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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
MAY 2025
Lessons Learned From Mom WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999 A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE
It’s funny how much more you understand your mom as you get older. You take a lot of things for granted when you’re younger, and it’s tough to grasp how much effort it takes to hold a family together until you’re trying to do it yourself. These days, I look at my wife as a new mom and can see how moms really are the heart of the family. And when I think about my own mom, Annie, I realize just how much I admire everything she did for us when I was a kid. My mom had me fairly young, and she raised us on her own for a lot of my childhood. It was me, my sister, and her — just the three of us for several years before she remarried and added two more sisters to the mix. My grandparents helped where they could, but my mom always kept everything running. She was tough, always present for us kids, and never stopped trying. What She Taught Me Mom taught me how to ride a bike, read, and cook when I was growing up, but it’s the values she passed down to me that I truly appreciate. She was incredibly self- sufficient. I remember watching her do things around the house — prepare meals, yard work, home improvement projects, keep a spotless home — and think she could handle anything. She also taught me that if something needs to be done, you do it. No excuses. When I came up with reasons for not getting my homework done or skipping out on chores, she didn’t lecture me. She would just look at me and say something
like, “Okay … but it still needs to get done.” I wasn’t going to hang with my buddy until the chore/homework was done. She believed in accountability and made sure we understood what it meant to take ownership of our own responsibilities. I carry that mindset with me today. If I want something, I know I have to work for it. If something goes wrong, I ask myself what I can do to fix it. Her strength, independence, and work ethic were constant examples of how to keep moving forward, even when things get difficult. Following in Her Footsteps Later in life, my mom got her real estate license. At the time, I didn’t realize how much influence that would have on my career. I saw her working in the field when I was in college and thought if she could do it, maybe I could, too. That’s not to downplay her accomplishments or the difficulty of the job, but something about seeing her do it with confidence gave me the push I needed. She helped me get started, showed me the fundamentals, and encouraged me when I was still finding my footing. My mom still works in real estate, and now we get to help each other when we can. With our busy schedules, it doesn’t happen often, but we don’t take it for granted when we get the chance to collaborate. It’s something I’m genuinely grateful for. Gratitude, Always As we head into Mother’s Day, I feel lucky to have the kind of relationship with my
mom that continues to grow. We’ve always respected each other, but now that I’m a parent myself, I appreciate her on an entirely new level. These days, we celebrate Mother’s Day with a family barbecue. My wife, who is having her first “official” Mother’s Day as a mom, will join in with my mom, grandmother, and all the other incredible moms in our lives. It’s a day to honor them, eat some great food (brisket if I have my way), and recognize everything they do — seen and unseen. So, here’s to my mom and all the other moms out there doing their best and giving their all to raise their kids. You’re the heart of the family, and we see you.
—Gavin Vargas
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WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999
FRONT YARD FACELIFT 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
The Hottest Curb Appeal Trends of 2025
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
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
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.
Pack a Bag, Hit the Road
WEEKEND ESCAPES WORTH THE DRIVE
As the weather warms up and we get more hours of sunlight, there’s no better time to plan a quick getaway. A full-blown vacation might not be in the cards, but even a weekend trip can go a long way toward helping you relax and recharge while making great memories. The Northwest offers plenty of close-to-home options, whether you’re looking for some peace and quiet in nature or a bit of excitement in the city. Into the Trees The nearby Blue Mountains are a local favorite for a refreshing weekend break. Camping up there in May is perfect for those who enjoy hiking or hunting for morel mushrooms. These wild mushrooms pop up in the spring and are prized by foragers and foodies alike. Even if mushrooms aren’t your thing, the cool air and quiet trails make for a perfect reset. A few days off the grid is sometimes all you
need to come back recharged and ready to tackle the everyday. Lakes and Leisure Does your idea of the perfect weekend involve water? If so, a trip to Colchuk Lake or Lake Chelan might be just the thing. Colchuk’s clear waters and mountain views offer amazing photo opportunities, while Lake Chelan has something for everyone, including swimming, paddle boarding, wine tasting, and lakefront dining. Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or solo, both destinations provide a great way to unwind and soak in the beautiful natural scenery of Washington. Baseball and City Breaks Sometimes, a weekend away is less about fresh air and more about fresh experiences. Catching a Mariners game in Seattle is a longtime tradition for many locals, and the drive over the
mountains makes for a scenic ride. While in Seattle, you can grab some great food, visit Pike Place Market, or walk along the waterfront. Alternatively, you can drive south and visit Portland and Multnomah Falls for a combination of natural scenery and cityscapes. The great thing about living in the Tri-Cities area is that you don’t need a big travel budget or several days off work to enjoy something new. In fact, with so many great places to visit nearby, the hardest part might be deciding where to go first.
