Blog

Written by Sydnia Yu from The Globe + Mail

130 Strachan Ave., No. 3, Toronto 

Asking price: $1,095,000 (April, 2026)

Selling price: $1.11-million (April, 2026)

Previous selling prices: $395,000 (January, 2004); $287,000 (November, 1999); $196,114 (March, 1999) 

Taxes: $6,077 (2025) 

Days on the market: Two 

Listing agents: Keegan Irwin and Carol Lome, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division 

The action 

Agent Keegan Irwin applied the lessons learned in selling a stacked townhouse in February to the sale of this similar, three-bedroom unit in the same complex, about a block south of Trinity Bellwoods Park on Queen Street. In April, he listed it for $1,095,000 with a note stating offers would be considered at any time rather than on a specific date. 

“We found offer dates for products like this can scare people away in this market,” said Mr. Irwin. 

“If we list a little bit under what we think the house is going to sell for, we usually get that price, but if we list a little bit high, we end up selling a little below.” 

The approach paid off with three offers on the two-storey unit coming in within 48 hours. One offer added $15,000 to the asking price, winning over the seller. 

“It sold really quickly with three offers,” Mr. Irwin said. 

“It’s quite a big space. It feels like a single-family home tucked away in a nice neighbourhood.”

What they got 

This upper-level unit has 1,689 square feet of living space, a street-level entrance and direct access to a private garage through the basement. 

From the foyer, a set of stairs leads up to a galley kitchen and combined living and dining area with a Juliet balcony. Across the rear is a family room with sliding doors to a terrace. 

The second floor has a laundry closet, two bedrooms and a primary suite with a Juliet balcony and a four-piece bathroom. There are two more bathrooms. 

Monthly condominium fees are $896.

The agent’s take 

“Developers have focused on building either purpose-built rentals or towers, and these stacked townhouses still give a neighbourhood feel while accommodating density,” Mr. Irwin said.

“For the area, it has pretty low maintenance fees.”

The Bank of Canada announced today that it is keeping its key interest rate at 2.25%, meaning there is no change from its previous announcement.

The Bank makes this decision to help keep inflation under control and support a stable economy. While there is still some uncertainty around the global economy, inflation has remained close to the Bank’s 2% target, so it has chosen to leave interest rates unchanged for now.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re planning to buy a home, today’s announcement means there are no new changes from the Bank of Canada that would affect borrowing costs right away.

If you have a variable-rate mortgage or are considering one, it’s worth speaking with your lender about how today’s decision affects your payments. If you’re looking at a fixed-rate mortgage, your rate is influenced more by the bond market than by today’s announcement.

What This Means for Sellers

A steady interest rate helps create a more predictable environment for buyers. When borrowing costs aren’t changing, buyers can focus on finding the right home instead of wondering if rates will move before they purchase.

That doesn’t mean every buyer will enter the market immediately, but stable rates can give people more confidence when planning their next move.

The Bottom Line

Today’s announcement doesn’t dramatically change the housing market overnight, but it does provide some stability. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply planning ahead, understanding these announcements can help you make informed decisions.

If you have questions about what today’s rate announcement means for your real estate goals in Midtown Toronto, the Lome Irwin Real Estate Team is always happy to help. Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com.

According to the latest market data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, the Greater Toronto Area housing market continued to show signs of steady improvement through early summer. After a slower start to 2026, conditions are gradually shifting as buyer activity strengthens and inventory continues to tighten.

While the market is not experiencing a dramatic surge, the direction is becoming clearer: more buyers are re-entering the market, listings are declining compared to last year and pricing trends are beginning to stabilize.

Full market data: TRREB Market Watch

Key Market Trends

Recent TRREB figures highlight a balanced but evolving landscape:

• Sales activity is up approximately 9.4% year-over-year
• New listings are down about 12.9% compared to last year
• Buyer demand is improving after a softer start to 2026
• Inventory levels continue to trend lower across much of the GTA
• Prices are showing signs of stabilization following earlier declines

Together, these indicators suggest a market that is slowly tightening, with improving confidence among buyers.

What This Means for Buyers

The current environment presents both opportunity and increased competition.

• Sales activity is improving, signalling renewed confidence in the market
• Lower inventory levels may lead to more competitive offer situations
• Pricing has largely stabilized, reducing the rapid declines seen previously
• Market conditions are expected to continue shifting through the second half of 2026

Buyers may find more favourable pricing stability now, but fewer choices and stronger competition as the year progresses.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, momentum is gradually building after a quieter period.

• Buyer activity is stronger than earlier in 2026
• Fewer new listings are entering the market compared to last year
• Pricing pressure is easing, although values remain slightly below last year
• Improving demand could support better conditions heading into late 2026

Well-positioned homes that are priced strategically are beginning to attract more consistent interest.

Market Outlook

Overall, the GTA housing market is showing early signs of a healthier balance between supply and demand. While it is not yet a full shift into a strong seller’s market, the trend is moving away from the softer conditions seen earlier in the year.

