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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
AUGUST 2025
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FUELED BY PURPOSE Finding Meaning in the Busy Season
Some seasons pick up speed without warning. Lately, I’ve found myself in one of the busiest stretches I’ve had in a long time. It’s full mornings, full evenings, and plenty of work in between. When I saw that August 5 is National Work Like a Dog Day, I had to laugh. It’s been that kind of month. It would be easy to call it overwhelming, but I see things differently. For me, this pace is proof that the goals I’ve set are worth pursuing, and the effort I put in each day keeps me moving closer to them. Rather than grinding for the sake of grinding, I see it as being fueled by the “why” behind the work. Still, motivation doesn’t come out of nowhere. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what keeps me moving forward on the busiest days. For me, one of the biggest things is remembering the people who set the example. My grandpa comes to mind immediately. When I was growing up, he always made time to pitch to me or throw long toss, even after a full workday. I can still picture him in a dress shirt and tie at the park, catching balls from 300 feet out. Back then, I just thought it was normal. Now I see it for what it was. It’s not that he had endless energy. I’m sure he was tired and had a hundred things on his mind. But he still showed up, not because he had to but because he knew his purpose. And that’s what I try to carry into my own work. Whether it has been a great day or a tough one, I try to remember all of the roles I play in the lives around me and do my best to improve and invest in those roles. That’s not to say I don’t get worn out sometimes. I do. Everyone does. There are times when the day feels heavy. I think that’s where gratitude comes in. And I know that word gets thrown around a lot, but I’m not talking about a gratitude journal or some big system. I mean just sitting quietly — even if it’s in the car or on a walk — and thinking: I’ve already got more than I need. That reminder helps reset my brain a little. Birthdays are a good example. When I was younger, I’d think about what I was going to get or what I’d be
allowed to do next. These days, I don’t really want anything. I feel content, and that’s a rare kind of fuel.
Busy seasons come and go. Some days feel slow, some fly by, but they all move us forward. When things get hectic, I try to zoom out and think long term, not just about where I want to be in a year but who I want to be when I get there. That’s what keeps me motivated. So, yes, this has been a busy stretch, but I wouldn’t trade it. The work is meaningful, the people are real, and the purpose behind it all makes even the longest days worthwhile.
—Gavin Vargas
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The Art of Hosting Friends Who Pop in Unannounced
Be Ready for Company Around the Clock
There’s something magical about a home where people feel welcome to knock unannounced. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh coffee, the hum of background music, or the feeling that laughter is always waiting inside. Creating a drop-in-friendly home isn’t about spotless counters or perfectly arranged pillows. It’s about heart, warmth, and a little bit of daily prep.
at the counter signal that you’re always happy to host.
SNACKS ARE SECRET WEAPONS. Drop-in visitors aren’t expecting charcuterie chic. A simple box of crackers, cookies, or salted nuts does the trick. Keep a stash of simple pantry treats and frozen bites you can pop in the oven. Add a chilled drink or a pot of coffee, and you’ve got hospitality in a flash. GET THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED. Kids can learn early that people matter more than to-do lists. When someone pops by, pause the chaos. Let the kids help grab drinks or clear up the coffee table, not because it’s chore time, but because it’s guest time. PRACTICE THE ART OF BEING ‘DRESSED ENOUGH.’ No one expects red carpet glam, but clean, casual clothes and brushed hair help you feel confident answering the door. When you go about your day looking presentable,
you don’t have to panic when you hear a knock on the door. Bonus: Dressing well lifts your spirits, whether guests come or not! READY FOR A LAST-MINUTE OVERNIGHT? YOU BET! Spare bedding, a guest toothbrush, and breakfast basics (think eggs, yogurt, or toast) mean you’re always prepared for the unexpected and appreciated for it. Not every guest will request to spend the night, but you want to feel ready to offer a bed whenever needed.
DITCH THE APOLOGIES, EMBRACE THE MOMENT.
Rule No. 1: Don’t apologize. No “sorry about the mess” or “ignore the toys.” Life happens, and your guests aren’t there to judge your laundry pile; they’re there to see you. A warm greeting speaks volumes.
CREATE SPACES THAT INVITE CONVERSATION.
Keep your kitchen table clear enough to invite guests to sit, and position chairs so guests don’t have to wonder where to face. A few cozy nooks or an open seat
Remember, the best homes aren’t pristine. They’re lived in. And the best hosts? They open the door and say, “Glad you’re here.” Move-In Ready or Wishful Thinking?
