The Karen Millar Team


The Shops at Don Mills
8 Sampson Mews #201
Toronto, ON
M3C 0H5

416.443.0300
1.877.366.SOLD (7653)

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Signature Realty
IND. OWNED & OPERATED
BROKERAGE
 

Thursday 29 December 2016

Happy NYE


Have a safe and happy New Years! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017!
Karen

Monday 26 December 2016

New Years

The official NYE party in the 6ix with live music by Walk Off The Earth, Boogat, Exco Levi, High Priest and Nefe, skating party with DJ Shub, and fireworks in the Square. 7 pm. Free.

This year's countdown also launches the year-long celebration of Canada's 150th birthday

Enjoy!

Karen

Pop up Planetarium

Visit the planetarium in the Gallery School and discover amazing and unexpected landscapes found within our solar system and throughout the universe. Dec 26-Jan 8, 11 am-3 pm daily, every 30 minutes. $5, youth 6-17 $3, child 5 & under free.
Enjoy!
Karen 

Tuesday 20 December 2016

Happy holidays!

Happy holidays from our family to yours!
Karen

Holiday Cookies


This recipe, adapted from All Recipes makes a lot of cookies. I spit the dough into two batches and added cocoa to one for a chocolate variation.
Difficulty: 3 out of 5
Cookie tip: Many recipes call for chilling the dough first before rolling it flat in order to cut out shapes. In theory, it’s to ensure the dough is stiff enough so it doesn’t stick to the cookie cutters. However, cold dough requires a lot of muscle to roll and it often cracks. Instead, roll out the dough while it’s still warm, then refrigerate it before cutting into shapes.
For the cookies
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) room temperature unsalted butter
2 cups (500 mL) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
5 cups (1.25 L) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1 tbsp(15 mL) cocoa powder
In a stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed or a large bowl with a mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Turn speed down to low and add eggs and vanilla. Turn speed to medium to whip into a fluffy mixture.
Slowly add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix on low speed until it forms a single ball of dough.
Divide dough in half. Mix one half with cocoa powder until there are no more streaks. Roll out each dough ball into 1/2 cm thickness between two sheets of parchment paper. Refrigerate dough for minimum 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
Cut rolled-out dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Gather any leftover dough, roll out and repeat.
Transfer cut cookies on to lined baking sheet. Using a chopstick, poke a hole into each cookie for ribbon.
Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies begin to turn golden brown on edges.
Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If the holes aren’t completely open, widen it with a toothpick.
Makes about 72 cookies.
For the icing
2 cups (250 mL) sifted icing sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) light corn syrup
1/4 cup (60 mL) water
In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth and sugar has completely dissolved. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Twist open end of bag to ensure icing doesn’t leak. Pipe decorations on cookies and let dry completely before stringing them with ribbons.
Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 18 December 2016

Bath toys



So I was flipping through my daughter's Today's Parent magazine when I read the simplest trick for kids bath toys.  Apparently some of the squeeze or squirting toys have holes in them and one can never get rid of all the water in them and the leftover water creates mold.  Kids get sick from bathing in said mold of course so the best thing to do is to simply put a dab of crazy glue over the hole so it becomes airtight! Voila! No mold and healthy happy kiddos!

Enjoy!
Karen

Monday 12 December 2016

Riverdale Hub Christmas Market


This sounds like fun for the whole family. The Riverdale Hub Christmas Market will feature handmade and locally produced items December 17 & December 18 from 11 am-6 pm at the Riverdale Hub 1326 Gerrard EToronto. Free!

