIY): Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces. Make sure everyone in the household knows where the main water shut-off is.
• Safety (DIY): Check stair handrails, add lighting on walkways and put non-slip mats at entrances.

A Simple Schedule

• Early fall: Book furnace, chimney, and roofing pros. Inspect the roof and test detectors.
• Mid fall: Clean gutters, seal drafts, tackle lawn care, and check grading and drainage.
• Late fall: Winterize outdoor plumbing, store equipment, and stock your emergency kit and winter supplies.

We keep a list of professionals we’re happy to recommend for maintenance and repairs. Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin and we’ll point you in the right direction!

After a summer of flexibility, the return to school brings routine back into focus. Mornings become hurried. The kitchen is busy again. Backpacks appear by the door. Evenings are measured by pickups and practices and the house has to keep up.

It is often when life returns to its usual rhythm that we notice the small frustrations we had forgotten about. The entryway that cannot contain another pair of shoes, the bedroom that has become an office and storage room all at once. None of these annoyances necessarily mean it is time to move, but they can tell us something about how a home is working.

A home changes as a family does

The house that feels perfect when children are small may not feel the same a few years later.

As your family grows, the needs of your home evolve – the playroom becomes a homework space. The once-generous mudroom fills with hockey bags, school shoes and coats. These changes make us aware of something easy to overlook when buying a home: we are not simply buying space for the life we have today; we are choosing a setting for the life that is likely to unfold.

That does not necessarily mean choosing the biggest house or adding another bedroom. Often, it is the less obvious things that make a home feel right: a kitchen that opens onto the garden, a quiet corner for homework, a short walk to school, somewhere to put everything when you come through the door.

The Life Around the House

A neighbourhood can look very different when you are walking to school at 8 a.m., heading to soccer after work or trying to pick up groceries before dinner than it does on a quiet Sunday afternoon. This is one of the reasons we encourage buyers to spend time in a neighbourhood before making a decision. Walk the route. Visit the local park. Stop for a coffee. See how it feels at the times of day that matter to you.

Central Toronto neighbourhoods can offer a mix of schools, parks, shops, transit and community amenities within a relatively small area. Those everyday details become an important part of what makes a home thrive.

Sometimes, the answer is to stay

Sometimes, the small frustrations of your home during a busy time can make us wonder if it’s time for a change. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to move. Sometimes it’s a matter of seeing your home differently and considering what could change. A home doesn’t have to be the biggest or the newest to be functional. The most impactful homes fit the life that’s happening inside it.

The September question

As the school year gets underway, it may be worth looking at your home with fresh eyes. Where does everyone naturally gather? What has become harder as your family has grown? What do you find yourself wishing you had more of?

Sometimes the answers point towards a renovation. Sometimes they point towards a different home, or even a different neighbourhood. Either way, September is a good time to take stock – not just of where you live, but of how you want to live.

If September has you looking at your home a little differently, we’re here to help you think through what comes next. Reach out to our team at clientcare@lomeirwin.com.

The Bank of Canada has held its key interest rate at 2.25%, marking the sixth consecutive decision to leave rates unchanged since the last cut in October 2025.

To put this stretch in context: the rate dropped steadily through 2025, moving from 2.75% in the spring down to 2.50% in September and then to 2.25% by late October. It’s stayed right there through six announcements since January, March, April, June, July, and now September.

With inflation running close to the Bank’s 2% target and continued uncertainty in the global economy, the Bank has chosen to hold rather than move in either direction. Cutting further could risk reigniting inflation; raising rates could slow a market that’s still finding its footing. Staying put lets the Bank watch how things unfold before its next move.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, today’s announcement doesn’t change much in the immediate term.

If you have a variable-rate mortgage, your rate remains tied to the Bank’s policy rate, so there’s no change there today. If you’re considering a fixed-rate mortgage, remember that fixed rates are influenced more by the bond market than by the Bank of Canada’s announcements, so it’s worth watching bond yields separately if you’re timing a purchase.

For many buyers, the bigger takeaway is simply predictability. After a period of significant rate movement, a steady rate gives buyers a little more confidence in planning their next move – and in getting a pre-approval number that’s likely to hold steady while they shop.

What This Means for Sellers

A stable rate environment can also be helpful for sellers.

Stable borrowing costs remove one of the easiest excuses to wait. Not every buyer will move right away, but for those already leaning toward a decision, that consistency can be the push that turns “maybe soon” into “let’s go.” It also gives sellers a more predictable financing landscape to work with, which is useful when structuring offers or negotiating timelines with a buyer.

The Bottom Line

Today’s decision isn’t a surprise, but it does add to a growing sense that we’re settled into a stretch of stability. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines, having a clear read on where rates stand makes it easier to move forward with confidence.

The Bank’s next scheduled announcement lands on October 28, alongside a full Monetary Policy Report, which will give a fuller picture of the Bank’s outlook heading into 2027.

Have questions about what the current rate environment means for your plans in Midtown Toronto? We’re always happy to talk it through.

Lome Irwin Real Estate Team
clientcare@lomeirwin.com

Written by: Sydnia Yu. The Globe and Mail; Toronto. 21 Aug 2026

11C Tranby Ave., Toronto ANNEX Asking price: $2,495,000 (May, 2026)
Selling price: $2.6-million (May, 2026) Previous selling price: not available
Taxes: $7,654 (2025) Days on the market: four Listing agents: Carol Lome
and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and
Daniel Division THE ACTION This four-bedroom townhouse is unlike most
properties in the Annex – including other homes within the same nine-unit
complex. As interest gained momentum, potential buyers were notified of a
registered offer for the home near Avenue and Davenport roads. A second
party joined the talks.

