KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES, BROKERAGE
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
F
or many of us, Christmas is the most magical and wonderful time of the year. A time to spend making memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime. Over the years we have enjoyed being a part of those memories with our Annual Photos with Santa Event. We are very grateful to have witnessed your children sitting on Santa’s lap and telling him what wonderful little boys and girls they have been and what they would like for Christmas, every year since 2007. These are the special moments that make all the craziness throughout the rest of the year feel worthwhile. With the ever-changing times that we currently find ourselves dealing with, we are unable to continue to host our Annual Photos with Santa Event, the way we would prefer to do so. However, it is important to us that we continue to bring some element of magic to your Christmas memories this year and bring a smile to those children closest to you! We would like to gift you the opportunity to create a video message from Santa that you can share with your family or friends electronically through your phone, computer or television. Imagine being able to have an experience with Santa in the comfort of your own home. If this is something you think your family or friends would enjoy, simply send us an email letting us know that “Yes I’d love to have the Realty Santa Experience” and we will send you your FREE personal link to Santa’s Portable North Pole portal. I guarantee that this will be an unforgettable memory for you and your family! I have loved doing this for my grandchildren over the years and I look forward to sharing this experience with all of you this year. Please reach out to us as soon as possible, so we can begin sharing the spirit of Christmas once again. You can email tbaird@tbaird.com with the subject line “The Realty Santa Experience” and request your link today! Best regards,
Theresa Baird - Broker The Realty Group 647-298-0997
Happy Thanksgiving Pie Giveaway!
This Thanksgiving the TB Realty Group hosted a Pie Giveaway. Clients were given the choice of Apple, Pecan or Pumpkin Pie and visited Theresa at her home to pick up the pie of their choice. Here are a few photos of the happy recipients!
CONTENTS OCTOB ER ISSUE 2021
6
28
6 14 16 20
MAKING YOUR HOME READY FOR HALLOWEEN Decorating your home this Halloween
WHAT IS THAT RED & BLACK BUG Find out what really bugs you.
STUNNING RIVERSIDE VIEWS 64 Arthur Street in Guelph
LIVING IN THE SUNNY SOUTH Stunning home in Bonita Springs
14
22 24 26 28 34
GLOWING JELL-O SHOTS A tasty treat for a Halloween party
ARE FIXED OR VARIALE RATES THE WAY TO GO A mortgage agent weighs in
SNEAK PEEK 80 Port Street East
THERESA RECOMMENDS Easy Halloween Desserts
MEET THE TB REALTY GROUP If you’re looking to buy, sell or invest, we’re here to help
The
Realty Group
PHOTO CONTEST
All around us we see beauty and colour. From the flowering in spring to the vibrancy of summer. Stunning colours in autumn to the stark beauty of winter. We would love to see your beautiful photos from in and around your neighbourhood. Submit your favourites to admin@tbaird.com and we will post the top 3 in our next issue.
Happy Shooting!
Making Your Home READY for Story and photo from https://www.aosom.ca/blog/get-your-home-ready-for-halloween/
W
ith Halloween right around the corner, it’s time to get spooky! Whether you’re planning a party or getting ready for the onslaught of trick or treaters, you’ll need some great decor to set the mood.
Your house is the focal point of your Halloween festivities, but you don’t need to spend a lot to have a great display. The great thing about Halloween is that it’s inherently kitschy and over the top. Mix and match your old decorations with some spooky new inflatable yard decorations to achieve the haunted house look of your dreams! This year, don’t just settle for the basics. Jack O Lanterns are a staple Halloween decoration, especially for the more artistically inclined among us. Try using battery powered tea lights to keep your pumpkins lit all night long. LED fairy lights can be used to illuminate your outdoor decor by wrapping them around trees, pumpkins, or doorways. Break out your fake cobwebs and plastic spiders, then punch it up with inflatable props from HomCom. Whether you’re going for a scary haunted house or a cheerful harvest celebration, it’s time to take your fall decor to the next level.