Enjoy!
Karen

Skate with Santa


This will be great fun for the kiddies! Skate with Santa is presented by Greater Toronto Skating Academy. Bring your friends, skates and a helmet to Downsview Park Toronto December 17 from 11 am-12:30 pm. Free at rink 4 at 57 Carl Hall Road.
Enjoy!
Karen

Saturday 10 December 2016

When you wish upon a star


This sounds fab! When you wish upon a star is a holiday magic celebration with shows by illusionist entertainers Professor Wick, Soli and Rob, Santa's castle workshop, arts and crafts, holiday mascots, decorating treats, sing along with carollers and more at Casa Loma 1 Austin TerraceToronto December 17 from 9:30 am-5 pm. Tickets are $27, seniors/youth $21, under 13 years $17. This celebration runs from December 1-January 8. See website for program schedule.

Enjoy!
Karen

Wednesday 7 December 2016

Holiday Fair For Epilepsy Toronto


The Holiday Fair For Epilepsy Toronto will have shopping, skating, midway rides, Santa visits, performers, food, drinks at the ice bar and more at this European-style Christmas market and winter carnival from December 8-23, weekdays 11:30 am-9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-9 pm at Nathan Phillips Square 100 Queen WToronto. Free admission and all proceeds support Epilepsy Toronto. For more information visit Holiday Fair.
Enjoy!
Karen

Saturday 3 December 2016

Christmas in the Valley


Experience the holiday traditions of the 1890s and the 1940s through sampling historic recipes, making take-home crafts and an outdoor tour of the Wildflower Preserve. December weekends noon-4 pm (December 24 & 31 to 2 pm; closed December 25-26) and December 27-January 8 (closed January 1) at Todmorden Mills 67 PotteryToronto. Tickets are $4-$8.

Enjoy!
Karen

Evergreen's Winter Village


The Evergreen's Winter Village Etsy Canada Makers Market, street food vendors, hands-on nature play at the Children's Garden, ice skating, fat bike rides and more at the Evergreen Brick Works 550 BayviewToronto from December 10 to January 8 (Makers Market to December 23) daily (closed December 24-25). Free admission, fee for some activities. For more information visit The Brick Works.
Dec 10-23: weekdays 3-7 pm, weekends 11 am-7 pm.
Dec 26-Jan 8: daily 11 am-6 pm (Dec 31: 11 am-3 pm).

Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 1 December 2016

Mt. Pleasant Village Christmas Fair


The Mt. Pleasant Village Christmas Fair will have tree decorating and lighting, a giant snow globe, family photos with Santa, scavenger hunt, live music and other family-friendly festive activities on December 3 from 10 am-4 pm free at Mount Pleasant Village Mt Pleasant between Eglinton and Davisville Toronto. For more information visit http://mountpleasantvillage.ca/christmas-fair

Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 27 November 2016

When you wish upon a Star


Holiday magic celebration with shows by illusionist entertainers Professor Wick, Soli and Rob, Santa's castle workshop, arts and crafts, holiday mascots, decorating treats, sing along with carolers and more at Casa Loma 1 Austin TerraceToronto, now until January 8 2017 9:30 am-5 pm. $27, seniors/youth $21, under 13 years $17. For more details visit the website for program schedule.

Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 24 November 2016

Holiday in the Hood

Looking for gifts for the Holiday season? Stop in to Earl Beatty Public School November 25 & 26. Enjoy a holiday craft sale with Santa photos, bake sale and a kids sale with items under $5 just for kids. Vendors will be selling art, jewelry, soaps, crafts and much more. Proceeds go to the Play Hard for our Yard campaign to raise money for Earl Beatty yard improvements. 
DATE & TIMEFriday, 25 November 2016
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, 26 November 2016
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM


LOCATION & ADMISSIONEarl Beatty Public School
55 Woodington Avenue, Toronto ON, M4C 3J6
Enjoy!
Karen

Saturday 19 November 2016

Toronto Christmas Market


The Toronto Christmas Market is back at the Distillery District! This European-inspired seasonal festival has live folk, blues, jazz and seasonal music, family activities, carolers, handcrafted products, food and more. The Festival starts now and runs until December 22, Tuesday-Thursday noon-9 pm; Friday noon-10 pm; Saturday 10 am-10 pm; Sunday 10 am-9 pm.
Tuesday-Friday free, Friday from 5 pm and Saturday-Sunday $6 (net proceeds are reinvested into the festival and also go to the Daily Bread Food Bank and other local charities).  For more information visit Toronto Christmas Market.