If current patterns continue, the second half of 2026 may bring increased competition among buyers and firmer pricing stability across more segments of the market.

Thinking About Your Next Move?

Statistics tell one part of the story, but real estate decisions are always local and highly personal. Conditions can vary significantly depending on neighbourhood, property type, and price point.

If you are curious about what these trends mean for your home or your search, reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com. 

If you’re attending an open house, it’s easy to focus on finishes, staging, and layout; but the real value comes from the questions you ask.

Open houses are designed to showcase a property at its best, but there are practical details that impact resale value, maintenance costs, and day-to-day living. In a competitive real estate market, asking the right questions at an open house can help you understand a property’s condition, value, neighbourhood dynamics and potential investment risks.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, this guide outlines the most important questions to ask at an open house so you can make a confident, informed decision on your next property purchase.

This will help you:

• Avoid unexpected repair costs
• Understand the real cost of ownership
• Evaluate neighbourhood livability
• Strengthen your offer strategy in a competitive market

Question 1: How old is the home and when was it last updated?

The age of a home can provide valuable insight into its construction, maintenance needs and potential future expenses. While older homes often offer character and craftsmanship, they may also require more frequent updates to major systems and structural components.

Ask about:

• The year the home was built
• When major renovations or updates were completed
• Whether key systems, such as the roof, windows, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, have been updated
• Whether any additions or structural changes were completed with the appropriate permits

Understanding both the age of the home and the timing of its updates will give you a clearer picture of its overall condition and help you anticipate future maintenance or renovation costs.

Question 2: How long has the home been on the market?

Days on market is an important indicator in any Toronto real estate listing. A newer listing may suggest strong demand or strategic pricing, while a longer listing could indicate:

• Overpricing
• Buyer hesitation
• Market adjustments

If the property has been sitting on the market, don’t be afraid to ask whether there have been any price reductions or previous offers. This can help you better understand the seller’s expectations and determine how competitive your offer needs to be. Days on market should always be considered alongside comparable sales, current market conditions, and the property’s overall condition. A longer listing isn’t necessarily a red flag, it may simply present an opportunity to negotiate.

Question 3: What renovations or upgrades have been completed?

When a listing says a home has been “updated,” it’s important to understand exactly what was done. Some renovations are cosmetic, while others improve the home’s value, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Be sure to ask about:

• Whether the renovations were completed by licensed professionals
• If there are receipts, warranties, or documentation available
• Which materials and finishes were used
• Any energy-efficient upgrades, such as improved insulation, etc.

Understanding what’s been updated and what still needs attention can help you plan for future maintenance costs.

Question 4: What are the average monthly utility costs?

Utility costs are a major part of homeownership in Ontario, especially with seasonal temperature shifts.

Ask about:

• Hydro (electricity)
• Gas or heating oil
• Water and wastewater
• Average winter heating costs

Older homes in Toronto and surrounding areas can have significantly higher carrying costs than newer builds. It’s important to understand all costs associated with the home before purchase, including both upfront expenses and ongoing carrying costs.

Question 5: Have there been any past issues with the property?

No home is perfect, but it’s important to understand whether the property has experienced any significant issues and how they were addressed. Past problems that have been professionally repaired aren’t necessarily deal breakers, but they should be disclosed and documented where possible.

Ask about:

• Water damage or flooding
• Foundation or structural repairs
• Mold or moisture issues
• Pest infestations
• Drainage or grading concerns

Understanding the home’s history can help you identify potential risks and determine whether additional inspections may be worthwhile.

Question 6: What is the neighbourhood like in this part of Toronto?

A great home is only part of the equation, the surrounding neighbourhood plays a big role in your day-to-day lifestyle and the property’s long-term value. Even within the same community, the feel of an area can vary from one street to the next.

Ask about:

• Noise levels (traffic, transit, nightlife)
• Walkability and transit access
• Schools and family amenities
• Community demographic and lifestyle

For buyers in Toronto neighbourhoods, experience can vary significantly street to street.

Question 7: What is included in the purchase price?

In Ontario real estate transactions, inclusions can vary.

Clarify whether the sale includes:

• Kitchen appliances
• Washer and dryer
• Window coverings
• Light fixtures
• Built-in shelving or outdoor structures

Question 8: Are there any upcoming developments or zoning changes nearby?

What’s happening around the property can be just as important as the home itself. Future developments may increase property values and improve amenities, but they can also bring more traffic, noise, or years of nearby construction.

Ask about:

• New residential or commercial builds
• Road or transit expansions
• Rezoning applications
• Construction timelines nearby

Question 9: What is the offer process for this Toronto property?

Understanding the offer process helps you prepare a stronger, more strategic bid in a competitive Toronto market. Every listing can be slightly different, so clarity upfront is key.

Ask:

• Is there a set offer date?
• Are pre-emptive offers being considered?
• What conditions are typically accepted?
• What is the seller’s preferred closing timeline?

This helps you prepare a stronger, more strategic offer.

Question 10: What do buyers usually miss about this home?

Every home has details that don’t fully come across during a quick walkthrough. Asking this question can help uncover both drawbacks and hidden advantages that other buyers may have overlooked.

