Home Connection January 2026

2026 Happy New Year

A FRESH START FOR THE NEW YEAR, INSPIRED BY CALM

Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2026, Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201), captures that feeling beautifully. Chosen for its soft, billowy presence, this serene white reflects a desire for peace and quiet reflection in an increasingly busy world. It is also the first time a white has ever been selected, making it both timeless and meaningful.The appeal of Cloud Dancer lies in its versatility. It works effortlessly as a backdrop, allowing natural light to shine while creating a sense of openness and ease. Homeowners can incorporate this shade in simple, approachable ways. Freshening up trim or walls instantly brightens a space without feeling stark. Layering textiles such as throw blankets, area rugs, or bedding adds warmth while maintaining a calm palette. Even small accents, like ceramics, lampshades, or framed art, can introduce the colour without a full commitment.Thoughtful design is often about small, intentional choices that enhance daily living. Consider updates that support both comfort and function:

• Using light, neutral tones to create visual continuity from room to room
• Choosing textures over bold patterns to add depth without visual noise
• Simplifying surfaces and storage to allow spaces to feel open and restful
• Prioritizing natural light through window treatments and reflective finishes

A cohesive home environment supports everyday living and the way spaces are used. Design trends focused on simplicity and balance continue to influence how homes are perceived in today’s market.People respond to homes that feel intuitive. When spaces are arranged with clear purpose, visitors immediately understand how each area is meant to be used. This sense of clarity creates confidence and comfort without a single word being spoken.Homes that feel composed rather than crowded tend to linger in memory. Thoughtful editing, well-defined zones, and restrained visual choices help a space feel deliberate. That quiet sense of order allows the home itself to stand out, often influencing how it is perceived long after the visit ends.A SIMPLE PLACE TO START: Take a fresh look at one room and remove anything that does not support how the space is meant to function. Small edits often create the biggest shift.

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ENCOURAGING MARKETPLACE ACTIVITY IN DECEMBER

In December, 398 homes exchanged hands via the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). That was up 0.8% compared to the same month a year ago, and marked the best December since 2021. Overall, 6,938 homes were sold in 2025, down 5.0% from 2024.“Interestingly, the sales-to-new listings ratio showed quite a rebound in December,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “It was 71.6, noticeably higher than November, which was 49.5. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a sales-to-new listings ratio between 45% and 65% indicates conditions of a balanced market. December activity started to show signs of the conditions consistent with a seller’s market. December’s 71.6 sales-to-new listings ratio was the highest recorded in 2025.”“Inventory continues to remain at a historical high level,” Marsh said. “There were 5.4 months of inventory in December, that’s more than the 4.6 months of inventory recorded in December 2024. With inventory and the fluctuating sales-to-new listings ratio, your local REALTOR® can help you navigate the marketplace, if you’re considering to buy or sell a home.”Source: LSTAR – January 6th, 2026

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THE UNSUNG HERO OF YOUR FINANCES: WHY YOUR CREDIT SCORE MATTERS NOW

Whether you’re planning to buy your first home, sign a new lease, or simply manage your monthly bills, one number quietly holds a surprising amount of power: your credit score. Many people only focus on this three-digit figure when they’re actively seeking a mortgage, but its influence on your life as a resident, renter, or owner is constant and significant.A strong credit score is your financial passport. For renters, landlords often pull credit reports to assess reliability, making a good score key to securing the best apartment and lease terms. For homeowners, a solid score is essential not only for better mortgage refinance rates but also for locking in lower interest rates on car loans, lines of credit for renovations, and even competitive premiums for home and car insurance.The good news is that maintaining it comes down to a few simple habits: paying all bills on time (consistency is critical), keeping credit card balances low (ideally under 30% of your limit), and checking your report annually for errors.By treating your credit score as a vital part of your home’s financial infrastructure, you ensure you’re always positioned to take advantage of the best opportunities, making your life smoother and more affordable, regardless of your current housing status.

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CRISPY CHICKPEAS

Prep: 15 mins  Cook: 60 mins  Serves: 8  112 cal per serving

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed and thoroughly dried
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

SIMPLE VARIATIONS

• Herb & Garlic: Swap paprika for garlic powder and dried rosemary
• Smoky Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder
• Bright Finish: Toss with lemon zest just before serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with spices, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
5. Cool slightly before serving. Chickpeas will crisp up even more as they cool.

The perfect crunchy, healthy snack. Boldly spiced for a kick of flavor to satisfy those savory cravings.