Enjoy!
Karen

Kidzfest


This sounds like a blast for the kiddos! Kidzfest will have stage performances from Bob the Builder, Chase from Paw Patrol and other characters, plus arts & crafts, science experiments, a ferris wheel, bouncy castle and more November 26 11 am-5 pm. Free at Yonge-Dundas Square 1 Dundas EToronto. For more information visit Kidzfest.http://www.downtownyonge.com/kidzfest/
Enjoy!

Karen

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Tax Break for First Time Buyers!


This just in:

"We did it.

Ontario REALTORS® have lobbied for and won the first tax break for first-time buyers in over ten years. This tax break will help make home ownership more affordable by providing some relief to those Ontarians that need it most – young families.

This news came today as part of Ontario's Fall Economic Statement. In the statement, Minister Charles Sousa committed to increasing the land transfer tax (LTT) rebate for first-time buyers from $2,000 to $4,000. The increase was done specifically to help first-time buyers enter the housing market. Buyers can start claiming the rebate eefective January 1, 2017.

At this time last year, Ontario REALTORS® were fighting to stop what would have been the largest tax increase on home ownership in a generation – the municipal land transfer tax. Today, we've helped usher in one of the largest tax breaks in a decade.

There's still more to be done. Other factors like a lack of housing supply are impacting prices and REALTORS® are working with government to address those issues.

But for the young couple entering the housing market, today’s announcement is good news. It's also a testament to the strength of the REALTOR® voice at Queen's Park.

So, congratulations. We did it.

Yours sincerely,

Valerie Miles, Chair
2016 OREA Government Relations Committee"

Mortgage Update

Jake Abramowicz kindly sent me the following update. Please call myself of Jake to discuss:

"Realtors,

It feels like the low-rate party is over.

Having a look at the Government of Canada 5 year Bond Yield (which dictates the mortgage rates for 5 year fixed), the spike seen recently is pretty significant:


So far 2 of my lenders have increased rates by 20-25 basis points (from 2.44 to 2.69) and it's just a sign of things to come. We already know TD Bank increased its prime rate from 2.7% to 2.85% but that was on variable-rate mortgages. However we have not seen much action on fixed rates (except that rates have been trending downwards). The opposite is true here, and most likely, moving forward.

Why?

Come early next year there's another policy change on the table where lenders will have to share more of their risk when it comes to mortgage lending. From a taxpayer perspective it's argued that this is not such a bad thing - we should not be on the hook for when (or if) the market takes a dive, where when (or if) people walk away from their loans. This along with the already-announced rule changes will absolutely increase cost of borrowing and we're already seeing the markets dictate by how much (and how quick) come this week.

The bottom-line is, expect rates to be 25-50 basis points higher by the end of this year, beginning of next, where we'll be back to the just-under 3% for 5-year fixed money (which is still tremendously low but not what we've been used to over the past few months).

A rise in fixed rates also means a rise in posted rates, which means a lessening of affordability since many mortgages are now stress-tested at the posted rate (those with less-than 20% down ... for now).

If you have any buyers on the fence seeking pre-approvals, now is the time to get that done.
 I haven't been singing the praises of pre-approvals at all when rates move sideways, but a 20-25 basis point jump is reason enough to get it on the books.

Oh and in other news, I'm sure you're all aware that the Provincial Government increased land transfer taxes on $2M and greater homes while reducing them for first-time buyers' tax impact. Here's a great synopsis from Romana King at MoneySense. Still TBA is if this helps buyers closing before January 1st 2017 (I've asked my lawyer)

Jake

Jake Abramowicz
..
..

