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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
DECEMBER 2025
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Building on the Year Behind Us
Lessons From Family, Work, and Change
Even though it’s still a busy time of year, December always seems to give us a few slow moments to look around and take stock of things. Maybe it’s the sun going down before the work day is over or the holiday dinners with family and friends, but I can’t help but feel a little reflective. It’s the point in the year when I think about what’s going well, what I’ve learned over the past 12 months, and what I want to do better moving forward. This year was full in every sense. There were good times, a few hard ones, and plenty to learn from along the way. At home, most of my focus has been on my daughter and watching her grow. She’s talking and showing more of her personality. Watching her and my wife together is always one of the highlights of my day. They’re like two best friends, and it’s been amazing to see that bond grow. It’s also been a year of perspective. Losing my grandpa earlier this fall wasn’t easy, but I still feel him here with me. I can even hear his voice in my head. The way he talked about life and the kind of man he was will always influence how I try to live. I think about him often, especially when I’m trying to be a better dad or husband. At work, it’s been a challenging market for a lot of agents, myself included. It was still a very rewarding year, though, and I’m grateful for what I’ve been able to help my client’s accomplish. Together we helped over 60 households better their lives through buying and selling real estate. Every one of those experiences will create ripple effects. Having the opportunity to help people take ownership of their lives through buying, owning, and selling real estate is really what my job is all about. And I’m truly grateful for every person who put their trust in me — even if it was just asking a question or getting a recommendation — it is sincerely an honor for me to be your Realtor. All of that has made me thankful for where life is right now. I get to do work I enjoy, come home to a family that means everything to me, and keep building on what we’ve started. I’m very fortunate and try not to take any of what I have for granted. It’s important to take a break from the hustle to think about these things and reset a
little before the new year begins, but I still have goals to chase. Once January hits, I’m ready to keep things rolling. Heading into 2026, I’m constantly reminded of one of the foundational mantras to my business, “MASTERY” by Stewart Emery. The concept is really a way of life where you are wholeheartedly committed to improvement and are never done learning and refining yourself. “Consistently going beyond our limits,” “removing those things that are limiting,” “surround yourself with friends who ask more of you than you do,” “correction is essential to mastery,” are just a few of the powerful, timeless, statements included in this writing that I aim to apply toward my business and life in general. A true master does not ever stop improving. Discipline is a big focus, but I’m also working on staying patient and consistent and putting people first. I’ve learned that many of the habits that make me better at work are the same ones that make me a better husband and dad. I’m thankful for where this year has taken me and excited for what’s next. Here’s to a good season ahead and a fresh start when the calendar turns.
—Gavin Vargas
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A Year of Fun Giveaways
Win a Break From the Routine
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I could show my appreciation for the people who support my business. Real estate has given me the chance to meet a lot of great clients, and I never want to take that for granted. I also care about supporting other local businesses and community organizations. That’s where the idea of doing monthly and quarterly giveaways came from. We started this fall, and it’s been a simple way to say thank you while staying connected with all of you in the Tri-Cities.
The monthly giveaways kicked off in October. Right now, we’re giving away Tri-City Americans hockey tickets through March. I’ve always liked seeing people out supporting local teams and enjoying what the area has to offer. It’s a fun break from routine, and people have been excited to take part. On top of that, we’re doing quarterly giveaways, which mix things up a bit each season. For the fourth quarter of this year, we’re giving away four ski tickets to Ski Bluewood, plus lunch. I wanted to do something that fits the season and gets people outdoors. For the first quarter of 2026, we’ll be doing a guided waterfowl hunt. I think it will be a memorable experience for whoever wins it.
Scan here to enter our Tri- City Americans hockey tickets giveaway!
in this article. It’s quick and easy and will give you the chance to win. We’re also sending out emails, so keep an eye on your inbox as well. I really enjoy what I do for a living, but the best part has always been the people. These giveaways are just a small way to stay in touch and keep things light. Life gets busy, but if I can give someone a reason to get outside, make a memory, or try something new, that feels like a win to me.
Scan the code to enter our Ski Bluewood giveaway!
The giveaway is simple to enter. If you’d like to take part, just scan the QR code
Custom Lighting Without the Cost Brighten Up With DIY Fixtures
Lighting is one of those things that can completely change the feel of a room. Add a lamp to a dark corner or a warmer bulb to a living room pendant, and you’ve suddenly made the space feel more open and inviting. And it’s not just the type of bulb that matters. Lighting fixtures also add to the look and feel of your space. In fact, they’re often what people notice first. If you’re looking for an update, you don’t need to spend a fortune or hire an electrician to make it happen. DIY upgrades can go a long way. How about making your own floor lamp? It might sound complicated, but it’s not. All the materials you need, a base, shade, socket, and wiring kit, are readily available and can be combined to make something unique. Personalizing the
base or lampshade to fit your style adds character. And remember, it doesn’t have to look brand-new. Half the charm is the rough edges. You can also create DIY table lamps. All kinds of items can be upcycled to make the base, including an old vase or jar. Just make sure it’s heavy enough to stay upright. You can wrap the base in fabric or give it a fresh coat of paint if it needs extra personality. Then, drill a hole for the cord, install the socket, and add the shade. If you want to go bigger, try a wall fixture or ceiling light. Mount a couple of sockets on a stained wood board and hang it like a sconce. Or take something unexpected, like a metal basket or ceramic bowl, and turn
it into a pendant light. It just takes a light canopy kit and a little patience.
