Courtesy of Blair Patton

Sutton Group Preferred Realty Inc., Brokerage

2008-2019, 2025

2020-2024

BLAIR PATTON Sales Representative

Direct: 519.630.9883 | Office: 519.438.2222 blairpatton@rogers.com | www.BlairPatton.com

2026 | ISSUE 4

DECLUTTER YOUR ROOM INSTANTLY WITH UNDERBED STORAGE

Under-bed storage turns an often-forgotten spot into a handy way to keep your room tidy without needing more furniture. It’s perfect for keeping things all tucked out of sight. In small rooms, this hidden storage really helps cut down on clutter and makes the most of your space. Before you buy storage containers for under your bed, check the space to make sure they’ll fit. Measure from the floor to the bottom of your bed frame, then take off 1 or 2 inches so the containers slide in and out easily. Most beds have 6 to 12 inches of space, but things like support beams or thick carpet can reduce it. Platform beds usually have less room, while taller beds or ones with risers can give you more. Flat bins, soft zippered bags, shoe organizers, and slim drawers usually fit well under the bed. They’re perfect for items you don’t use every day, such as winter clothes, camping gear, guest sheets, or seasonal decorations. Rolling bins, fabric boxes, or built-in drawers that slide out easily help keep your room tidy and make it easy to grab what you need. This kind of storage is also handy for items you want to reach quickly, such as purses, shoes, accessories, craft supplies, or sports gear.

Squares LEMON ZEST

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup softened butter • 1 cup sugar • 2 eggs • 4 Tbsp lemon juice + zest of two lemons • ½ tsp salt • 1¼ cups multipurpose flour

Glaze: • 1 cup powdered sugar • 2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice + zest of one lemon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan with foil and lightly oil. Leave some foil hanging over edges to easily lift the squares out when they’re done. 2.In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, stirring gently. Stir in lemon juice, zest and salt. Gradually fold in the flour until no dry spots remain. Be careful not to overmix. 3.Spread the batter evenly in your pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top looks set and lightly golden. 4.Make the glaze by whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. 5.Remove from the oven and let the squares cool completely. Pour the glaze over and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top. Let glaze set. Cut into squares and enjoy!

YOU MAY HAVE A FRESH START ANY MOMENT YOU CHOOSE, FOR THIS THING WE CALL ‘FAILURE’ IS NOT THE FALLING, BUT THE STAYING DOWN”

MARY PICKFORD

WORD SEARCH

Find and circle each hidden word from the list within the letter grid. Words may appear horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Cross off each word as you find it and keep going until you’ve found them all!

• WILD ROSE • CROCUS • VIOLET • PEONY • LILY • IRIS • LAVENDER • PANSY

• LILAC • TULIP • POPPY

SOLUTION

DESIGN WITH INTENT USING LOCAL CANADIAN ART

Connecting with your local community is a wonderful way to bring the neighbourhood into your home, especially since many people want to feel like they belong. Featuring local art in real estate listings can make a neighbourhood feel livelier and more unique, rather than generic. If you keep a consistent colour theme in your room or home, it’s easy to mix local art with store-bought decor without things clashing. Try matching paint swatches to your textiles, frames, or ceramics to tie everything together. Smaller towns and neighbourhoods often have rotating art shows at libraries, community centres, co-op galleries, or regional art councils, which are wonderful places to discover new local artists. Buyers notice more than just a house with paintings; they see the story of the community, the mountains, city skylines, and local festivals that connect the home to its place in Canada. When you choose pieces by local artists, you also signal that the area supports creativity and culture, which can appeal to buyers who value uniqueness and authenticity over mass produced decor.

MAKE AN IMPRESSION WITH STATEMENT FLOORS

From bold patterned tiles and painted designs to richly stained hardwood, these floors turn functional space into a conversation piece. Much like an accent wall, statement floors are intentionally eye-catching, visually striking choices that stand out, such as bold patterns, high contrast tiles, richly stained hardwood, or unusual materials like resin or patterned vinyl. They are meant to act as a focal point in a room, often in living areas, kitchens, or entryways, and can signal a more curated or designer minded home.

If a statement floor is durable, well-maintained, and documented with receipts or installation records, it can help reinforce the perception of a higher quality overall property. When statement floors are tasteful, neutral, or timeless in style and made from durable materials such as hardwood or high-quality tile, they can positively influence resale value by making the home feel more modern and move-in-ready. A statement floor done right doesn’t just grab attention; it anchors the entire space with confidence and charm.

The other day, my wife asked me how I have so much candy. I responded, “I always have a few twix up my sleeve.”

What’s the fastest way to stop a dog from digging up the garden? You take away his shovel!

What did one tomato say to the other during the footrace? Ketchup!

Why did the realtor bring a pencil to the showing? To draw interest in the home!

London, ON, April 2026 – In March, 586 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service ® (MLS ® ) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS ® (LSTAR). That was up 4.1% compared to the same month a year ago and 186 more units sold over the previous month. “Activity has certainly been picking up, which is a positive sign,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “With the change in weather, we’re very encouraged that this is just the beginning of a healthy spring market.” Month over month, average sales price rose slightly in March at $627,112, from $622,414 in February. Noticeable month over month gains in average sales price happened in London South, with average price at $636,946, up from $617,817 the previous month, as well as St. Thomas, coming in at $562,191, up from $545,876 in February. “Our members work with buyers and sellers every day who are feeling the weight of housing affordability,” Tiller said. “The announcements by federal and provincial governments this week are encouraging steps to help boost supply across the housing continuum and create more meaningful paths to home ownership.” live in an apartment or condominium, there are a few things you can do to get your home in tip-top shape. • Ensure gutters are in good repair and clean and that downspouts are aimed into a water barrel or where runoff won’t go into your home. • Inspect windows to ensure caulk hasn’t been damaged over the winter, screens are not torn and are installed correctly. • Turn on and test outdoor faucets to inspect for any leaks freezing might have caused. • Test, repair and clean outdoor light fixtures. • Inspect decks and fences for loose boards or nails and repair if necessary. A proactive spring checkup helps protect your home, extend its lifespan and avoid unexpected repairs down the road. HOME SALES RISE IN MARCH GET YOUR HOME READY FOR SPRING When the snow starts to melt and the sun starts shining, it’s time to do some outdoor home maintenance. Even if you $563,000 all residential BENCHMARK PRICES DOWN 7.4% year-to-year 586 SOLD LISTINGS 1,490 NEW LISTINGS 39.3% SALES TO NEW LISTING RATIO 4.7 MONTHS OF INVENTORY 2,739 ACTIVE LISTINGS

The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next. Statistics reflect residential market activity in March 2026 | Source: London St. Thomas Association of REALTORS ® . Individual home market values vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home. This table displays March’s average prices and MLS ® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR’s main regions.

#7 in sales at Sutton for 2025

PLATINUM AWARD

The greatest compliment my clients can give me is the referral of family and friends! BLAIR PATTON Sales Representative Direct: 519.630.9883 | Office: 519.438.2222 blairpatton@rogers.com | www.BlairPatton.com

2025

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