The Mortgage Jake App is available for iTunes & Android

I've been interviewed in such outlets as: Bloomberg TVMoney SenseGlobe and MailToronto Star and CFRB 1010 Talk Radio."

Saturday 12 November 2016

Music on the Donway


Mark your calendars! Music On The Donway invites you to join a wonderful evening of Opera Comedy performed by Kyra Millan and Tina Faye. Opera Comedienne Kyra Millan and pianist Tina Faye invite you into the sublime and sublimely ridiculous world of opera through a brilliantly funny, whirlwind concert full of operatic favourites and well-known classical tunes, on Saturday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m, at The Donway Covenant United Church, 230 The Donway West, Don Mills. Tickets:  Adults/Seniors $20, Students with ID $10, Children under 12 – FREE, available at the door the evening of the concert.  For more information call 416-444-8444.
Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 6 November 2016

Lest we Forget


Thank you to all those who fought in the past and continue to fight and protect us. I can only wish that the world finds world peace one day soon.

Karen

Remembrance Day Ceremony in Don Mills


This Remembrance Day, come to The Shops at Don Mills for a lovely ceremony remembering all of the heroes from the past, present and future. The ceremony starts at 10:45 am in the Town Square.

Lest we forget.
Karen

Saturday 5 November 2016

Drop, Swap & Shop

November 13, 2016 | 10:00am–3:00pm
Drop, Swap & Shop
Contributing Partner: The Toronto Tool Library
Try swapping instead of shopping at our Swap Mall. Pass on things you don't use, like that funky purse that was never "you," for things you really want, like summer kids clothing, hockey gear or even records! Pick-up one-of-a-kind items from a variety of Swap Stores, contribute to the sharing economy and connect with your community at this cool event. 
How it Works: For each item you drop off you will be given 1 ticket in return.  If you bring 10 clothing items, 2 casserole dishes and 1 framed art piece, you will get 13 tickets in return. Each item dropped has equal value. There is a maximum of 25 items to swap per person. All items must be gently used, clean, and functional.
Locations: BMO Atrium, Young Welcome Centre, Building 14
Price: $2 Admission to Swap
Shopping Categories:
  • Baby Supplies: Clothes, shoes, blankets, bottles, dishes, toys, & accessories
  • Children’s Clothing & Toys: casual wear, outerwear, shoes, accessories, clean & working toys
  • Women’s Clothing & Accessories: casual wear, work wear, fancy dress, handbags, jewellery, shoes, suits, jackets, outerwear, athletic wear, jeans, t-shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, shorts, rompers, dress pants, jumpsuits, hoodies, scarves, hats, vintage items, silk tops, high heels, ballet flats, running sneakers,
  • Men’s Clothing & Accessories: casual wear, work wear, suits, dress shirts, t-shirts, jeans, zip-up hoodies, wallets, belts, ties, jewellery, athletic wear, bags, hats, & scarves
  • Housewares & Art: dishes, fine china, utensils, small appliances like blenders, juicers, bread makers, linens, quilts, lamps, framed art, ceramics, craft supplies, tools, small furniture like coffee tables or chairs
  • Media/Entertainment: DVDs, Blurays, video games, books, CDs, cassettes, vinyl records, art supplies, & instruments
  • Sports & Recreational Equipment: hockey gear, ski equipment, tennis rackets, soccer balls, skates, golf clubs, nets, free weights, yoga mats, jump ropes, rollerblades, boxing gloves, skateboards, & camping/hiking gear
Advance Drop Off Times:
(at the Welcome Desk in the Young Welcome Centre)
  • November  5–6:  10am–5pm
  • November 7–11:  9–11am and 1–4pm
  • November 12: 2–5pm
 Enjoy!
Karen

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Mortgage Update



This just in from our friend Jake Abramowicz:

"Today, TD Bank announced it will increase its own prime rate to 2.85% from 2.7% thus effectively increasing the cost of borrowing for any variable-rate mortgage AND home-equity-line-of-credit (HELOC) mortgage holder by $38 on a typical $500,000 mortgage, per month. That is $2280 more over 5 years. Keep in mind - TD bank can set its own prime rate as can most banks. As a matter of fact, did you know that the actual prime rate is 2.5%? So now the banks have an additional .15 spread over that and what they lend out money at. Awesome! (Don't be fooled - everyone else will follow suit, soon. Real soon.)