None of this has to be perfect. That’s kind of the fun. You’re working with your hands and putting a bit of yourself into the space. And when you flip that switch and see what you built to brighten your room, there’s a satisfaction in knowing you made it happen.
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White Christmas Margarita
Ingredients
Garnish: •
Cocktail: •
1/2 of a lime
1 oz lime juice
•
2 tbsp dried unsweetened shredded coconut
•
1 oz cream of coconut
•
1/2 oz Cointreau (or other triple sec liqueur)
•
1 sprig fresh rosemary
•
2 oz tequila blanco
•
1 bar spoon vanilla vodka (optional)
•
5–8 cranberries
Directions
1. Use half a lime to wet the rim of your glass. Dip the wet rim in shredded coconut, turning the glass so the entire rim is covered. Set the glass aside. 2. Wash and dry the rosemary sprig and cranberries, then set aside while you make the drink. 3. In a cocktail shaker, add the lime juice, cream of coconut, Cointreau, tequila blanco, and vanilla vodka. 4. Fill shaker with ice and shake for 15–20 seconds. 5. Fill the serving glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass. 6. Add cranberries and rosemary as a garnish and serve!
Don’t Sleep on the Winter Market A Slower Season With Hidden Opportunity When you work in real estate, you get used to seasonal fluctuations. During the holidays, things tend to slow down a little, and honestly, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s still a busy season, but the pace is different. This time of year gives people room to breathe and think before making a move. And for buyers, that can be a big advantage. Selling right now can be a little tougher, especially for anyone who’s only owned their home for a couple of years. If you’ve built up five or more years of equity, though, you’re still in a great position. Homes that are priced with today’s market in mind are selling, even if they aren’t breaking records. You might not make quite as much as you hoped, but you still walk away with a strong return if you’ve been there for a while. Buyers have also grown patient, and that works in their favor. Most folks out there right now aren’t in a rush. That gives them time to compare homes and wait for the right fit. It also helps them find better deals. I’ve seen homes listed at $650,000 end up selling closer to $600,000. That doesn’t mean the market is bad. It just means sellers are testing the waters by starting high, and smart buyers are putting in fair offers to get a nice place for a better price. That’s why my advice to clients is simple: If you see a home you like, put in an offer. It might not get accepted, but you never know unless you try. December might be slower, but serious buyers are still out there looking, and sellers with a plan are still closing deals. It’s worth exploring what’s possible, but you don’t want to do it on your own. It pays to work with someone who understands the market and knows what’s realistic. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s talk.
Inspired by CharmingCocktails.com
Solution on Page 4
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INSIDE 1
Looking Back to Move Forward 2 Monthly and Quarterly Giveaways Are Here Lighting With a Personal Touch 3 Winter’s Real Estate Silver Lining White Christmas Margarita 4 Make Daily Tasks Easier With Voice- Activated Tech Hands-Free Help for a Smarter Home
VOICE-ACTIVATED TECH IS CHANGING EVERYDAY LIFE
Cooking Made Easier In the kitchen, voice-activated appliances are changing the game. Smart fridges can recommend recipes based on what you have, while microwaves can start cooking on your command. Some devices can even help manage grocery lists or reorder essentials automatically, taking the stress out of meal prep.
Imagine queuing up your favorite music, turning off the lights, or locking the doors … all without lifting a finger. That’s the magic of voice-activated
technology. What once felt futuristic is now a daily convenience, making life at home simpler and way more fun. Smart Speakers That Simplify Life Today’s smart speakers do more
Security You Can Count On Keeping your home safe is easier than ever with voice-activated security systems. Just ask, and you can lock your doors, view camera feeds, or arm the alarm. Some systems even connect directly to emergency services, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. It’s peace of mind with zero hassle.
than play music. The latest Amazon, Google, and Apple models let you use multiple
assistants in one device. Whether it’s Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, you can ask questions, control your home devices, or set reminders.
Advanced microphones pick up your voice clearly, even with background noise, so you can give commands from across the room without repeating yourself.
Voice-controlled tech is no longer a luxury. It’s a practical way to make your home more efficient, secure, and easily managed.
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