Plan Your Halloween Haunted House Ready to get spooky? Turn your yard into a haunted habitat for ghosts, ghouls, and goblins this Halloween. You’ll find tons of fun inflatables on our website,
including witches, ghosts, and grim reapers on motorcycles. These decorations self-inflate in minutes, making them quick and easy to set up in your yard. Our inflatable outdoor decora-
tions range in size up to 8 feet tall and are equipped with interior LED lights to keep them illuminated during dark fall evenings. They are made of water-resistant materials to help them stand up to unpredictable October weather. Inflatables are easy to use and even easier to store during the rest of the year. These lightweight decorations deflate to a much smaller size, which can be packed away for next Halloween. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite inflatable Halloween decorations this year: If you’re looking for something to spice up your Halloween decor this year, look no further than this ultra bad-ass 6 ft long inflatable giant creeping black cat. Designed with ultra-durable weatherresistant waterproof polyester and featuring an internal white LED glow this crouching cat will scare trick-or-treaters for years. Self-inflating in minutes this display plugs into any stan-
dard outlet creating a super simple set-up process that anyone can do. Build the perfect holiday yard display this year to outdo the neighbors and scare all the trick-or-treaters in classic Halloween fashion. Sometimes, suspense alone can really set the mood. This large 4ft long creepy spider inflatable will have guests and trick or treaters looking over their shoulders in anticipation. Perfect for haunted houses, this sign lets
visitors know that they’re in the scare zone. Once you’ve found the perfect inflatables to populate your spooky space, fill out your haunted house with some traditional decorations. Cobwebs, skeletons, bats, and spiders are Halloween classics that can be hung from trees, doorways, or other structures. Attach some speakers to your laptop or iPod and play some horror movie soundtracks, stormy night
sounds, or ambient whooshing to set the mood for your guests. Finally, make sure you’ve got the most important part- plenty of candy! Choose a Great Costume Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be daunting. If you want to do a theme or group costume, try to get your significant other, kids, or friends to join you like The Incredibles, The Avengers, or The Gang from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Thrift stores can be an excellent source of inspiration. Stores like Goodwill carrying everything from pre-made costumes to vintage items and eccentric accessories. Check Pinterest or Instagram for fun do-it-yourself costume and decor ideas. If you plan on using face paint or a special makeup style, practice it ahead of time so you can get it just right for your Halloween festivities.
When choosing a costume, keep in mind the activity you will be doing, and dress accordingly for the weather. Looking cute or crazy is a lot less fun if you’re cold or uncomfortable all night! Get Your Pets in on the Spooky Fun Staying home to pass out candy to the neighborhood kids? Don’t let Fido miss out on the action! There are tons of awesome pet costumes available in stores and online. Help your dog live his dream of being a dinosaur, bumblebee, or hot dog for the day. Hosting Your Halloween Party If you’re going all out decorating your house for Halloween this year, then make sure it’s seen by friends and family by throwing a spooky party. The crisp autumn air makes a great climate for one last outdoor shindig. Make sure you’re the
host with the most by adding some of these features to your outdoor area: The focal point of any outdoor gathering, a fire pit is a cool element to add to your space. Fire pits are a great source of light and heat, not to mention entertainment. Pull up a chair and grab some marshmallows to make your own s’more at home! These quick pop-up tent canopies are a must-have for backyard gatherings. Hang fairy lights and spooky cobwebs to create a central place for snacks and games. Keep guests from snooping in your kitchen by keeping beverages outside in this rolling ice chest. This heavy-duty cooler cart even has a built-in bottle opener and a storage tray underneath to keep your recycling bin. Have a frightfully fun Halloween!
EXCLUSIVE NEW LISTING
208 - 80 Port Street Mississauga TWO BEDROOMS PLUS DEN Its not always easy to make the transition from a home to a condo but this fantastic 1478 sq ft unit will allow you to do it with ease. You will never miss a backyard when you see this 300 sq ft terrace. It allows for plenty of room for entertaining family and friends. The unit boasts many upgrades, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, a den and 2 car parking.
