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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
SEPTEMBER 2025
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TIME TO BUY OR RENT?
Weighing Your Options This Fall
Some seasons feel like they come with a shift in pace. As we head into fall, the rhythm of life and real estate starts to change. Families wrap up vacations, kids go back to school, and people begin thinking about what’s next before the holidays hit. That’s when questions about buying and renting start to pop up. And lately, I’ve been having that conversation with a lot of clients. To be honest, it’s not a simple decision. Some people are ready to buy but are starting to second-guess whether it’s the right time. Others are homeowners wondering if they’d be better off renting for a while. The truth is that with interest rates higher, insurance rates up, and property taxes rising in many places, it’s fair for people to ask if it still makes financial sense to own a home. There are a lot of layers to this decision. I tell people to look beyond the mortgage rate. When you’re buying, you also need to think about property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs. Those can add up. You can look at a typical $450,000 home and factor in what the monthly payments might be, including interest, taxes, and insurance, plus what you might spend in upkeep over the course of a year. Then you can compare that with the cost of renting a similar home and see how things shake out over three, five, or even 10 years.
It’s not just about the monthly payment. It’s about the bigger picture. What are you building toward? What makes the most sense for your situation right now? For many people, buying still makes sense, especially if they plan to stay put for a while. Real estate has always been a long-term game. If you’re going to own a home for five years or more, you’ll likely come out ahead because you’re building equity, not just writing checks to a landlord. Even in a flatter market, owning gives you something to show for the money you’ve spent. But if you’re thinking about buying and might need to sell again in a year or two, that’s where things get tricky. Appreciation has slowed in many areas. Some people who bought in the last couple of years and now need to sell are realizing they might break even or even lose money. It’s like cashing out a retirement account too early; you may face a penalty for pulling the plug before the investment has had time to grow. That same logic applies to sellers, too. If you already own a home and are thinking about selling, it’s worth asking why now and whether you really need to sell or if renting out the property might be a better short-term move. Maybe you’re relocating or need access to the equity to buy another place. In that case, selling makes sense. But if the property is just sitting there and you’re not under pressure, it might be worth waiting out the market and holding onto your investment. I’ve even had conversations where I told people they’d be better off renting their home for a year or two. And that’s coming from someone whose job it is to sell homes. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every situation is different. But if you’re thinking about your options, don’t try to guess your way through it. I’m happy to run some numbers with you, talk through your goals, and help you figure out what makes the most sense. Buying and renting both have their place — the key is knowing which one fits your story right now.
—Gavin Vargas
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A Quieter Season With Real Potential
Why Fall Could Be Your Time to Buy or Sell
It happens almost every year. August winds down, school starts back up, and the real estate market sort of hits pause. I think part of the reason for this is simply because people are distracted this time of year. Between Labor Day plans and getting back into school and other routines, buying a house isn’t top of mind. But give it a couple of weeks, and things get moving again — and fast.
The stretch between late September and early November is a good one. It may even be underrated.
If you’re thinking about selling, this time period can be a great window. There’s usually less competition compared to the spring rush, but plenty of serious buyers are still looking. And when fewer homes are listed, yours stands out more. Buyers can also find an edge. Toward the end of the year, sellers who have had homes sitting for a while tend to get more flexible. That’s when you might see a bit more room to negotiate. Everyone wants to wrap things up before the year ends, so timelines tighten in a good way. There’s another reason I like fall — it’s grounded. People are more focused. They’re not as distracted by vacations or holiday craziness (at least not yet), so conversations move faster and decisions get made. Of course, I’m not saying the time is perfect. Real estate’s never that simple, and things vary from year to year. But if you’ve been sitting on the fence waiting for a sign, this could be it. Let’s look at your options. If it makes sense to move now, we’ll do it right. If not, we’ll find the right time. Either way, I’m always happy to help.
Around mid-September, you can feel a shift. People get into a routine and are suddenly ready to move before the holidays arrive.
HOME CAFÉ VIBES The Viral Trend Making Mornings Magical
If your morning coffee run is the highlight of your day, you’re not alone. But what if you could bring that cozy café vibe home? That’s the idea behind the wildly popular home café trend circling the internet, where people are turning their kitchens into photo-worthy coffee and bakery pop- ups. The best part is that you can do it, too! This trend taps into the power of cozy rituals and aesthetic spaces. It goes beyond just making a cup of coffee; it’s about creating an experience. Think rustic pastry displays, handwritten chalkboard menus, syrup pumps lined up like your favorite café, and fresh-baked muffins in a tiered stand. The vibe is charming and personal! Clear a designated “café corner” in your kitchen to get started. This doesn’t require a remodel — a small counter section or
rolling cart works perfectly. Add your coffee essentials: a machine, frother, and your favorite mugs. Then, style it up! Install baskets for pastries, a tiny vase of flowers, and even a café bell for fun. If you want to go the extra mile, you can print a mini menu for your family with drink or bakery specials, try your hand at homemade syrups or infused cold foam, or even use glass jars for sugar and stirrers! According to Eater, an online resource for all food-related trends, the home café craze exploded as a creative outlet during the pandemic and has stuck around to slow down and make mornings feel special. Hosting “pop-ups” for your family or friends on the weekend is also incredibly fun. Set out croissants, brew something fancy, and
let them “order” their drink. You don’t need to be a trained barista, just someone who enjoys making a little magic. So, whether you’re channeling cozy bakery vibes or your favorite local roaster, a home café is a great way to have fun hosting. All it takes is a little creativity, some coffee beans, and the desire to add a little extra to your routine.
