RIGHTSIZING: FINDING THE HOME THAT TRULY FITS
In real estate, you often hear the term “downsizing,” but that doesn’t always tell the full story. For many people, the goal isn’t necessarily to go smaller – it’s to go smarter. That’s where rightsizing comes in.Rightsizing is about finding a home that matches your lifestyle today, whether that means more square footage, less upkeep, or simply a better layout. It’s not about giving something up – it’s about creating a better fit.For some, rightsizing means moving into a place with fewer stairs, a lower-maintenance yard, or thoughtful storage solutions. For others, it might mean expanding into a home with space for a growing family, a dedicated home office, or a suite for aging parents. The idea is to choose a home that works for your life now, and in the years to come.Today, more people are embracing this mindset. Families are seeking layouts that give them room to breathe, empty-nesters are exploring communities that free up time for hobbies or travel, and some buyers are choosing multigenerational living to stay connected while sharing responsibilities.SO HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT’S TIME TO RIGHT-SIZE?
HERE ARE A FEW QUICK SIGNS:
1️⃣ YOUR LIFESTYLE HAS SHIFTED – Maybe you’re working from home more, entertaining differently, or welcoming family to stay. If your current home doesn’t quite fit how you live today, a change may be worth considering.2️⃣ YOU’RE CRAVING MORE EASE – Whether it’s simplifying yard work, gaining extra storage, or finding a layout that just flows better, the right home should make daily life easier and more enjoyable.
3️⃣ YOU’RE LOOKING AHEAD – If you can picture your future self feeling more comfortable in a different type of space, that’s a clear signal it might be time to start planning.
The beauty of rightsizing is that it’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s less about square footage and more about lifestyle, ensuring your home feels “just right” for the way you want to live now and tomorrow.
REALTORS® (LSTAR), up 13.7% compared to the same month a year ago. With listings
outpacing the number of sales, the sales-to-new listings ratio also eased to 31.4% compared to 45.7% in August.“When the sales-to-new listings ratio falls below 45%, it’s consistent with the conditions of a buyers’ market,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a sales-to-new
listing ratio between 45% and 65% shows signs of a balanced market. September saw six months of inventory, which is up from August, which recorded five months of inventory.”“We’re encouraged by the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada, the first one since March,” Marsh said. “That may influence some buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.”There were 534 sales in September, down 6.0% from the same time a year ago, but on par with sales activity seen in the last four years.“We saw a shift 
in average sales price, month over month,” Marsh said. “It was $622,805, down 2.7% from September 2024, while August saw an average sales price of $651,329. For those looking to buy or sell a home, your local REALTOR® can provide professional expertise to help you manage through this marketplace.”
YOUR PERFECT FIT IS WAITING…
Let’s start the journey. Call, text or email me today to discuss your vision for a rightsized home and get a tailored strategy created just for you.INVENTORY LEVEL REACHES NEW PEAK IN SEPTEMBER
In September, 1,701 new listings were recorded via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), up 13.7% compared to the same month a year ago. With listings outpacing the number of sales, the sales-to-new listings ratio also eased to 31.4% compared to 45.7% in August.“When the sales-to-new listings ratio falls below 45%, it’s consistent with the conditions of a buyers’ market,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a sales-to-new listing ratio between 45% and 65% shows signs of a balanced market. September saw six months of inventory, which is up from August, which recorded five months of inventory.”“We’re encouraged by the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada, the first one since March,” Marsh said. “That may influence some buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.”There were 534 sales in September, down 6.0% from the same time a year ago, but on par with sales activity seen in the last four years.“We saw a shift in average sales price, month over month,” Marsh said. “It was $622,805, down 2.7% from September 2024, while August saw an average sales price of $651,329. For those looking to buy or sell a home, your local REALTOR® can provide professional expertise to help you manage through this marketplace.”Source: https://lstar.ca/articles/inventory-level-reaches-new-peak-in-september– October 2nd, 2025 London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®
fireplace. Each has its appeal – blankets are free and cozy, the furnace warms the whole home, and a fireplace brings instant charm on a frosty night.The best solution? A balance of comfort and efficiency. A programmable thermostat can lower temps when you’re asleep or away, cutting heating costs by up to 10%. Fireplaces are wonderful for ambiance and supplemental heat in the room you’re in, but they work best alongside your main system rather than as a replacement.Even small steps matter – like stopping drafts. Sometimes, a simple rolled-up towel at the door can keep the warmth in.
4 bell peppers, halved
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
16 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
16 slices provolone
Freshly chopped parsley
Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale and/or buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.
THE GREAT HOME ENERGY DEBATE: Blankets vs. Furnace vs. Fireplace
When the chill sets in, households often split into camps: pile on the blankets, crank up the furnace, or spark up thefireplace. Each has its appeal – blankets are free and cozy, the furnace warms the whole home, and a fireplace brings instant charm on a frosty night.The best solution? A balance of comfort and efficiency. A programmable thermostat can lower temps when you’re asleep or away, cutting heating costs by up to 10%. Fireplaces are wonderful for ambiance and supplemental heat in the room you’re in, but they work best alongside your main system rather than as a replacement.Even small steps matter – like stopping drafts. Sometimes, a simple rolled-up towel at the door can keep the warmth in.
DIY - HOMEMADE DRAFT STOPPER
Fill a long sock with uncooked rice, tie off the end, and place it at the bottom of a door. Inexpensive, effective, and even festive with a holiday-themed sock!CHEESESTEAK-STUFFED PEPPERS
Prep: 10 Mins. Cook Time: 35 Mins. Yield: 4 Servings. 872 cal/Serv.
INGREDIENTS
4 bell peppers, halved1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
16 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
16 slices provolone
Freshly chopped parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place peppers in a large baking dish and bake until tender, 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onions and mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft, 6 minutes. Add steak and season with more salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning.
- Add provolone to bottom of baked peppers and top with steak mixture. Top with another piece of provolone and broil until golden, 3 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.