NEW LISTING
2478 Avongate Drive Mississauga FOR LEASE - UPSCALE ROSEMARY GARDENS NEIGHBOURHOOD Are you looking for an apartment to lease in a beautiful home located on a mature-treed area and close to the University of Toronto. This immaculate, large, one bedroom lower level apartment features laminate flooring throughout and a compact and efficient kitchen. Call Lindsay at 416-561-0804 to find out more.
NEW LISTING
304 - 264 Oakdale Avenue St Catharines FOR LEASE - THE PERFECT RENTAL OPPORTUNITY Beautiful and bright 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom boutique condo conveniently located. Recently updated with new flooring and painted throughout. Situated in a clean, quiet building close to the Highway 406 and the QEW. Near downtown St Catharines, scenic walking trails, parks and shopping malls. Call Julia at 647-513-6302 for more information.
WHAT
IS THAT
RED AND BLACK
BUG
IN MY HOUSE?
Article and photos are from www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/cleaning/red-and-black-bugs-house/ Written by Mikayla Borchert, familyhandyman.com Photos courtsey of Shutterstock
B
oxelder bugs invade homes each year, making them some of the most annoying fall pests. But they aren’t the only red and black bugs found around the home.
Each fall, boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles search for a warm winter shelter. Unfortunately, your house may be the place they pick. While you may find these red and black bugs throughout the year, fall is when they really become pests. Here’s what you need to know about boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles, as well as three other red and black bugs that could be lurking in your yard. Boxelder Bugs Many of the red and black bugs on this list look similar. You can distinguish between them by their distinctive behaviours and markings. If you have a large congregation of ovular, red and black bugs on the sunny side of your house each
inside, know that they do not cause structural damage or breed within your home, unlike termites. Once they are inside the house, simply vacuum them up with a hose attachment. They may leave behind stains if you crush them.
Boxelder Bug
fall, your problem is probably boxelder bugs. They’re infamous for covering outer walls in search of the last rays of summer sun. Can you blame them? You can get rid of boxelder bugs outside by applying pesticide and covering potential entryways. If they do make their way
Asian Lady Beetle Asian lady beetles are often called ladybugs because the two insects look nearly identical at first glance. If you have small, round, black and orange beetles in your windowsills, the Asian lady beetle is the most likely culprit. Like boxelder bugs, you may find these unwelcome pests in high numbers, but they don’t typically cover sides of buildings in quite the same way. Instead, they’ll weasel their way into your home to escape the oncoming winter
buzz around your light bulbs for a while, then drop dead before spring. They are a predator to the native ladybug. And although mostly harmless, sometimes they bite. Native Ladybug Native ladybugs are less common than the invasive Asian lady beetle these days, but they are more desirable to gardeners. Unlike the Asian lady beetle, ladybugs do not bite or invade homes in the winter. Plus, their appetite for aphids and other plant-eating insects makes them a great natural pest control. Many garden centres even sell packages of them. (Here are more insects that you actually want in your garden.) The storebought ladybugs can contain Asian lady beetles, though, so be sure to research the source before making a purchase.
Asian Lady Beetle
the head meets the body. Scarlet Lily Leaf Beetle Another red and black bug that could wreak havoc in your garden is the scarlet lily leaf beetle. These are particularly annoying for those who are fond of lilies.
Native Ladybug
To distinguish between these two red and black bugs, look at their size and markings. There are many species of true ladybugs, but they are usually smaller and rounder, with little white spots on their cheeks. Asian lady beetles have more white markings in general, including larger cheeks and an M shape where
These beetles are red on top and black on the bottom. According to Gardener’s Supply Company, the adult beetles munch on lily leaves and lay eggs on their undersides. Their larvae can decimate leaves, buds and flowers. Scarlet lily leaf beetles overwinter in the ground, so you
don’t have to worry about them invading your home in the fall. These pests are worst in the spring - around the time daffodils and lilies bloom. Milkweed Bugs Common milkweed is one of the best flowers for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. (Find out more things you can do to save the bees.) It blooms with round clumps of small, mauve, good-smelling flowers. Most people plant milkweed to attract monarch butterflies. However, it can attract nuisance bugs as well. If you have this plant in your yard, keep an eye out for the boxelder bug-like group of black and orange beetles known as milkweed bugs. The Save Our Monarchs Foundation gives an overview of four milkweed bugs. Only one species, the small milkweed bug (pictured), is harmful to monarchs. Look for an X or hourglass shape on its back to distinguish the small milkweed bug from other red and black bugs. Now that you can identify these red and black bugs, all you have to do now is determine one you have to get rid of.
