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!
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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.