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
 

Sunday 29 January 2017

Happy First Day of February!


Happy February 1st everyone!
Karen

The Ugly Duckthing


The Ugly Duckthing by Marty Stelnick (SSCT) is a re-telling of the Hans Christian Andersen classic using puppetry, music and multimedia for ages 5 and up. The show is on now until February 5, see website for schedule. Tickets are $17 at 
Solar Stage Children's Theatre 4950 YongeToronto.
For more information visit Ugly Duckthing
Enjoy!
Karen

Ice Breakers


Five wintertime art installations at public locations along Queens Quay West. At Harbourfront Centre, HTO Park, Rees Street Parkette, Peter Street Basin & the Music Garden East from now until February 26, 2017 at Toronto Music Garden 479 Queens Quay WToronto. For mroe information visit Ice Breakers.
Enjoy!
Karen

Wednesday 25 January 2017

Toronto Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration


Celebration of the year of the Rooster with performances, interactive booths, lucky draw and more from noon-5 pm, January 28 and 29. Free at Dragon City Mall 280 SpadinaToronto. For more information visit facebook.com/events/1842971309315856/
Happy New Year!

Karen

Monday 23 January 2017

Toronto Light Festival


Festival of light art by local and international artists outdoors as a visual journey. Sunday to Wednesday, sundown to 10 pm. Thursday-Saturday, sundown to 11 pm. Free from January 27-March 12 at The Distillery District 55 MillToronto.
Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 22 January 2017

Monster Jam in Toronto!


This sounds like so much fun! Tricked out trucks, ATVs and speedsters compete in speed and tricks competitions. Monster Jam takes place January 28-29, Saturday 7 pm, Sunday 2 pm, Pit Party Saturday 2:30 pm, Sunday 10:30 am. Tickets are $15 and up, Pit Party $10 at Rogers Centre 1 Blue Jays WayToronto.
Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 19 January 2017

Sign me up!

I

They’re “fast, amphibious” and can go over ice on Lake Ontario. 

Hovercraft service from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake proposed!

Just imagine!
Karen

Tuesday 17 January 2017

Mortgage Update

An update from Jake:

This morning CMHC announced what many were expecting: A slight increase in CMHC premiums for clients who have 5-34.9% down payment.

What is important to note is that the premiums increased for everyone except 35% down applications. Huh? I thought you don't pay any premium at 20-35% down. Typically you didn't. Under the new regime you may have to. That's because some lenders still "sell" this paper to CMHC and pass the cost on to the consumer. 

On a typical $500,000 mortgage this will cost you $10-25 give or take more per month. The biggest increases are seen in the higher down payments. Note that 5%ers face a .04% increase whereas 15-19% down payment clients have a 1% increase.

The biggest jump is 20% down clients IF they have to pay the premium, that went up 1.15%! That is huge.

The bottom line is this. This will

1. Bring more media attention to our housing market.
2. Increase the cost of borrowing for everyone (even those with 20% down - if they have to pay it)
3. Increase CMHC's profit

Is this good news? No. Is it major news? No. This is just a reaction to what's happening - CMHC is padding its savings account (forcefully) in anticipation of what may come.

I welcome any questions and comments!

Jake



-- 

Monday 16 January 2017

Chilli


This healthy, fibre-rich chili has great depth of flavour and the barley adds a satisfying texture. 

Ready in 30 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 stick of celery, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 3/4 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1 15 oz can of white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup barley
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 Tbsp of low-fat sour cream or plain yogurt

Directions

1. Heat oil in large Dutch oven. Add onion, celery and garlic. Cook 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.

2. Put turkey into pan, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano and salt.

3. Add chicken stock, carrots and barley. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Monday 9 January 2017

Housing Stats


The year wrapped up with only 4,746 active listings for all of the GTA, down over 48% from last year and a total of over 113,000 sales for the year, up over 11%. These are amazing numbers! This year will be very interesting!

Karen


Sunday 8 January 2017

Shops at Don Mills Skating Oval

Lace up your skates and bring friends and family of all ages for free skating on the outdoor rink. The Ice Oval is operational during CF Shops at Don Mills' Hours of Operations

Enjoy!
Karen

Monday 2 January 2017

Winter Bird Count for Kids

WHEN:
January 7, 2017 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm


Free  REGISTER

Be a part of North America’s longest running citizen science project. Join for a free family-friendly winter birding event and contribute to scientific research.
Binoculars and refreshments will be provided. All levels of birding expertise are welcome!
Enjoy!
Karen