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 8

BEYOND THE PHOTO WALL

Many homes have a wall of family photos updated each year with school pictures, family trips, camping adventures and Christmas cards. Over time, the memories grow, but the wall space does not. Using a digital photo frame could be the solution. Share both new and old memories without the clutter by going digital. Digital photo frames let you display hundreds of images in a single frame, rotating through old favourites and new moments with ease. They’re a simple way to keep your photos visible without covering every wall in your home. Digital displays don’t fade in sunlight and rearranging your collection is simple. You can add new photos instantly from your phone instead of finding another frame, another nail and another empty spot on the wall. Setup is usually straightforward: download the app, connect to Wi-FI and select the photos you want to share. Many digital photo frames also allow family members to contribute photos remotely, making them a great choice for staying connected. Digital picture frames are the most straightforward and user-friendly way to display photos. There are alternatives. With some basic tech skills, you can use a tablet and slideshow or set your photos up as a television screensaver.

Muffins

APPLE CINNAMON

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced For the topping • 2 tablespoons melted butter • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour • 1½ cups granulated sugar • 4 teaspoons baking powder • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 large eggs • ⅔ cup vegetable oil • 1 cup milk

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°f (190°c). Line or lightly grease 18 muffin cups. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, milk and vanilla. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. 5. Fold in the apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. 6. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. 7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. 8. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon.

DON’T LET ANYONE ROB YOU OF YOUR IMAGINATION, YOUR CREATIVITY OR YOUR CURIOSITY.”

MAE JEMISON PHYSICIST & ASTRONAUT

GET IN THE GAME WITH PICKLEBALL

Pickleball has quickly become a popular sport across Canada, gaining traction over the last number of years. Pickleball is affordable, easy to learn and doesn’t require expensive equipment, making it an easy choice for people looking for an outdoor activity they can enjoy with friends and family. Pickleball combines tennis, badminton and table tennis on a smaller court, using a paddle and a lightweight ball. Usually played in doubles, it’s a social and physical activity. If you’re interested in trying pickleball, check your local recreation centre or community association. Pickleball courts are now appearing in parks, recreation centres, schools and public spaces across Canadian communities. Many offer beginner lessons, drop-in sessions and equipment rentals, making it easy to get started and join a growing community. If you’re interested in watching pickleball, then you’re in luck. Canada’s national pickleball league (CNPL) has eight teams from Vancouver to Montreal playing professionally nationwide.

EASY COTTAGE DECOR IDEAS

Enjoy the charm of cottage-style living without needing a lakeside cabin. Bring the relaxed feel of cottage living into your home, even if it’s in the bustling downtown of Edmonton or Toronto. This cottage-cozy look can be created with simple materials, textures and a mix of natural elements and cozy patterns. Cottage-style décor brings cozy comfort to your home with soft textures and complementary patterns. Start with natural wood finishes, soft whites and subtle colours to create a calm backdrop for daily living. Mixing patterns, such as florals, gingham and plaid, adds visual interest while keeping the space warm and welcoming. Add woven baskets, framed embroidery, cross-stitch, paintings, linen cushions, vintage plates, antique finds, handcrafted art and ceramic accessories to introduce texture. Houseplants, wildflowers, branches or ferns collected on a weekend walk bring life indoors. One of the best parts of cottage style is that nothing must match perfectly. As a result, mixing family heirlooms with newer pieces creates a home that feels collected over the years.

SUDOKU Squares Fill this 9x9 grid using numbers 1 through 9 so that every row, column, and 3x3 section contains each number only once.

What do you call a pen that’s always on time? “Write” on schedule! What do trees use to browse the internet? Root-Er connections! Where do sick boats go? To the dock Why did the chef get married to

the baker? It was loave at first sight!

SOLUTION

JULY HOME SALES SHOW SIGNS OF A BALANCED MARKET

44.5% SALES TO NEW LISTING RATIO 4.9 MONTHS OF INVENTORY

3,367 ACTIVE LISTINGS

$603,006 all residential

686 SOLD LISTINGS 1,543 NEW LISTINGS

DOWN 6.7% year-to-year

London, ON (August 2026) — In July, 686 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). Although down 4.9% from July 2025, the sales activity is on par with activity recorded in the past four years. “The marketplace is starting to see a little more certainty around interest rates, with the Bank of Canada maintaining its policy rate at 2.25% last month, which has remained the same since last October,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “With historically high inventory, it’s setting the stage for a busier fall market. July saw 4.9 months of inventory, with 3,367 active listings across the LSTAR region.” The July sales-to-new listings ratio was 44.5%, up from June which came in at 41.6%.“According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45% and 65% indicates conditions of a balanced market,” Tiller said. “Average sales price was $603,006, on par with June, which was $606,614.”

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 July 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.

#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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