Milkweed Bug
NEW LISTING OPEN HOUSE
STUNNING
RIVERSIDE VIEWS 64 Arthur Street North Guelph MINUTES TO DOWNTOWN GUELPH, BACKING ONTO SCENIC SPEED RIVER Here is your chance to live minutes from downtown Guelph in a home built in 1880. This large home backs onto the Speed River where you can enjoy having the cottage feeling in your own backyard. With 3,180 sq ft of
above ground living space and a lot size of 66 by 123 ft, you will have the space your family is craving. OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30TH, FROM 2 TO 4. It’s worth the drive. Click here to learn more.
Living in the Sunny South Thinking of moving to Florida? Here is a beautiful home in Bonita Springs that the Realty Group has available. Property Listings Courtesy of Roxanne Jeske
This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Arthur Rutenberg home is nestled in the best-kept secret of bundled golf living in Worthington Country Club. Neutral, open floor plan, bright natural lighting throughout, granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting and new fixtures are just some of the details to enjoy. The master bedroom suite has a soaking tub, separate tiled shower and plenty of storage space. The guest bath has been newly renovated with walk-in frameless shower. Electric hurricane shutters, roof 2016, AC 2017, HW 2016, newer picture-screen pool enclosure, fabulous oversized garage with room for a golf cart and tool area. Entertain family and friends year-round in your heated pool and oversized lanai. This golf lifestyle features a championship par-18 golf course, tennis courts, bocce courts, pool, hot tub, poolside cabana and clubhouse, fine dining, library, card rooms, social clubs, fitness center and more. Minutes from the SWFL International Airport, shopping, dining and 8 miles to the white sandy Gulf beaches. My favourite elements of this home are the brightness, great entertainment space, sliders all pocket to one side and just simply the location.
Glowing Jell-O Shots A Halloween shot in the dark by Candace Braun Davidson. Recipe and photo from www.delish.com on October 26th, 2018
T
o really make these shots glow, use only tonic water - not half tonic, half tap water - but fair warning: It’ll make the shots a little bitter.
INGREDIENTS 2 cups tonic water, divided 2 packages Jell-O (two flavors; we used pineapple and orange) 1 cups water 1 cups vodka
DIRECTIONS Make the first layer: Pour one cup tonic water into a pot over high heat. Once it comes to a
cup tonic water into a pot over high heat. Once it comes to a boil, add the pineapple Jell-o mix. Whisk until the mix has dissolved, then pour in half a cup of water and half a cup of vodka. Stir to combine. Pour the Jell-o into shot glasses, filling them about two-thirds of the way up. Place in the refrig-
erator to chill, 30 to 35 minutes. Make the second layer: As they set, start making the orange Jell-o, following the same process used for the pineapple Jell-o. Top each of the pineapple Jell-o shot glasses with the orange Jell-o mixture. Return the shots to the fridge to set, 2 to 3 hours.
JUST PURCHASED
1575 Lakeshore Road, Mississauga Our clients are looking forward to making “The Craftsman building” their new home. It was certainly the views from this unit that sold them on this condo. Having been longtime residents of Port Credit, they are keen to be moving to Clarkson to enjoy a slightly quieter community. They are looking forward to all that Clarkson has to offer.
W
ith the economy still not showing signs of pre-COVID level recovery I’ve had a lot of questions as of late about is going fixed or variable the right decision at this time? The answer: it depends.
Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability, but variable-rate mortgages come with lower starting rates and, in most cases, produce higher net savings over the full term. When the spread between fixed and variable rates is narrow (or non-existent) most borrowers lean toward fixed rates, but when it widens out, as it has of late, variable-rate options become more tempting.