• Overlooked storage
• Noise at certain times of day
• Layout quirks
• Unexpected features or value-adds

This question can surface practical insights that aren’t always obvious during a showing and help you assess how the home will actually function day-to-day.

Attending an open house is an opportunity to gather the information needed to make a confident, well-informed purchase decision.

The most successful buyers ask the right questions, understand the market context and evaluate long-term value. Preparation can make all the difference between reacting emotionally and buying strategically.

Need guidance to navigate your next open house? We’re always happy to provide tailored advice! Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com

Written by Sydnia Yu from The Globe And Mail

118 Strathallan Blvd., Toronto 

Asking price: $4,249,000 (April, 2026)

Previous asking prices: $4,695,000 (May, 2025); $4,995,000 (March, 2025); $5,295,000 (February, 2025)

Selling price: $4,305,118 (May, 2026)

Previous selling price: $610,000 (July, 1991) 

Taxes: $19,551 (2026) 

Property days on market: 176 

Listing agents: Carol Lome and Brayden Irwin, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The action

This three-storey, six-bedroom house has many family-friendly assets, including Lytton Park at the end of the street. But agent Brayden Irwin was surprised by the lack of response when it first hit the market in February, 2025. Two hefty price cuts also failed to stir buyers.

“It’s on one of the premier streets in Lytton Park,” said Mr. Irwin. “It doesn’t get a lot of traffic, and it’s in the John Ross school district, which is the main attraction.

“Looking back now, it wasn’t clear where the market was for a home of this stature. Sales slowed to a crawl for the better part of last year.” 

The owners took the home off the market last summer, but the sale of a few homes in the area that fetched between $4-million and $5-million convinced them to try again, with updated staging, more seasonally appropriate (snow-free) photographs and a new asking price under $4.25-million. Within four days, they received two offers, and a deal at $4,305,118. 

“We were optimistic, based on recent sales, but you never know how it’s going to be received,” Mr. Irwin said. 

“We had strong activity right off the bat and ultimately ended up getting two offers.” 

What they got

The detached house was built on a 50- by 133-foot lot around 100 years ago. 

In the 1990s, it was renovated and expanded to deliver 5,542 square feet of living space, including two recreation areas in the basement. 

The main floor has a living room with a wood-burning fireplace and a family room with coffered ceilings. 

There are five bathrooms, a dining room and a kitchen with French doors to the patio and a double garage.

The agent’s take

“It was larger than most older homes with additions put on them,” Mr. Irwin said. 

“The renovations these clients did were top-of-the-line.”

One of the best things about summer in Toronto is that every weekend can feel a little different.

Whether you’re spending the day outdoors, exploring a new neighbourhood, enjoying a patio with friends, the city offers endless ways to make the most of the season. Here are a few summer recommendations from our team. 

Recommended by Brayden: Ramsden Park

With tennis courts, open fields, walking paths, and plenty of room to relax, it’s an ideal destination for a sunny afternoon. Its central location also makes it easy to combine a park visit with shopping, coffee, or lunch nearby.

Recommended by Carol: Terroni on Price Street

Terroni’s Price Street location remains a favourite for its welcoming atmosphere, tree-lined surroundings and classic Italian menu.

Recommended by Keegan: Ward’s Island

Ward’s Island offers beautiful waterfront views, quiet streets, beaches and plenty of green space. Bring a frisbee and spend the afternoon playing frisbee golf, enjoying a picnic, or simply exploring one of Toronto’s most unique communities.

Recommended by Caroline: Beach Club

Whether you’re stopping by after a walk along the beach or meeting friends for lunch, it’s an easy way to make the most of a sunny day.

Recommended by Grant: Sunnybrook Park Trails

The wooded pathways, open meadows, and scenic routes along the Don River make it one of the city’s best places to disconnect without leaving Toronto.

Recommended by Tam: Bakerbots

A neighbourhood favourite, Bakerbots has built a loyal following thanks to its cookies, ice cream sandwiches and baked treats.

Recommended by Olivia: Vintage Shopping on Dundas West

The stretch between Ossington and Lansdowne is home to a variety of independently owned vintage stores, curated boutiques, record shops, cafés, and unique local businesses. It’s the kind of neighbourhood that’s best explored without an agenda.

Recommended by Carly: Patisserie La Cigogne

Known for its authentic Alsatian pastries, buttery croissants, fresh baguettes, and European-style desserts, it’s the perfect stop for a leisurely weekend breakfast or an afternoon treat.

More Ways to Enjoy Summer in Toronto:

• Visit a local farmers’ market
• Explore Cedarvale Park’s walking trails
• Catch an outdoor movie screening
• Spend a day cycling along the waterfront
• Discover a new neighbourhood café
• Pack a picnic and head to one of Toronto’s many parks
• Explore local festivals and community events happening throughout the summer

Summer has a way of reminding us why people love living in Toronto. From quiet trails and neighbourhood parks to bustling patios and hidden local shops, some of the city’s best experiences are often found close to home.