I know you've all heard that here in our area, the real estate market is heavily favouring sellers right now, and, we do expect that to continue for most, if not all of 2021.

Traditionally, the first week of January is a bit slow for new listings, as people get their new year started, but, throw in a lockdown order, and, things really slow down! As of this morning, there are a total of 208 active MLS listings in the City of London. That's extremely low for a City with a population of roughly a half million.

As you can imagine, that means that it's pretty easy to sell a house right now.

Given the current SUPER low mortgage rates, it's also pretty easy for buyers to afford to get into the market. The difficulty for them comes with the competition ~ there are more buyers than inventory.

But, having said that, as a seller, you still want to present your home in it's best light! That's going to translate into the highest dollar possible, and, given your home is likely your biggest asset, isn't that the goal?

If you have no plans to sell, the fact is, we are all spending WAY more time at home than ever before. "Home" has become the centre of our lives, literally. So, it stands to reason that we want it to be the most comfortable place in the world, especially right now.

In light of all this, and, after the chaos of this first week of January 2021, I thought we could all use a bit of an escape. Why not check out the latest design trends? It's interesting how our wish lists have changed over this past year!
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Whether you're selling or not, there's some great ideas in this video ~ either to prepare for market, or to prepare to snuggle up at home this winter. Enjoy!

www.houzz.com/houzz-tv/see-a-houzz-editor-discuss-key-design-trends-emerging-in-2021-stshtvvw-vt~143785575?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u15328&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery3_3&newsletterId=15328

Welcome to 2021!

We made it through what was probably the strangest year any of us have ever experienced. I think we can pat ourselves on the back for that.

I've spent some time over the past week checking in with friends, and one of them said something that's had me in stitches. She told me she's been "practicing procrastination", and that 2020 made that so easy! Remember back when everyone was so excited to use our extra time to clean out the closets? Ya, that didn't happen for some of us, lol.

I think we all felt a bit frozen last year, but, I'll bet if you really think about it, you accomplished quite a lot. It was a year where EVERYTHING became bigger. Every problem seemed amplified. Hell, even going to the grocery store was a huge deal! But, we did it. We figured ways around the challenges, and have adjusted to new ways of doing almost everything.

Those are great accomplishments my friends!

And now, as we head into a fresh calendar, we are forced to notice that time is passing, and we can't just wait it out. We need to do something with it.

We have good reasons to be optimistic and hopeful. And, we have the experience to make our New Year plans fit into the circumstances. So, let's do it!
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Bring it on 2021! We've got this!

I must admit, I was surprised this morning to realize today was actually Sunday. It's that week where every day is Sunday isn't it? And, here in southern Ontario, we have a month of Sundays coming up.

I'm still basking in the glow of Christmas. It's been really wonderful!

We've had a ridiculous 25 lb turkey for two experience, one that will probably continue for the entire month, and, that's just fine with us, we love turkey! And, I learned to spell pterodactyl.

We've been blessed with some amazing neighbours who have made sure we were super supplied with baked goodies!
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And, there's a Big Bang Theory marathon running on TV this week! I've been laughing for days!

Which is why I'm posting this particular photo today ~ a very creative Christmas card sent to me by a friend/client last year. I've kept it on my Bulletin Board all year because it makes me laugh.

Now, I think I may spend some time shopping online to update my loungewear wardrobe.
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Enjoy the week everyone! And may all your sweaters be ugly & bright!