Courtesy of David Ortino

DAVID ORTINO , M.B.A., Broker of Record Office: 416-222-SOLD (7653) • Direct: 416-428-9574 info@davidortino.com • www.DavidOrtino.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated 1060 Sheppard Ave W COMM103 Toronto, ON M3J 0G7 PLATINUM PIN REALTY Brokerage

2025 | ISSUE 11

FLOORING TRENDS TO STAY ON TOP OF

With 2026 right around the corner, many industry experts are eager to list upcoming home decor trends. When it comes to flooring, some trends stand the test of time whereas others don’t necessarily age well, so think long-term before diving into one of these hot flooring options. Wide plank flooring has been popular for the last few years and decorators see 2026 following the trend. Wooden floors in light tones and natural finishes are the most popular and the wide planks make spaces feel more modern, elegant and larger. Herringbone plank flooring is another more stable, yet somewhat trendy option if you like the look of wood but want something a little more unique. The interlocking V-shaped planks create a modern, luxurious look. When you’re looking for flooring that will make your space feel warm and cozy, look no further than wall-to-wall carpet. Low-pile finishes in earthy tones layered with area rugs create a functional and stylish look that designers are using in bedrooms and living spaces alike. The best part about layering is that the area rug can be changed out as your decor tastes change.

Au Gratin SPAGHETTI SQUASH

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 spaghetti squash, halved and seeded

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • salt and black pepper to taste • ¾ cup fat-free sour cream • 1 cup shredded light Cheddar cheese • cooking spray

• 3 tablespoons light margarine • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place spaghetti squash in a covered dish and add ¼ inch of water. Microwave for 10 to 12 minutes. Scrape insides of squash with a fork and transfer to a small bowl. 2. Heat margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat while spaghetti squash is cooking and cook onion, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt and pepper until the onion is browned, 5 to 10 minutes. 3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 4. Mix spaghetti squash, onion mixture, sour cream and half of the Cheddar cheese together. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn on broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes and broil until gratin is golden brown on top.

SPRING PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S INNOCENCE. SUMMER PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S EXUBERANCE. AUTUMN PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S REVERENCE. WINTER PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S PERSEVERANCE”

YOKO ONO

MUSHROOM COFFEE: TREND OR HEALTH BOOST? If you’ve noticed “mushroom coffee” on store shelves or social media, you’re not alone. This growing trend blends traditional coffee with powdered extracts from mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, reishi and cordyceps — all known for their potential health benefits.

Despite the name, mushroom coffee doesn’t taste like soup. The flavour remains coffee-forward, just slightly earthier and less bitter. Many people turn to it for its lower caffeine content and the belief that it offers a smoother, steadier energy boost compared to regular coffee. Supporters say certain mushrooms may help with focus, immunity and stress management, though scientific research is still catching up. What’s clear is that mushrooms are nutrient-rich and can be a healthy addition to most diets. You can find mushroom coffee as instant packets, ground blends or coffee pods at health food stores and major retailers across Canada. It brews just like regular coffee — simply adjust the strength to your taste. While it might not replace your morning cup entirely, mushroom coffee is an interesting way to shake up your daily routine and see if you notice a difference in how you feel.

WORD WHEEL This transportation themed word wheel is made up from a 9-letter transportation themed word. Discover that word, then make as many words as you can from the letters in the wheel. Each word must include the letter B . To try forest bathing, head to a grove of trees where you can slowly walk through nature, without any electronics distracting you. Listen to the sounds around you like birds, animals, wind, rain or leaves underfoot. Observe the scenery, noticing light filtering through branches, leaves falling or signs of wildlife. Pause occasionally to touch a tree, leaves or even a stone on the path. While you’re stopped, notice the earthy scent of soil, any floral fragrances, fresh pine or just the crispness of an autumn or winter day. Tasting nature isn’t suggested, unless you’re an experienced forager, but instead allow yourself to savour the freshness of the air or sip tea or water as you go. Forest bathing, an ancient Japanese practice, allows you to mindfully connect with nature to improve your mental and physical health. It’s more than a walk in the woods; it involves an immersive experience that engages all of your senses. Physically, walking benefits your body and breathing in the fresh forest air helps oxygenate your blood. Mentally, purposeful time in nature can reduce stress and improve your mood. FOREST BATHING: A MINDFUL WAY TO CONNECT WITH NATURE

Tech Jokes

Why was the cell phone scared to go to the dentist? He didn’t want him to remove his blue tooth.

Why was the Roomba late for class? It overswept.

What did the baby laptop call her father? Data.

What’s the difference between a TV and a magazine? Ever try to swat a fly with a TV?

Why did the escalator going up never want to touch the other escalator? The other escalator was always coming down with something.

Answer: SUBMARINE

Use City of Toronto Numbers

Market conditions continued to favour homebuyers

$1,619,047 detached DOWN 9.0% year-to-year

$699,241 condo/apartment DOWN 3.1% year-to-year

$769,290 condo/townhouse DOWN 9.8% year-to-year

AVERAGE SALE PRICES

2,351 SOLD LISTINGS 5,988 NEW LISTINGS

detached 1,864

428 condo/town.

34.5% SALES TO NEW LISTING RATIO

31 DAYS ON MARKET

4.8 MONTHS OF INVENTORY

10,357 ACTIVE LISTINGS (residential inventory)

GTA REALTORS ® , November 5, 2025 - Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were down year-over-year in October, while new listings were up. Market conditions continued to favour homebuyers, as average selling prices were negotiated down alongside lower mortgage rates. “Buyers who are confident in their employment situation and ability to make their mortgage payments over the long term are benefitting from affordable housing market conditions relative to the past few years. However, many intending homebuyers remain on the sidelines due to uncertainty about their economic future,” said TRREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule. GTA REALTORS ® reported 6,138 home sales through TRREB’s MLS ® System in October 2025 – down by 9.5 per cent compared to October 2024. New listings entered into the MLS ® System amounted to 16,069 – up by 2.7 per cent year-over-year. Statistics reflect market activity in October 2025 | Source: TRREB ® Toronto Regional Real Estate Board | Market values stated are average prices. 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.

DAVID ORTINO • Office: 416-222-SOLD (7653) • info@davidortino.com

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