PAINT COLOURS THAT CAN HELP YOUR HOME MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most affordable updates you can make before putting your home on the
market. Beyond making a space look clean and well cared for, the right colours can help buyers feel comfortable and connected from the moment they walk through the door.While bright white walls were once the standard choice for nearly every room, many buyers are drawn to homes that feel warm, inviting, and move in ready. Soft greys, gentle taupes, earthy greens, warm browns, and muted blues create a welcoming atmosphere while still providing a neutral backdrop that allows buyers to picture their own furnishings and décor.Consistency also makes a difference. Using complementary colours throughout the home creates a natural flow from room to room and helps the entire space feel larger and more cohesive. Freshly painted trim, doors, and baseboards further reinforce the impression of a well maintained home.Bold or highly personal colours may distract from a home's best features. Bright reds, vivid yellows, and other intense shades may draw attention away from the layout, natural light, and overall condition. Softer, timeless colours allow buyers to focus on the space itself instead.Curb appeal matters too. A freshly painted front door in a classic black, deep green, or rich navy can create an inviting entrance and leave buyers with a positive first impression before they even step inside.Quick Tips Before You Paint
- Test colours in different lighting. View paint samples during the day and again in the evening, as natural and artificial light can dramatically change how a colour appears.
- Focus on high impact spaces first. If repainting the entire home is not practical, prioritize the entryway, main living area, kitchen, and primary bedroom where buyers tend to spend the most time during a showing.
- Finish the details. Fill small nail holes, repair minor scuffs, and refresh trim and doors with a new coat of paint. These finishing touches can make the entire home feel cleaner and better maintained.
Small Details Make A Big Difference
Before opening a paint can, start with a deep clean. Washing walls, cleaning windows, dusting light fixtures, and touching up trim can dramatically brighten a space and help any paint colour look its best.Choosing the right paint colours is a relatively affordable update that can make a meaningful difference in a home's overall presentation. A fresh, neutral colour palette helps buyers focus on the home's potential, making it easier for them to imagine themselves living there.JULY HOME SALES SHOW SIGNS OF A BALANCED MARKET
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 LSTAR’s 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.”Source: https://members.lstar.ca/members/resources/communications/july-home-sales-show-signs-balanced-market | August 5th, 2026 - London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®
OUTDOOR FIREPLACES - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The warm glow of an outdoor fireplace transforms an ordinary patio into a destination. It creates a cozy, inviting
atmosphere and gives off enough heat to take the bite out of cool evening air, letting you stretch your backyard season well past summer. With so many styles, materials, and fuel types on the market today, there’s an outdoor fireplace to suit nearly any space and budget. The challenge isn’t finding one; it’s choosing the right one.- Many communities have specific rules on the type of outdoor fireplace permitted and the fuel it can use. Always confirm the current bylaws with your local municipality before purchasing.
- Propane and natural gas are the most popular choices for urban backyards because they burn clean and efficiently. Wood-burning units are generally limited to rural or recreational areas.
- Wood-burning and DIY outdoor fireplaces options are the most affordable. Standard propane or natural gas models typically start around $1,000 before installation, while custom builds can reach $25,000 or more.
- A chiminea is a budget-friendly, cheaper alternative option that still delivers warmth and ambiance (where local regulations permit it).
CORN SALSA
YIELDS: 6 SERVINGSPREP TIME: 15 MINS TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS CAL/SERV: 279INGREDIENTS
- 5 ears of yellow corn, husked
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup quartered grape tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; preheat 5 minutes (or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat). Brush corn with 2 Tbsp. oil; season with salt.
- Grill corn, turning occasionally, until kernels begin to char, about 8 minutes total. Let cool slightly, then slice kernels off cobs with a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, combine corn, onion, avocado, tomatoes, and basil.
- In a medium bowl, combine lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1/4 cup oil; season with salt and whisk until smooth.
- Pour dressing over salsa and stir to combine. Serve with tortilla chips alongside.