“Inventory has been higher than average pretty consistently for the last
two years, but that being said, this was a very unique offering,” agent
Brayden Irwin said. “It’s a very high-end, boutique condo townhouse
development in a great location.”

The condition of this more than 40-year-old unit, complete with a newly
renovated kitchen, also justified its higher selling price of $2.6-million.

“The work was done with high-end materials and craftsmanship,” Mr. Irwin
said. “It ultimately sold for more than it was listed for, and that’s a good
indicator the market for turnkey, well-located properties is still strong.”
WHAT THEY GOT This three-storey townhouse has its entrance off a gated
courtyard and roughly 2,100 square feet of living space, plus access to a
parking spot in a garage through the basement.

The main floor has a kitchen and dining area, as well as a living room with
a wood-burning fireplace and sliding doors to a south-facing patio.
There are three bathrooms and a laundry room upstairs.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and a five-piece bathroom with
heated flooring and a skylight. A bedroom on the third floor has a deck.
Water usage is included in monthly fees of $1,248.

THE AGENT’S TAKE “It’s actually very peaceful and quiet, despite the fact
you are a hop, skip and a jump to Yorkville,” Mr. Irwin said. “This is unique
in that it feels like you have a semidetached, freehold house on the street,
but you have underground parking with direct access.”

– SYDNIA YU
Copyright The Globe and Mail 2026

People want to find someone who will truly appreciate the items they’re parting ways with, experts say

A CBC article by Marcus Medford-Kerr: LINKED HERE

The Central Toronto real estate market is beginning to show signs of a shift as inventory levels tighten and buyers face increased competition for well-priced homes.

According to the latest Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) report, the Greater Toronto Area saw 5,995 home sales in July 2026, a slight 0.9% decrease compared to July 2025. While sales remained relatively stable, the bigger change came from the supply side, with new listings falling 17.8% year-over-year to 14,484 properties.

For buyers across Central Toronto neighbourhoods, this means fewer new opportunities are coming to market compared to this time last year. After months of increased choice and more negotiating power, the balance between buyers and sellers is beginning to shift.

A More Competitive Environment for Buyers

Throughout much of the past year, buyers benefited from elevated inventory levels and the ability to take more time when making decisions. With fewer homes being listed, competition may begin to increase. 

In Central Toronto neighbourhoods known for their mature streets, strong sense of community and family appeal, the right home can quickly stand out when inventory is limited.

That said, many buyers are still waiting for greater economic certainty before making a move. Concerns around borrowing costs, inflation, tariffs and the broader economy continue to influence confidence and timing.

What This Means for Sellers

For homeowners considering a move, the recent shift in inventory is an encouraging sign. With fewer competing listings available, well-prepared homes have a stronger opportunity to capture buyer attention.

However, today’s market still requires a thoughtful strategy. Buyers remain informed and selective, meaning pricing, presentation and marketing are more important than ever. 

Looking Ahead to Fall 2026

TRREB’s latest numbers suggest the market may continue moving toward greater balance through the second half of the year. If listing activity remains limited while buyer confidence improves, we could see increased competition and more stability in home prices.

For buyers, this may be an opportunity to make a move before competition strengthens further. For sellers, improving market conditions could create a more favourable environment for a well-planned sale.

While GTA-wide statistics provide important context, real estate decisions are ultimately local. Understanding what is happening in your specific Central Toronto neighbourhood is key to making confident decisions.

Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply curious about where the market is heading, our team is always happy to provide insight into your local market. Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com

As September approaches, Toronto families are getting back into their routines: earlier mornings, packed lunches, school drop-offs and after-school activities. The start of a new school year is also a reminder of what makes a neighbourhood feel like home: safe streets, nearby parks, walkable communities and neighbours who look out for one another. 

Whether your child is starting kindergarten, heading into a new grade, or preparing for their first independent walk to school, here are a few ways to help make the transition back to school safe and stress-free: 

Practicing Safe Routes to School:

One of the biggest back-to-school adjustments is getting comfortable with a new daily routine. For many families, that includes learning a new walking route, navigating busy intersections, or taking public transit independently.

A few simple reminders:

• Practice the route together before the first day of school.
• Encourage children to stay alert and avoid distractions near roads.
• Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Review bus and streetcar safety, including waiting away from curbs and staying aware of their surroundings.

Preparing for Allergies and Health Needs:

For families managing allergies or medical needs, September is the perfect time to review emergency plans and make sure everyone feels prepared.

Before school begins:

• Confirm the school has updated medical information.
• Make sure children understand how and when to use their medication.
• Ensure teachers, caregivers, and trusted adults know what steps to take in an emergency.

Staying Active and Safe After the Bell

Neighbourhoods are where many childhood memories are made, from first bike rides and playground games to practices, friendships, and everyday adventures.

Keeping a basic first-aid kit at home, knowing how to handle minor injuries and understanding when an injury needs extra attention can help parents feel prepared.

What Makes a Neighbourhood Family-Friendly?

For families searching for their next home, the right neighbourhood is just as important as the property itself: offering the community, character, and lifestyle that make a house feel like home.

Across Toronto’s Midtown communities, areas like Lytton Park, Lawrence Park and Moore Park offer many of the qualities families value:

• Access to green spaces and parks for outdoor adventures
• Walkable streets and nearby amenities
• Close connections to schools and community programs
• A strong sense of neighbourhood and belonging

A New School Year, A Stronger Community

Back-to-school season is a great reminder that communities are built through connection. It’s the neighbour who keeps an eye out, the familiar faces along the school route and the shared spaces where families gather that make a neighbourhood special.

Whether you’re settling into another school year in your current home or searching for a neighbourhood where your family can grow, we’re here to help you find a place that feels like home. Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com

Wishing all Toronto families a safe, happy, and successful school year ahead.