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MAY 2025
Channeling Your Inner Luke Skywalker May the 4th Be With You (and Your Rental Property)
It’s May, which means it’s time once again for the unofficial holiday that sneaks into my inbox, my conversations, and the occasional voicemail — yes, I’m talking about May the 4th. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m part of what you might call the “Star Wars” Generation. And having the name I have during the height of “Star Wars” mania came with … let’s just say, a lot of unsolicited impressions. I’ve lost count of how many times someone has approached me, lowered their voice in a dramatic attempt at Darth Vader, and said, “Luke … I am your father.” Every single person who did this was 100% sure they were the first one to think of it. I always smiled, gave a little laugh, and played along. After all, it’s not every day you get to feel like you’re part of a galactic epic. The truth is, even though it got tiring, I kind of liked it. I really was, and am, a “Star Wars” fan. I still remember waiting in line in high school for Episode I, eager to catch the very first showing (midnight) with my best friend. And when the recent trilogy came out, I saw the perfect opportunity to introduce my own kids to the magic — starting, of course, in proper release order (because we are not savages). Watching them fall in love with the original trilogy reminded me why I did, too. To me,
those first three films — “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi” — are still the best. Period. No debate.
But here’s the twist in the story I want to share with you.
In our work at RCW, when it comes to managing your rental property, I’m not Luke Skywalker. You are. You’re the hero of the story. You own the property. You took the leap. You’re the one navigating the challenges and making the bold decisions to create a better future for yourself and your family.
So, this May, whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day with a movie marathon, quoting Yoda to your kids (“Do or do not, there is no try”), or just enjoying a spring evening on your back porch, I want to thank you for trusting us to be part of your story. It’s a privilege to play the supporting role in your journey — lightsaber not included.
We’re more like “Old Ben” Kenobi (Obi-Wan).
We’re here with the tools, the wisdom, and the steady presence. We know the path because we’ve walked it with hundreds of property owners before. We help you stay on course when the galactic winds shift (read: tenant issues, maintenance chaos, market fluctuations, new legislation). We provide guidance, encouragement, and just the right amount of Jedi-like problem- solving to make the journey smoother. It’s one of the things we value most here at RCW — being Incredibly Credible, always Client First, and constantly Working Together to Win Together. We’re not trying to steal the spotlight. We’re here to help you shine in your role.
May the 4th be with you. Always.
P.S. Even though my birth was only a year and a half after “A New Hope” (released in May 1977), believe it or not, Luke Skywalker is not my namesake. I am one of five boys and my parents named us after books in the Bible … Matthew, Luke, Joshua, Samuel, and Zachariah … a different type of epic story.
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A Recipe for Renovation TIPS FOR A WELL- PLANNED KITCHEN UPGRADE
FRONT YARD FACELIFT The Hottest Curb Appeal Trends of 2025
A great kitchen is the secret ingredient to the perfect home-cooked meal, but it might be the ideal time for a remodel if yours feels a little bland. Whether your cabinets are stuck in the past or your kitchen decor is beyond its best-by date, a kitchen upgrade can take you from groans to gourmet. But before you start whisking up big plans, it’s essential to devise a solid strategy to keep your project from boiling over. Let’s get cooking! Researching the Recipe Whether you want to handle most of the project yourself or hire professionals, it is essential to do your research. Decide what aesthetic or specific features you want to focus on so you can provide examples to contractors or start getting inspiration online. If hiring a professional, look at their portfolio to see if their qualifications match your kitchen goals. Get several quotes to compare and find the right team for your remodel — or do it yourself. Planning With a Fully Baked Budget A kitchen remodel can be costly, with an estimated average cost of about $25,000. To create a perfectly baked budget, keep in mind the size of the space, your desired materials, and how drastically you want to change the layout. If you plan to remove walls or install new flooring, you must increase your budget. You can keep your costs down by tackling many of the tasks DIY-style with budget- friendly materials. Carefully consider big purchases, like new appliances or an island, but don’t forget to calculate for the little things, like nails and hardware. Prepping the Perfect Plan Once you know your goals and budget, create a project timeline and plan. Choose the cabinets, appliances, decor, and other items you want, as well as backup options, so the project stays on track if a product is delayed. Record different measurements in your kitchen, like counter heights, so you have that information handy. If you are making structural changes like plumbing or electrical, contact your local municipality to apply for permits.