BUYER EXPECTATIONS IN 2025
It’s one of the most common phrases in real estate, but it doesn’t always mean the same thing to everyone. When people ask me if a house is “move-in ready,” I try to dig into what they’re actually picturing because expectations can vary. For most buyers, “move-in ready” means they won’t have to do anything major before settling in. No painting. No ripping out carpet. No fixing broken appliances. They want to unlock the door,
a ton, but it can totally change how a house feels. Flooring comes next. Most people prefer hard surfaces in main areas and carpet in bedrooms, but the key is making sure it’s clean, modern, and intact. “Move-in ready” can get tricky even with new construction. The list price might look great, but keep in mind you’ll often need to install blinds, buy a washer/dryer, and pay for landscaping and fencing. That can add up fast — sometimes tens of thousands of dollars — and it catches people off guard. If a builder’s done that work already, they’ll usually raise the price to reflect it. People are willing to pay more for true convenience.
unpack their boxes, and start living. That usually means neutral paint, clean flooring, working
heat, AC, windows, and kitchen appliances. Bonus points if the windows are updated or the ceilings aren’t still rocking the old popcorn texture — that one still turns a lot of people off.
Bottom line? If you’re getting ready to list, walk through your home like a buyer. What would you want done before moving in? And if you’re house hunting, be honest with yourself about how much work you’re willing to take on. Knowing what “move-in ready” really means can save you time, money, and a whole lot of surprises.
Fresh paint is probably the easiest and most impactful upgrade you can make. It doesn’t cost
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WHAT TO DO WITH AN INHERITED HOME
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Turning Emotion Into a Plan
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
Ingredients
Lately, I’ve worked with a handful of families who inherited property and weren’t sure what to do next. It happens more often than you’d think. The parents pass, the kids live out of town, and suddenly there’s a house sitting there. It’s full of memories and stuff with no real plan in place. Most people mean to take care of it quickly, but they’re grieving, busy, or simply don’t know how or where to start. So, time passes — a month, three months, a year — and the house just sits. That’s when little problems start turning into big ones. Landscaping grows wild. Tree branches start scraping against the roof. The crawl space gets moldy. I’ve seen it happen more than once. The biggest thing I’d tell anyone in that situation is to talk to a professional early on. It doesn’t have to be me, although I’d be happy to help, but someone who understands the process and can help you make a plan. In a lot of cases, you don’t need to figure everything out on your own. You need someone to walk you through it and connect you with the right people. That might mean cleaners, movers, estate sale contacts, or even a contractor. When families are overwhelmed, I’ve found that one of the most helpful things I can do is take the emotion out of the logistics. Once you decide you’re not keeping the house, it becomes a business decision. It sounds a little harsh, but treating it that way gives you clarity. It helps you avoid value loss or damage from neglect. I know it’s hard and understand the weight this kind of thing puts on people. But I’ve also seen the relief once they start moving forward. If you or someone you know is in this boat, you’re not alone. You just need a little help — and it’s out there.
• 1 pt strawberry ice cream • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves • 1 pt vanilla ice cream
• 1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies • 1 0.8-oz package freeze- dried strawberries
Directions
1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
Solution on Page 4
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2 1 INSIDE
Motivation in the Everyday
Keep a Warm and Welcoming Space for Surprise Visitors
What Move-In Ready Really Means
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When Inheritance Becomes a Headache
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
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DIY Storage Hacks to Make Your Small Bathroom Shine
TINY BATHROOM? MIGHTY STORAGE! Make Every Inch Count in Your Bathroom Even your closet-size bathroom can feel open and organized with the right tricks up your sleeve. If you’re battling limited space, you don’t need a full renovation; a little creativity and a few clever additions can make a difference. Hooks Work Wonders Simple stick-on hooks are your bathroom’s new best friend. They come in stylish finishes like brushed silver, shiny gold, or classic bronze to match your aesthetic, and installation is a breeze. Use them for towels, robes, or even loofahs and swimsuits. Over-the-door hooks use the space most often ignored — right behind the door. Compartmentalize With Containers Nothing beats a tidy drawer or medicine cabinet, and the secret lies in compartmental organizers. These small containers store everything from Q-tips to toothpaste, so your essentials stay where you need them. Take it further with stackable bins or below-the- sink drawers that maximize the awkward space around plumbing. The more compartments you have, the more clutter you can keep organized and out of sight!
Shelf Your Worries Floating shelves aren’t just chic — they’re lifesavers! Mounted above the toilet or beside the mirror, these sleek platforms hold rolled towels, candles, or your go-to products in style. If you need more hidden storage, look for small cabinets or racks with doors to conceal the clutter and cut down on dust. Think Outside (or Under) the Box Do you have a sink with exposed plumbing under it? A pair of triangular shelves can hide unsightly pipes while storing supplies in an aesthetically pleasing way. You could also try a compact rolling cart with tiers — it’s mobile, versatile, and perfect for storing everything from bath bombs to spare TP. With just a few simple upgrades, your small bathroom can be beautiful and functional. Don’t let limited square footage hold you back! Get creative and organized, and love your little space even more.
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