Your dream café may be one kitchen counter away!
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Slow Down and Soak It In Fall in the Tri-Cities Once September gets here, I can’t help but notice how fast the year has gone by. We’ve been pushing hard for months and are now eyeing the final stretch heading into the holiday season. Before all that, though, I make it a point to enjoy the change of pace that fall brings to the Tri- Cities. It’s the perfect time to get out and camp one more time or take the boat out while the water’s still warm. A lot of people around here also turn their attention to fall traditions, and there are plenty. If you’ve got kids, visiting a local orchard or pumpkin patch is always fun. Middleton Farms in Pasco is a good one, especially once their fall festival kicks off. You can pick apples, grab a cider doughnut, or just walk around in a hoodie without sweating. The local farmers markets are also still going strong this time of year, and the harvest brings in a variety of local produce. It’s a good excuse to cook something fresh and enjoy a slower evening at home. Those who have been staying away from the summer crowds might want to check out a local winery. A lot of them hold harvest season events in September and October, and you can take in the scenery without going far. If you’re more into hiking or biking, Badger Mountain cools down just enough to make those early afternoon climbs more pleasant. I’m hoping to sneak out for a hunting trip this fall — it’s been a few years. But even just being outside with the family, taking the dogs for a walk, or grilling on the back patio feels different. Fall gives us plenty of opportunities to enjoy what’s around us in the Tri-Cities. You just have to make time for it. Whatever the season looks like for you, I hope it’s a good one.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
Ingredients
• 1 large head
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish
cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more • 1 medium red onion, chopped
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss cauliflower with 2 tbsp olive oil. 3. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt, and bake 25–35 minutes until tender. 4. In a soup pot, heat remaining olive oil and cook onion and 1/4 tsp salt until soft. 5. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broth. 6. Add all but 4 cauliflower florets to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. 7. Transfer mixture to a blender, add butter, and blend until smooth. Then blend in lemon juice and nutmeg. 8. Garnish with cauliflower florets and serve. Add parsley, onion, and chives as desired.
Solution on Page 4
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INSIDE 1
The Buying vs. Renting Discussion
2 The After-Summer Market Shift
From Countertop to Coffee Shop
3 A Great Season to Stay Local
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
4 Refinish Your Table With Grit (and Sandpaper)
WOOD YOU BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME TABLE? Refinish a Table Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Weekend)
Sand like a champ. Once your table is stripped and dry, cue the sander! Start with a medium grit to get any stubborn leftovers, then switch to a fine grit for that smooth-to-the-touch finish. Don’t forget the edges and corners — they deserve love, too. Cleaning up dust is a must. Dust is your enemy now. Wipe down the entire surface until it’s squeaky clean. No one wants fuzz or sawdust in their stain! Mellow any yellow with a whitewash. If you want a blank slate, tame yellow hues with a whitewash stain. One coat, wipe it off, plain and simple. Repeat if needed until you reach the desired neutral tone.
Stain with beauty. Pick your favorite wood stain and apply two coats. Wipe off the excess quickly for an even, natural look. This is where the real transformation happens! Seal the deal. Once dry, protect your masterpiece with two coats of satin polyacrylic. This adds durability without changing the color, just the perfect finish. Don’t forget the underside. Flip it over and do it all again: strip, sand, clean, whitewash, stain, seal. It’s extra work, but it’s worth it. And just like that, you’ve got a table that looks like it came straight from a boutique showroom. Go you, DIY wizard!
Ready to turn a tired old table into a total showstopper? Whether it’s a flea market find or your grandma’s hand-me-down, refinishing a table is a satisfying single- day DIY project. Grab your gloves, and let’s get to it! Don’t skip the strip. Before you break out the sander, it’s time to tackle the existing finish. If there’s a protective coating or layer of stain, using a varnish stripper first will save you tons of time (and your biceps). Slap on some gloves because this stuff is strong. Spray it on, let it work its magic, then scrape off the gunky mess with a cheap plastic scraper. It’s weirdly satisfying.
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