In addition to offering an upfront saving, variable rates come with the option to convert to a fixed rate at any time (at no cost) and a penalty of only three months’ interest if you decide to refinance or sell before the end of your term. History is also on the variablerate borrower’s side. Five-year variable-rate mortgages have worked out to be cheaper than their fixed-rate equivalents
about 85% of the time over the past twenty-five years. Granted, that performance was helped by steadily declining rates over that period, but variable rates don’t need that tailwind to continue winning. In a flat or gradually rising rate environment, variable rates should still end up being cheaper about 70% of the time (according to detailed analysis done by Moshe Milevsky, a finance pro-
fessor at York University). However, all those advantages are offset, either in part or entirely, depending on the borrower, by inherent variable-rate risk. Today, the fears surrounding that risk are exacerbated by constant reminders that rates are near all-time lows, and, by inference, can only increase. But are those ominous warnings justified? Here are three key points summarize my answer to that question: 1. How long before variable rates start rising? Our variable mortgage rates are priced on the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) policy rate, which currently stands at 0.25%. The BoC has said that it doesn’t intend to cut further, so the only remaining question is when it will start to raise. When COVID was in its early stages, the BoC’s best guess was that it wouldn’t start until the second half of 2023. Then our housing markets went parabolic, and the Bank became concerned that its pledge to keep rates at ultra-low levels for such an extended period was fueling wild home value appreciation. In April of this year, the BoC moved up the expected timing of its next rate hike to the second half of 2022 but it’s hard to imagine them doing so well ahead of the US Fed. The last time it did that was in 2010, and that decision caused the Loonie to soar against the Greenback. Our export sector didn’t recover to its pre-Great Recession levels until late 2015, which was when the Fed and BoC’s policy rates came back into alignment. Simply put, I don’t think the BoC
will raise much ahead of the Fed, and I expect that will not occur until the second half of next year at the earliest or beyond based especially on poorer then expected GDP results year to date in 2021. 2. When variable rates do start to rise, how high will they go? The BoC has logically predicted that today’s record high debt levels will magnify the impact of each rate hike, and it expects that it won’t have to raise by as much as in past tightening cycles to bring inflation to heel. For historical reference, the average BoC tightening cycle has typically comprised six 0.25% hikes, for a total rise of 1.50%. If the Bank expects the impact of each rate hike to be magnified, it is also likely to raise more gradually to allow time for our economy to absorb each increase. By the Bank’s own estimates, each hike can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to reach its full impact. Rate hikes wouldn’t likely be spaced that far apart, but if they are stretched over a longer than normal timeline, that too will extend the period of saving for variable-rate borrowers. 3. When will the BoC next cut rates? Remember what goes up must also come down. If you’re starting a five-year term today, you will likely experience both a rise in your variable rate and subsequent fall over that same period. Choosing a variable rate requires the same discipline as long-term investing. If you start with a variable rate and convert the first
time that it looks as though your rate might rise, you are very likely to end up paying more interest than you would have if you had chosen a fixed rate (because between the time you started your variable-rate term and when you want to convert, fixed rates will likely have risen in the interim). Variable rates don’t win out because they are always lower than fixed rates over entire fiveyear periods. They win out because their average cost is lower over most five-year periods. It’s okay (and normal) to be concerned about variable-rate rises, but when they occur, it is also worth remembering that they also often hasten the arrival of the decreases that follow. While I think today’s variable rates are an excellent long-term option, there are no guarantees that they will win out, and borrowers must be willing and able to live with their inherent risk. If you will lose sleep worrying about that risk, a variable rate is not for you. I continue to believe that there will be downward pressure on fixed rates as investors lower their expectations about the timing and pace of the recovery. Despite that, for all the reasons outlined above, I continue to believe that variable rates are still a better option for most borrowers.
Article supplied by Andre Persaud Mortgage Agent, Lic. #M14000772 SAFEBRIDGE Financial Group Broker License #10524 416-559-8856
JUST SOLD STUNNING PENTHOUSE SUITE AT 80 PORT STREET WAS SOLD IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS FOR OVER ASKING! It’s amazing when it all works out just the way you hoped. The Seller is thrilled to have received an offer within 24 hours of her listing going live and the buyer is delighted that this beautiful condo fit all the criteria she was looking for. The perfect match was made.
