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THE DWYER TEAM

B100-509 Commissioners Rd W London, ON N6J 1Y5

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.

Housing Inventory Hits New High In August

6.3 MONTHS OF INVENTORY

$590,550 all residential

DOWN 9.3% year-to-year

526 SOLD LISTINGS 1,403 NEW LISTINGS 37.5% SALES TO NEW LISTING RATIO

Benchmark Price

London, ON (September 2026) — In August, 526 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), and inventory reached a new peak, with 6.3 months of inventory recorded. “Historically, we have seen slower sales activity in the summer, but the August numbers are on par with activity over the past four years,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “The August sales-to-new listings ratio was 37.5%, down from July, which came in at 44.5%. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45% and 65% indicates conditions of a balanced market. The activity in August showed signs of a buyers’ market.” This was evident with average sales price, which was $590,550. This represents the average price across all LSTAR regions. Notably, two areas showed increases in average sales price, month over month. In London East, the August average sales price was $489,735, up from the July average sales price of $456,416. In St. Thomas, the August average sales price was $557,485, up from the previous month, which was $500,819. Statistics reflect market activity in August 2026 | Source: London St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® | Market values stated are of the benchmark of London St. Thomas. 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.

Real Estate Question? Call us for the answer! Office: 226-667-6400 | dwyerteam@kw.com

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