Courtesy of Bruce Weiss

780-278-2391 bweissagent@gmail.com www.bruceweiss.com BRUCE WEISS , C.E.T. REALTOR® Accountable. Knowledgeable. Professional.

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. Excellence

2026 | ISSUE 9

RETHINKING THE OPEN FLOOR PLAN

Open-concept homes are popular but shifting family needs, increased work-from-home and more families living together mean modern households often need more separation. Open layouts offer benefits like larger rooms, more natural light and easier conversation while cooking or relaxing. Households are also seeking clearer boundaries between work, school, relaxation and everyday chores. The challenge is that a single large room does not always translate into a single useful one. A laptop on the dining table, a television in the living room and a busy kitchen can quickly compete for attention. The best floor plan is not necessarily the trendiest one, but one that fits how you actually live. For many households it could simply be enough openness, keeping a home feeling spacious with enough separation to make each area work together. Half walls or glass doors, rugs and furniture like bookcases or tables can serve as visual boundaries. The aim isn’t necessarily to build more walls but to make the space easier to define. Before permanent changes try temporary dividers or different furniture arrangements for a while. Observe how people move, where noise collects and which areas feel crowded or exposed. This trial can show whether a change improves daily life and helps avoid costly mistakes.

CLASSIC SOUTHERN Cornbread

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups flour • 1 cup cornmeal • 1 cup sugar • 1½ tbsp baking powder • 1 tsp salt

• ½ cup melted butter • ½ cup oil • 1 ¼ cups milk • 3 large eggs for the wet mixture • Honey and extra butter for serving, optional

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. 2. Whisk the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt together in a large bowl. 3. Mix the melted butter, oil, milk and eggs together in a separate medium bowl. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is combined. 5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean or with only a few crumbs.

THE MOST AWKWARD THING IS THE DECISION TO ACT; THE REST IS MERELY TENACITY.”

AMELIA EARHART

A fall window check is a simple task that can make a home more comfortable before the first cold snap. Inspect windows and doors early, look for worn seals and address concerns before winter weather makes them harder to fix. A few minutes of checking can help homeowners understand how their home responds to colder temperatures and decide whether it needs further attention. On a cool day, run your hand along the edges of windows and doors. If you feel moving air, inspect the weatherstripping and seals for signs of wear. A draft does not automatically mean the window needs replacing. The problem could be a worn seal, a gap around the frame or another part of the wall. Checking the likely source first can help avoid assuming that a major replacement is necessary. For any unclear or more serious issues calling a professional may be necessary. STOP FALL DRAFTS EARLY

COFFEE SHOP WORD SEARCH

BARISTA CAPPUCINO CHEESECAKE

COOKIES CROISSANT ESPRESSO

LATTE MILKSHAKE MOCHA

MUFFIN SYRUP

SOLUTION

WHY WE KEEP A JUNK DRAWER

Almost every home has one: a random drawer filled with batteries, tape, keys, scissors and mystery hardware. A junk drawer is not a sign of poor organization sometimes it is simply a practical home for small items that do not have a better place. The problem starts when the drawer becomes a catch-all for everything, to the point that you can’t find the things you need. Reset it when it gets too full. Paperwork, broken items, dried-out pens and old batteries can quickly crowd out the things you actually need. Start by emptying the drawer, wiping it clean and sorting the contents into groups. Throw away broken or unusable items, move things that belong elsewhere and consider small trays or dividers for tools, office supplies and other odds and ends. Pay special attention to anything that can leak, expire, break or become unsafe over time.

LATE SUMMER SLOW-DOWN CONTINUES FOR EDMONTON HOUSING ACTIVITY

$575,575 detached

$215,422 apt/condo

UP 1.0% year-to-year

DOWN 1.2% year-to-year

AVERAGE SALE PRICES

$298,238 row/townhouse

3,769 NEW LISTINGS 2,143 SOLD LISTINGS

2,271 623 apartment detached 1,302 308 apartment detached

DOWN 1.2% year-to-year

57.0% SALES TO NEW LISTING RATIO

41 DAYS ON MARKET

3.8 MONTHS OF INVENTORY

8,052 ACTIVE LISTINGS

Edmonton, AB (September 2026) — The Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) real estate market reported 2,143 sales in August 2026, decreasing 15.4% when compared to activity in July and 9.8% compared to August 2025. There were 3,769 new listings — a month-over-month decrease of 8.1% and a year-over-year increase of 3.3%. Inventory levels decreased 1.1% from the previous month and are 15.1% higher than August 2025. Average selling price across all residential property types decreased by 1.1% from the previous month to $469,602, a price 1.8% higher than August 2025. The MLS ® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price in the GEA was $426,900, decreasing 0.6% from July 2026 and decreasing 0.6% year-over-year. “A slow-down in activity has continued as autumn approaches, reflecting normal seasonal trends. There are also indicators that a shift in the wider market is taking place. Average prices are not showing significant changes from the previous year, indicating steadiness; meanwhile, inventory is continuing to accrue in our market. Supply is ample, but unless demand keeps up, we are likely to see downward pressure on prices beyond the usual seasonal patterns.” –Darlene Reid, 2026 Board Chair, REALTORS ® Association of Edmonton Statistics reflect market activity in August 2026 | Source: REALTORS ® Association of Edmonton | Market values stated are of the average of Edmonton and surrounding region. Individual home market values will 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.w

Because basements are typically cooler and have less airflow, they can be prone to moisture buildup and musty smells caused by mould and mildew. Persistent damp odours may signal excess moisture, condensation or plumbing issues. Detecting and fixing the source is better than masking it with air fresheners. A little investigation can help determine whether the smell is simply stale air or a sign of a problem that needs attention. Start by checking for moisture inside the home, especially in corners or rarely disturbed areas. If you find water damage, damaged materials, leaks or persistent odour, contact a home inspector, plumber or HVAC professional to determine whether the issue relates to plumbing, drainage, humidity or other factors. If moisture and stale air, rather than a leak, are the main issues, improving airflow and using a dehumidifier will help. Fans and suitable ventilation can also make a basement feel less stale when conditions allow.

THE FIX FOR MUSTY AIR

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