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Easy Halloween Desserts
Recipes and photos from Sallys Backing Additcion and seen on www.sallysbakingaddiction.com/easy-halloween-recipes posted October 21st, 2019
THERESA RECOMMENDS FOOD AND DRINKS
H
alloween, we’re ready for you. There’s no arguing that October 31st calls for sugar. Forget the ghosts and goblins, I’m definitely here for the festive desserts this Halloween season. (And I know you are too!) If you’re looking for Halloween dessert recipes, I have you covered. From apples and cupcakes to scary delicious candy recipes, let’s jumpstart that sugar high.
Halloween Chocolate Bark Boo Bark! I created an easy new dessert this Halloween season. Scroll down below for the simple chocolate bark recipe - I call it BOO BARK! Decorate with your favorite festive candies. The eyeballs are hilariously cute!
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Two 4-ounce semi-sweet chocolate bars (226g), coarsely chopped
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Two 4-ounce white chocolate bars (226g), coarsely chopped
Homemade chocolate bark is so easy! Swirl two chocolates together and dress it up with your favorite Halloween candies and sprinkles. Use pure chocolate, not chocolate chips.
Festive Halloween candy such as eyeball sprinkles (affiliate link), Halloween sprinkles, and Halloween M&Ms
2. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate. You can melt it in a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave: place the chopped chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Melt in 20 second increments in the microwave, stopping and stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Serves 12
3. Melt the white chocolate following the same melting process in step 2. 4. Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out into a large rectangle (anywhere around 8 × 12 inches is great). Drizzle the white chocolate mixture on top. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the layers together. Decorate the top of the bark with candies. 5. Allow the chocolate to completely set uncovered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, about 45 minutes. Once hardened, break into pieces as large or small as you want. 6. Store bark in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
BOO BARK TIPS Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Chocolate: Do not use chocolate chips or morsels because they do not melt properly. Pure chocolate is best for easy melting and best taste. I like Ghirardelli, Baker’s, Lindt, or Trader Joe’s pound plus bars found in the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips. They are typically sold as 4 ounce bars. I found “Ghouls Mix” M&Ms and Wilton brand Halloween sprinkles at my local grocery store. Use any Halloween sprinkles or candies you enjoy! Candy corn is great on this bark, too! Pumpkin Cupcakes These pumpkin cupcakes have been the most popular recipe on my site this season. And for very good reason, too. They’re super moist, soft, and double as pumpkin muffins.
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
INGREDIENTS
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice* 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil* 2 large eggs 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar 1 cup (225g) canned pumpkin puree* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
INGREDIENTS FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
8 ounces (224g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, plus an extra 1/4 cup if needed 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Yield: 12 cupcakes
METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. 2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together in a large bowl. Set aside. Whisk the oil, eggs, brown sugar, pumpkin, and vanilla extract together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a mixer or whisk until completely combined. Batter will be thick. 3. Pour/spoon the batter into the liners – fill only 2/3 full to avoid spilling over the sides. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add 3 confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. If you want the frosting a little thicker, add the extra 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar (I add it). 5. Frost cooled cupcakes however you’d like. I used an Ateco 808 large round piping tip for these pictured cupcakes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
PUMPKIN CUPCAKE TIPS Cupcakes can be made ahead 1 day in advance, covered, and stored at room temperature. Frosting can also be made 1 day in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Leftover cupcakes keep well covered tightly in the refrigerator for 3 days. Frosted or unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Spices: Instead of prepared pumpkin pie spice, you can use 1/2 teaspoon each: ground allspice and ground ginger AND 1/4 teaspoon each: ground nutmeg and ground cloves. Oil: Instead of 1/2 cup of oil, try 1/4 cup (45g) unsweetened applesauce and 1/4 (60ml) cup oil. The cupcakes are just as moist. Pumpkin: I strongly recommend using canned pumpkin puree over homemade in this recipe, though 1 cup of homemade would work just fine. I found the flavor better with canned.