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Selling your home is a big decision and a bigger task than most people realize. It may seem as easy as posting a few photos online and waiting for the buyers to roll in, but that’s far from the case. And since your house is one of, if not your largest investments, maximizing that equity should be your top priority. Do you believe homes always sell for a fixed price, or is there probably a price range that they can sell in based upon how the property is marketed and negotiated for? Maximum Marketing For my clients and me, my job as an agent is similar to that of a sports/ entertainment agent. My job is to position your property in the absolute best possible light, in front of as many qualified eyes as possible and generate an overwhelming demand. That means going the extra mile to thoroughly prepare and aggressively market the property whether that means decluttering, painting, staging, landscaping, cleaning, pre-inspecting, etc., whatever is the best bang for our buck. Once the property is ready, we go Why Listing With a Pro Pays Off SELL WITH CONFIDENCE
SILKY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Ingredients
•
1 1/2 cup heavy cream, divided
• 1 cup milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips (6 oz) • Optional garnish: grated chocolate, crushed nuts, toffee, or brittle
Directions
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, put 1/2 cup of cream in the microwave for 1 minute. 2. Stir in chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup of cream with a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. 4. Set aside 1/2 cup of whipped cream for topping, and continue whipping the remaining cream until stiff peaks form. 5. Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture in batches, mixing until combined but still light and fluffy.
all in with the highest level and most cutting-edge marketing strategies
including epic photography, professional print and digital ads, and good old-fashioned direct marketing (calls, emails, text, etc.) to the most likely buyers and/or agents. Solutions to Setbacks When you sell a home, surprises are bound to pop
6. Spoon into four ramekins or glasses, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 7. Top with reserved whipped cream and garnish if desired.
up. Inspections turn up issues, appraisers ask for repairs, and financing can fall through at the last minute. Without experience on your side, it’s difficult to know what’s a deal-breaker to selling your home and what’s
a normal part of the process. A seasoned professional will help you work through these moments, keep the sale on track, and ensure you don’t spend more than needed or lose a qualified buyer entirely. Time and Trust Selling a house takes time, and not everyone has it. Between work, moving logistics, and managing daily life, handling everything alone can be overwhelming. A real estate professional takes a lot off your plate and will keep the process moving forward, from showings to closing paperwork. Professionals also bring trusted connections to lenders, title companies, and contractors so you’re not scrambling to figure it out yourself. Do It Right the First Time Your home is one of your bigger investments. Listing with a professional is easier and smarter. With the right guidance, you can save time, reduce risk, and put more money in your pocket.
Solution on Page 4
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9527 Sandifur Parkway Pasco, WA 99301
2 1 INSIDE Home Sweet Stunning
Reflecting on a Mother’s Legacy
Scenic Spring Trips Near the Tri-Cities
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Selling a Home the Smart Way
Silky Chocolate Mousse
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Mother’s Day Breakfast Ideas to Wow Mom
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Breakfast Plan
TREAT MOM TO A MAGICAL MORNING
We should all show appreciation for the moms in our lives year-round, but Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something extra special. For many busy moms, a relaxing, stress-free breakfast in bed is the ultimate treat. But Mother’s Day
breakfast doesn’t have to be an over-the-top display or super complicated to prepare. A little planning, a few thoughtful details, and helping hands make all the difference. Start with a menu she’ll love. Mother’s Day breakfast in bed should be simple but meaningful. Breakfast go-to’s like pancakes and French toast are delicious and easy to make, and you can add a parfait or fresh fruit and a cup of freshly squeezed juice for a special touch. If she loves eggs and toast, go in that direction. Preparing Mom’s favorite dish or incorporating ingredients that remind her of a family tradition can take the meal to the next level. Present it beautifully. You can elevate even a simple breakfast with a few thoughtful additions. Ditch the disposables and use real plates, silverware, and linen napkins. Deliver the breakfast with care on a lovely tray accompanied by a small vase of flowers. Keep everything organized
neatly, and include a handwritten card or note to add a heartfelt message to the meal. Make it a team effort. Get the whole family involved — minus Mom, of course! Even young kids can pitch in by spreading butter, arranging fruit, or folding napkins. Older kids can help out more with the actual cooking. To make Mother’s Day morning stress-free for everyone, do prep work the night before. Chop fruit, prepare the coffeemaker, and premix the pancake batter. And don’t forget the cleanup. Working as a team to wash dishes and put things away will ensure a dirty kitchen doesn’t ruin Mom’s special day when she gets up. Remember, you don’t have to prepare the perfect meal to make Mother’s Day memorable. It’s all about showing your love and appreciation. The holiday is an opportunity to bring the entire family together to create a special moment for the most important woman in your life.
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