First impressions are everything, and when it comes to your home, curb appeal sets the tone before anyone even steps inside. Whether you want to sell your house, refresh your entryway, or give your neighbors something nice to look at, keeping up with this year’s biggest trends can give your space that wow factor. From bold colors to statement doors, 2025 is all about turning heads and creating an outdoor facade that steals the show. Get ready to make a sidewalk statement with these must-try curb appeal trends. Bold Colors Statement colors aren’t just for accents in the living room anymore! This year, homeowners are diving into a playful palette of brighter, more vibrant hues for their exterior walls. Think bold blues, striking copper reds, and gorgeous green tones. Create a splash with colors that provide striking contrasts or tone down with subtle shifts in hues. You can create a cohesive look by pairing your big colors with a similar theme indoors. Doors With Character Your front door can serve as a grand entrance when you go for something with a lot of character. Pump some personality into your entryway by adding decorative trim or painting your door an interesting color. You could also replace a typical door with a unique vintage one. Bare Brick If your home is brick, you’re in luck. Bare brick is a popular style this year, beating out painted brick, a popular option in the past. Red brick can shine if you paint the window trim or add new shutters. Though its natural state is attractive and easier to maintain, you can also paint it a darker color that works well with your roof. Natural Landscaping Native landscaping is a wonderful way to highlight the natural beauty of your community and is also good for the environment. The idea is to create a more self-sustaining outdoor setting with beneficial plants, healthy soil, and solid rainwater management. Standout features are rainwater gardens, fruits and vegetables, cisterns, and wildlife walkways.
By embracing the latest curb appeal trends, you create a welcoming and stylish space that stands out for all the right reasons.
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Cinema Dreams on a Popcorn Budget
How to Build a Home Theater for Less
Lights! Camera! Couch!
money on that rather than a new streaming service. And if you already have excellent speakers or a wide-screen TV that will fit perfectly into your plans in other rooms, you can shuffle your furniture around and reduce your costs. Create Star-Studded Effects Proper lighting, sound, and other features can transform a TV room into an authentic theater experience. If you can afford it, add ambient lighting, spotlights, and blackout curtains to set the mood. While a big-screen TV can do the job, projectors can create a real cinematic view. They also tend to be more compact, allowing more room for additional seating or a popcorn maker. Give your screening space the surround sound feel by installing a soundbar, a space-saving audio system that delivers rich, theater-quality sound. Set the Stage Complete your family theater by adding movie-themed decor and extra cinema
Ready to reel in the perfect movie night without breaking the bank? You can bring the theater into your living room by building a budget-friendly cinema your family will enjoy. You don’t need a Hollywood actor’s salary to bring the magic of film to your favorite sofa. With some creativity and planning, you’ll be directing a screening room remodel in no time, saving you money on tickets and popcorn at the chain movie theater! Let’s get the credits rolling on the home theater of your dreams — no blockbuster budget required. Cast Your Dream Scene Is your family a fan of TV show binges or video game competitions that last for hours? Since you are working with a limited budget, choose the entertainment options most important to you and focus on those. Maybe a new game console is the top item on your wish list, so it’s worth spending
comforts. Display movie posters of your family’s favorite films, and consider creating a mini concession stand. You can use a bar cart or inexpensive cabinet as a snack area, complete with a mini fridge full of drinks. So, gather your crew to turn your living room into a movie lover’s paradise! Now, all that’s left is to push play and let the good times and tasty snacks roll!
TAKE A BREAK
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Ingredients
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Directions
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
Bloom Cinco Derby Emerald
Gemini Graduation Lily Memorial
Mother Roses Teacher Veterans
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INSIDE
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May the 4th Be With You (and Your Rental Property)
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Home Sweet Stunning
Cooking Up a Timely Remodeling Plan
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Theater Vibes Without the Ticket Price
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
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Where Nature Meets Neutral
The Art of Japanese-Inspired Living Spaces FROM MEH TO ZEN
If your living room feels more “meh” than “zen,” it might be time to take a page from the Japanese design book. With its sleek lines, contemporary flare, historical elements, and notes from nature, this design style helps create a serene and stylish space. Blur the lines of outdoors and indoors by adding plants into your living room or creating a peaceful backyard garden. Textures like wood, bamboo, and marble continue the nature theme throughout your home. Say “Konnichiwa” to minimalism, as this design aesthetic embraces simple, small furniture in neutral colors. Keep your decorations, art, and other items purposeful to create a tranquil setting. Clutter is the opposite of this design style’s core ethos, so less is more.
Focus on one or two vintage statement pieces, as Japanese design honors history and the past. Keep it simple, stylish and zen-sational !
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