JUST SOLD CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SELLERS AND THE NEW OWNERS OF 1267 DORVAL DRIVE!
Elegant stunning townhome in Forest Ridge. Are you thinking of selling? We still have so many buyers looking to make a move this year.
JUST LEASED CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LANDLORDS AND THEIR NEW TENANTS AT 65 PORT STREET! We know these tenants are going to love living here. Are you thinking of selling? We still have so many buyers looking to make a move this year.
Theresa Baird - Broker Theresa is an award winning professional real estate agent. She has been in the industry for over 20 years, and prides herself on being able to communicate with her clients. Theresa’s aim is to make every client feel like they are the only client – even though she is typically working with 10 or more at a time. Theresa loves meeting new people and getting to know them, which makes her job perfect for her! Theresa enjoys the diversity of her business. She is able to provide clients with excellent service due to her extensive knowledge and experience in the Real Estate market. Theresa is committed to delivering what her clients need. She is a Master Certified Negotiation Expert and works hard to put the most amount of money in her client’s pockets. Theresa will work with you from beginning to end, ensuring that your closing is as stress-free as possible.
Lindsay Meadwell Real Estate Agent Since receiving her license, Lindsay has utilized her knowledge of the industry, along with her hard-working attitude and passion for providing excellent customer service to help several families meet their real estate goals. Lindsay believes in the importance of developing strong client relationships that will last a lifetime.
Samantha McGrath Real Estate Agent Samantha has worked in the Real Estate world for the past 6 years. She began at our Keller Williams Brokerage on-boarding new agents and teaching them our systems and technology. She has acquired her Real Estate license and is now working with the TB Realty Group. She enjoys working with both sellers and buyers.
Carolina Mauti Administrative Assistant After years of working as a successful real estate agent, Carolina is the TB Realty Groups administrative assistant.
Julia Baird-Oryschak Real Estate Agent Julia has worked and trained across the globe and brings her go-to-market strategies, campaigns and domestic expansion skills to the TB Realty Group. After completing her BSc and BBA she has joined the TB Realty Group where she brings her great customer skills and resourcefulness into play.
Dereck Addie Graphics/Photography Dereck has been working in the graphic design field for over 20 years and enjoys the challenges of working with the TB Realty Group.
What Our Clients Say About the
Realty Group
We highly recommend that you consider Theresa and Lindsay as your home Realtor. Their assistance, in both preparing our condominium townhouse for sale, and suggesting the most beneficial selling price, made the difference in our quick and effortless sale. It was amazing to watch these two professionals at work selling our home - as if it was their own! - Carolyn and David Wow Theresa, I was blown away that exactly what you described would happen with the sale of my mothers condo was exactly what actually happened. You even fought for more money than I expected to get. I am so pleased that you and “The TB Realty Group” made my mothers home look so good and we that we had a fast sale. Thank you so much ladies for doing such a great job. - Susan Thank you “The TB Realty Group” for totally taking over and assisting in the preparation of our condo at “The Regatta” to go on the open market. With us living out of the country, we were so pleased that you took control of having our home painted, coordinated and chose all new lighting, totally staging our place and then selling it for us. We couldn’t have selected a better team to work with and we were thrilled with the results you got for us. We will happily refer you to all our friends. - Christiane and David “The TB Realty Group”, At my age and with never having purchased a home without my husband, you both helped me virtually every step of the way to not only sell my beloved home, but to buy a condo in another city so I could be close to my son and daughter. You negotiated for the purchase of my condo and I was so happy that even though we were competing with 5 offers , that you told me it was actually going to be mine. I am, both so scared to move but so happy that I will be close to my children and grandchildren. Thank you so much for all your help. - Sultana Thanks so much for your hard work and persistence in dealing with the agent for the clients who bought my place. I am fairly certain this was the fastest sale in our complex in all the years I have been here:) The staging, the reno, cleaning and decluttering made it look fabulous! Thanks again to you and your team I would be happy to refer all of you to anyone I know who is in the market for a buy or sell. - Judy
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Best Wishes from the Realty Group this Halloween. Stay Safe!