Home Connection November 2025

FROM FALL TO FROST…

THE OVERLOOKED HOME PREP LIST YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU CHECKED TWICE

As the days grow shorter and the chill begins to creep in, our attention naturally shifts indoors. It’s the time when small steps can make a big difference in keeping things running smoothly and feeling cozy once winter settles in. Beyond the familiar “clean the gutters” and “check the furnace,” here’s a list of lesser-known ways to get your home ready for the cold.

1. TEST THE HIDDEN HEAT SOURCES

Don’t stop at the furnace – turn on baseboard heaters, radiant floors, or HRV systems briefly to be sure everything works evenly. Vacuum vents and replace filters for better warmth and cleaner air.

2. FIND THE DRAFTS YOU CAN’T SEE

Small gaps around outlets, windows, and doors can let in more cold than you’d think. Add foam gaskets behind outlet covers, close unused fireplace dampers, and use an incense stick to detect sneaky drafts.

3. SHUT DOWN OUTDOOR WATER LINES

Before freezing temperatures arrive, turn off and drain outdoor taps, and disconnect garden hoses. It’s a quick step that prevents cracked fittings or burst lines later.

4. SEAL THE DOOR BETWEEN THE GARAGE AND HOUSE

This door often gets overlooked, yet it’s a major source of cold air. Add a door sweep or foam weatherstrip to keep the warm air in and the chill out.

5. REVERSE AND REFRESH CEILING FANS

Switch the blades to rotate clockwise to push warm air down – and give them a good dusting first for cleaner airflow.

6. INSPECT THE DRYER VENT

Lint buildup blocks airflow and can be a fire hazard. Detach the hose, vacuum the vent, and make sure the outdoor flap opens freely.

7. REPLACE SMOKE AND CO ALARM BATTERIES

Even hardwired alarms rely on backup batteries. Replacing them before the heating season offers simple peace of mind.

8. LIGHTEN THE MOOD (AND THE ROOM)

Shorter days call for warmer light. Swap bright white bulbs for soft tones or set smart lights to a cozy evening glow.

9. CREATE A WINTER-READY ENTRYWAY

Layer mats, add a tray for boots, and set up hooks or a bench for coats. A little organization helps keep the winter mess under control.

10. STORE SMARTER

Label bins by season and location – like “Porch Décor” or “Winter Accessories.” You’ll thank yourself when spring rolls around.

OCTOBER SALES RISE FROM PREVIOUS MONTH

October had some encouraging signs with 607 homes exchanging hands via the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), an increase from the previous month, which saw 534 homes sold in September.“Consumer confidence seems to be growing, and the latest interest rate cut from the Bank of Canada may help fuel further activity in the marketplace,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “Inventory is at its highest level in the last 10 years, with more than five months in the LSTAR region.

”Average sales price also continued to slightly edge down. In October, it was $605,560, down 3.7% compared to the same period a year ago and down 4.1% compared to October 2022. In September, average sales price was $622,805. Year-to-date, there have been 6,057 total home sales, on par with totals recorded in the previous two years. “We expect the year to finish strong, and activity will continue to pick up as we head into 2026,” Marsh said. “To best understand this evolving marketplace, connect with your local REALTOR®, who can help you navigate through it all, whether you’re interested in selling or buying a property.”Source: https://members.lstar.ca/members/resources/statistics/october-sales-rise-previous-month November 4, 2025 London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®

---

A changing market brings new insight — contact us to learn what it means for you & your home.

---

DRAW IT BEFORE YOU STORE IT

A QUICK STORAGE MAP TODAY SAVES TIME (AND FRUSTRATION) ALL YEAR LONG

Create a quick storage map before packing away seasonal bins or supplies. It’s a fast, low-effort system that keeps everything easy to find.

✔ SKETCH THE LAYOUT

Outline shelves, walls, or storage zones in your basement, garage, or utility room.

✔ LABEL BY CATEGORY

Mark each section for items like tools, décor, sports gear, or keepsakes — whatever fits your space.

✔ NUMBER OR COLOUR-CODE BINS

Match containers to your map so you can locate items instantly.

✔ POST AND SAVE

Tape a printed copy inside the storage door and keep a digital version on your phone for quick reference.

✔ UPDATE SEASONALLY

As things shift, refresh your map so it always reflects what’s stored where.

CHICKEN POT PIE

⏱ Cook Time: 45 Mins. + Standing
🍽 Yield: 2 Potpies
🔥 475/ Slice

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups diced peeled potatoes
• 1–3/4 cups sliced carrots
• 1 cup butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1–3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1–1/2 cups whole milk
• 4 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 sheets refrigerated pie crust

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Place potatoes and carrots in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, covered, 8–10 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended. Gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, peas, corn and potato-carrot mixture. Stir in broth mixture.
4. Unroll a pie crust into each of two 9-in. pie plates; trim crusts even with rims of plates. Add chicken mixture. Unroll remaining crusts; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in tops.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/4e8rrh79

---