Newsletter | September 2026

September Wrap-Up from the Toronto Home Experts Team!

September is coming to a close, and with everyone settling back into their routines, the fall real estate market is officially in full swing.

This month, we’re continuing our Top 12 Neighbourhoods Destined for Great Things series with a closer look at Oakwood Village, an area to watch as continued investment in transit, evolving housing stock and growing desirability help shape what’s ahead for the neighbourhood.

We’re also featuring two detached homes currently for sale in Markham, each offering plenty of space for growing families and great access to local amenities.

And if you’ve ever wondered what a career in real estate might look like, we’re taking a closer look at why so many people enter the industry as a second career, and what you should know if you’ve ever considered making the leap yourself.

With the fall market well underway, it’s a great time to take a closer look at your own real estate plans. Whether you’re thinking about making a move, wondering what your home may be worth, or simply curious about what’s happening in your neighbourhood, reach out anytime, we’re always happy to help.

Enjoy the start of the season, and we’ll see you in October!

Invaluable Experience!

"We have used Alex & Elaine twice for property purchases/sales and would do so again without hesitation. The experience and insight they provide is invaluable, they really know what they’re talking about! As a first time home buyer - they walked us through everything step by step. Later when selling our property, they helped us get the best offer. Alex is just genuinely the nicest guy and so accommodating."

Have you ever considered a career change into real estate?

In 2024, the Canadian Real Estate Association put out a survey to its 160,000+ members, and of those who responded, we learned that 80% of REALTORS® were 40 years of age or older. Real estate is frequently a second or subsequent career. While comparable Canadian statistics are limited, research from the National Association of REALTORS® has found that only about 4–6% of REALTORS® entered real estate as their first career, meaning the overwhelming majority brought experience from another profession.

Those entering the real estate industry mid-career are often not choosing their first profession. They may be an established professional with 10, 15 or 20+ years of experience in another field, but looking for greater flexibility, entrepreneurial opportunity or a different way to use the skills and network they've already developed. Typically, they have a background in sales, marketing, administration, legal, hospitality, trades, or even education. You may be surprised to learn how many of their skills transfer well to a successful real estate career.

So it makes sense that different agents bring different skills to someone’s buying or selling experience. Some agents can crunch the numbers and view a real estate purchase through an investment lens. Others are great at staring into a vacant property and see the design potential. 

Have you ever considered a career change into real estate?

Maybe you have an eye for how to furnish a room. Maybe you scour the data on HouseSigma as a regular hobby. Maybe you love renovating homes so much that you need your own HGTV show. Maybe you love the thrill of a hard-won negotiation. If you have ever looked at any of the many tasks that REALTORS® handle and think, “I would love to do that”, then we would love to hear from you! 

No experience is required, but if a career change into real estate has ever crossed your mind, we would be happy to give you a look into our own real estate business, and discuss what you would need to do to get started if you decide to make the leap. If you’ve already started the steps towards getting your real estate license, we can give you some advice on how to interview brokerages and how best to find a place that will help you grow your business.

There are definitely some tough days (or weeks or months!) and challenges, but a career in real estate can be extremely rewarding. If you are curious if it would be a good fit for you, please reach out – we would love to help!

FOR SALE : 50 Garnish Green, Markham ON

Top 5 Things You'll Love About This Home:

1. Family-Friendly Street – A great neighbourhood for kids to play outside.

2. Direct Garage Access – Convenient entry from the 2-car garage. 

3. Custom Deck & Fenced Yard – Private outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining. 

4. Room to Grow – 4 spacious bedrooms plus a versatile finished basement. 

5. Great Location – Close to transit, GO stations, parks, trails, Main Street and more.

Asking $1,338,800

FOR SALE : 94 Havelock Gate, Markham ON

Top 5 Things You'll Love About This Home:

1. Rouge Fairways Location – A quiet community surrounded by parks and greenspace. 

2. Pride of Ownership – Immaculately maintained by the original owner. 

3. Backyard Oasis – Beautiful landscaping, mature trees and plenty of privacy. 

4. Dreamy Primary Retreat – Bay window, sitting area and private ensuite. 

5. Nature at Your Doorstep – Just minutes from Rouge National Urban Park.

Asking $1,229,000

Oakwood Village

Continuing our 2026 newsletter series featuring Toronto Life Magazine’s “Twelve Neighbourhoods Destined for Great Things”, we’re highlighting another area they believe is poised for above-average growth based on transit, housing stock and overall desirability.

Next up, Oakwood Village.

Oakwood Village has the kind of neighbourhood personality that's increasingly hard to find in Toronto—independent cafés and restaurants, local shops where people know their regulars, a strong cultural and arts community, and easy access to Cedarvale's parks and trails. Add St. Clair West just minutes away, community centres, libraries and everyday conveniences, and you've got a neighbourhood that feels connected to the city without losing its local character. 

After almost 15 years of the Eglinton LRT construction that saw the closing of many local businesses, life has finally re-emerged along the main strip. Independent grocers/florists are seeing more foot traffic, but more common in the area are the many food joints and hair supply shops/barbershops that make up Little Jamaica. With improved connectivity of the Eglinton Crosstown line, there is potential for more restaurants to appear, with foodies already flocking to the area for great coffee spots and must-trys like Porzia’s, home of the one-pound slab of lasagna. 

Cedarvale Park and the Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre are staples for families in the area. The main draw though, is the affordability and accessibility combo – the LRT to Kennedy subway station on the east and extension currently under construction all the way to Mississauga, St. Clair West streetcar and Corso Italia, Dufferin with easy access to the west-end of the downtown core, makes Oakwood Village surprisingly well positioned. In addition to the investment in transit in this area, another factor that is surely going to contribute to increasing property values, is the number of detached bungalows that will convert into 2-storey homes over time. The residential streetscape will continue to change in this area in the coming years.

Notable 2026 Sale Spotlight: 
15 Ashbury Ave. | 3+1 bed, 3 bath Detached | Sold for $1,355,000 | C12786264

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