THIS FALL, MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE!
ADD PRIVACY WHERE YOU NEED IT MOST
Start by looking at where your area feels most exposed - a neighbour’s window, a nearby street or an open sightline into your seating area. Focusing on one or two areas can provide the privacy you want without making the space feel closed in.SCREENS THAT ADD STYLE
Lattice panels and slatted privacy screens can block unwanted views while still allowing light and air to pass through. They can also provide a structure for climbing plants, adding greenery and softening the space.For a more temporary solution, outdoor curtains are an easy way to create privacy when you want it. They can be pulled closed for a cozy evening outdoors and tied back when you want to enjoy the view. On a smaller balcony, a freestanding screen can provide a similar effect without requiring a permanent installation.
LET NATURE DO THE WORK
Tall planters can provide privacy while adding seasonal colour and texture. Ornamental grasses, columnar evergreens and other tall plants can create a natural screen without the permanence of a fence or wall.Fall is especially appealing for this approach. The changing colours and textures of grasses, shrubs and seasonal plants can become part of the design rather than something you have to hide.WHEN THE LEAVES START TO FALL
As summer foliage begins to thin out, some of the natural privacy you enjoyed earlier in the season can disappear. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive project to create a little more separation. A few strategically placed planters, a freestanding screen or a simple outdoor curtain can help block a sightline without making a permanent change. Arranging your furniture so that chairs face inward, rather than toward neighbouring properties, is another no-cost way to create a greater sense of privacy.THINK UP, TOO
A pergola or overhead structure can add privacy and make your deck or patio feel more like an outdoor room. Add
curtains or a canopy for extra coverage on cooler evenings.EXTEND THE SEASON
Patio heaters can take the chill off cooler evenings, while a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can add warmth and ambiance. Always check local fire-safety requirements, including any restrictions for balconies, condos or apartments.DON’T FORGET THE LIGHTING
As days get shorter, soft lighting can brighten seating areas, stairs and pathways while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere and enhancing privacy.HOUSING INVENTORY HITS NEW HIGH IN AUGUST
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 balanced market conditions. The activity in August showed signs of a buyers’ market.”
This was evident with the 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.“We know that housing affordability will be one of the top issues in the 2026 municipal elections,” Tiller said. “Brand new research from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) finds people across the province want candidates to prioritize solving the housing affordability crisis. The research also showed support for policies that speed up the delivery of new housing, including streamlining development approvals and making more housing options available, which ultimately impact affordability.”Source: https://lstar.ca/articles/housing-inventory-hits-new-high-in-august | September 2nd, 2026 - London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®FINANCIAL PREPARATION - PLAN, PREPARE & SAVE - BECOME MORTGAGE READY!
Get pre-approved, understand your down payment requirements, and budget 1.5%–3% for closing costs depending on the property and transaction. Also consider the mortgage stress test and registered savings options such as the First Home Savings Account (FHSA).DOWN PAYMENT
- Up to $500K: 5% minimum
- $500K–$1.5M: 5% on the first $500K + 10% above
- Over $1.5M or more: 20% minimum
BE PREPARED
Lenders use a higher qualifying rate for the mortgage stress test. You will need the following ready:- T4s, recent pay stubs
- 90-day bank history
- Proof of your down payment
SHOP AROUND
A pre-approval may hold a rate for 90–120 days, depending on the lender.- Compare banks and mortgage brokers for rates, terms and flexibility.
ONTARIO SAVINGS & REBATES
FHSA: Contributions are tax-deductible and qualifying withdrawals are tax-free.Land Transfer Tax - Eligible Ontario:- First-time buyers can receive up to $4,000 back.
- Generally required when putting less than 20% down.
CRESCENT APPLE DUMPLING
YIELDS: 8 SERVINGSPREP TIME: 5 MINS
TOTAL TIME: 40 MINS
CAL/SERV: 434
INGREDIENTS
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 2 (8-oz.) cans crescent roll dough
- 1 cup (165 g.) packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 8 oz. lemon-lime soda
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350° and grease a large baking dish with butter. Peel and core apples, cut each apple into 8 wedges.
- Separate crescent roll dough into triangles. Starting at the wider end, roll one apple slice up in a crescent triangle. Repeat with remaining apples and dough. Arrange in prepared pan.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt, stirring frequently, until butter is melted, about 5 minutes. Pour over apples.
- Pour soda around edges of pan; avoid pouring on top of dumplings.
- Bake dumplings until golden brown and warmed through, about 30 minutes.
- Divide dumplings among plates. Spoon sauce from pan over. Serve with ice cream alongside.