Why did TD Bank do this? Most likely in a reaction to the impending risk-sharing that is being tabled which inevitably WILL increase the cost of borrowing for everyone. Most are already speculating the interest rates we see today (average 5 year is 2.49%) will increase to above 3%. That is HUGE. We already know that a return to normal rates will cripple some of us, but nobody is calling for rates to be at 5% (which according to history is "normal"). Even a 1/2% jump in interest rates will send shocks through many borrowers' budgets.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Pre-approvals aren't ever priced at "best rates". So if you have buyers shopping for property, until they secure the property the best rate they will get is 2.49-2.69%. Not bad but not great.

2. This change only affects VARIABLE-RATE borrowers but TD did increase its fixed rates on shorter-terms so may be a sign of thing to come.

3. Come January nobody knows how much higher rates can actually go but everyone believes they will rise. This will undoubtedly cool our Spring housing market (which starts in February, go figure)

Wish I had better news but I'm sharing it as I see it, when I hear it, and putting my spin on it. "

Jake

-- 

Monday 24 October 2016

Happy Halloween

Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Karen and the Team

Girls and Ghouls


Now this you will have to see at the Ripley's AquariumThe aquarium will be transformed into a creepy cove with live performers, underwater pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat stations and kids' activities. This will take place October 29 and October 30, Sat & Sun 9 am-4 pm (Included with admission $7-$27 at the Ripley's Aquarium 288 Bremner BlvdToronto.

Enjoy!
Karen

Good Food For Good


This is an amazing woman who has started her own company and boy oh boy can she cook! She has food featured all over the city but you can find her locally right at the Shops at Don Mills at McEwans!! Try some of her sauces! You won't be dissapointed. Visit GoodFoodForGood.ca for more information.
Enjoy!
Karen

Thank you

Great turn out! Thank you to all that came out and donated a non perishable food item! Tons of food was donated for the Community Share Food Bank in Don Mills!!



I think we will need more pumpkins next year! Maybe 200 or 250!!!
Karen





Sunday 16 October 2016

Millar Team 9th Annual Pumpkin


We would love to see you there!
Karen

Boo at the Zoo


Another great excuse to visit the Zoo...treats!!!! Trick-or-treat stations and animal-themed activities and challenges from October 22-30, Saturday-Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Included with admission ($18-$28); kids (12 and under) in costume get in free when accompanied by an adult paying regular admission. Remember...don't feed the animals!! For more information visit The Zoo.
Enjoy!
Karen

Halloween Mask Making


This is great fun at any age. The family workshop is October 22 from 1-4 pm at Todmorden Mills 67 PotteryToronto for a fee of $10, child $5. Please pre-register by calling  416-396-2819.

Have a spooktacular time!
Karen

Thursday 13 October 2016

Harvest Festival in Don Mills


This will be great fun for the whole family! Everyone can enjoy food and drinks and entertainment! Take a look at the Shops at Don Mills website for demo times.

Enjoy!
Karen

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Fall Sale on the Donway



Come one come all to the great Fall Sale October 22, 8:30am – 2:00pm at 230 The Donway Covenent United Church (West of Don Mills Rd. & North of Lawrence Ave. E). There will be  furniture, small appliances, jewelry, crafts, sporting goods, bicycles, books, games, toys, good used clothing, snack bar, tea room and bake sale. Great for little gifts for the up coming holiday season. Gently used donations gratefully accepted between October 17 – October 20 9am – 8 pm  Phone 416-444-8444 or visit www.donwaycovenant.com
Enjoy!
Karen