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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
JUNE 2025
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When you’re a kid, summer feels like it goes on forever. There’s no schedule or real responsibilities, just long days filled with baseball, bike rides, and pushing bedtime as far as you can. For me, it was baseball all day, every day. If I had a tournament, we’d even camp at the park. Those were the good old days. Now? Summer still has its magic, but it looks a lot different. Between work, home life, and trying to be a present dad and husband, the days fill up fast. I love what I do, and this time of year is busy in the best way. People are moving, looking for homes, and making big decisions. But with so much going on, it’s easy to blink and realize summer flew by before you really lived it. SCHEDULE THE THINGS THAT MATTER. Many of us wait for summer to “slow down,” but it usually goes the other way. There’s always a full plate, whether it’s projects, errands, or last-minute changes. That’s why I’ve learned the hard way that if something matters to you, you have to schedule it. It doesn’t even have to be a big event. It can be ice cream with your kids or a walk after dinner, but unless you actually plan for it, chances are it won’t happen. Even the simplest plans make a difference. For me, just saying, “Hey, we’re doing this on Saturday,” helps shift the whole week. I’ve also started picking one or two non-negotiables. These aren’t big goals but personal touchpoints I try to hit no matter how busy my day gets — read 10 pages of a book, compliment my wife, knock out one thing that moves me forward. That way, even if the day goes sideways, I’ve done something that counts. I’ve also started thinking ahead at the start of the week and asking myself, “What three things do I want to make sure happen?” That might mean a family dinner, a walk with my daughter, or grilling outside on a Sunday evening. These little things stick when you give them a place in your week. QUICK ESCAPES RESET EVERYTHING. One of the best ways to stay balanced in the middle of summer chaos is to build in short escapes. They don’t have to be expensive. Don’t Let Summer Slip Away Staying Present When Life Gets Busy
Just getting outside, even for a bit, can clear your head and help you think straight again. I’ve noticed that a walk with my wife, daughter, and the dogs can change my entire mindset. Being outside gives you room to breathe and be more present. Other times, I reset by going to the gym. It’s productive and forces me to push through discomfort. I notice this skill translates into other areas of my life. I think it’s also inspiring to be surrounded by people who are striving to improve and who are exercising discipline along with you. As an adult, this season isn’t about being less busy. It’s about making room for breaks that remind you why you do what you do. Whether it’s a weekend at the lake or an hour of quiet in the backyard, those moments help you show up better for your work and the people in your life. MAKE THE LONG DAYS COUNT. Summer can slip through the cracks if you don’t keep an eye on it. The days are longer, but that doesn’t mean they stretch on forever. A little bit of intention can go a long way. Schedule the things that matter, and stick to the habits that keep you grounded. Most importantly for me at least is making time to reflect, give thanks, and appreciate these limited sumer days.
—Gavin Vargas
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Sip, Sip, Hooray! Your Perfect Summer Soiree Formula notice. Ideally, you want to keep the guest list to about 15 people, mixing in long-time friends and new acquaintances to keep the conversations lively and the party manageable. MIX, MINGLE, MOVE AROUND Set up an inviting scene with cute cocktail glasses, festive decorations, and different seating options that encourage guests to mingle and have fun. Clear space for a makeshift dance floor, and provide snacks at every little grouping of comfy chairs to entice guests to nosh while they chat. Having an attractive and central bar area can set the party’s mood. You can go all out and hire someone to handle a full bar, create a drink station in the kitchen, or set up a DIY bar cart with recipes and all the ingredients for your friends to be their own bartenders.
Ready to shake or stir things up this summer? Grab your martini glasses because there’s nothing like a summertime soiree. Whether mixing it up with a tropical tiki night, pouring classy spritzers in the garden, or sipping something cool at a poolside bash, hosting a summer cocktail party is the perfect way to serve up flavor and fun. Get ready to be the host or hostess with the mostest with these delicious tips (and sips) to throw the ultimate party this summer! PERFECT PARTY FORMULA Do you want to keep things casual with familiar beers and classic finger foods, or do you want to see your friends in their best “Great Gatsby” attire sipping on a sidecar for a roaring ’20s-themed party?
Plan your theme and the perfect menu of drinks, appetizers, and entrees to match. Next, pick out your summer guest squad and invite them at least a month in advance to give them ample SHAKE UP CONVERSATIONS No celebration is complete without engaging conversation and entertainment. Help your guests get to know each other by putting out fun icebreaker questions on the tables or serving each drink with one. This will get people to open up, laugh, and make new friends (the ultimate party favor). You could also come up with some fun games that encourage a little goofiness, like charades, a board game, or your very own talent show. SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING
LOCAL EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the summer. It’s a great time to get out, have fun, and connect with the community. Here are just a few upcoming events to mark on your summer calendar.
BENTON CITY MOVIES IN THE PARK June–August | Benton City If you’re looking for an affordable, family- friendly summer activity, head to Benton City and enjoy a free movie courtesy of the Benton City Chamber of Commerce. The first showing is set for Friday, June 27, and additional movies will play monthly through August. The Movies in the Park lineup will feature family favorites like “FernGully,” “Dog Man,” and “The Wild Robot.” Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack some snacks or grab dinner from a local vendor, and settle in for a movie night under the stars. RIVER OF FIRE FESTIVAL July 4 | Columbia Park, Kennewick A regional staple for more than three decades, the River of Fire Festival
features food trucks, vendors, live music, a kids zone, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays. The day’s activities kick off in the afternoon and continue through the evening, with fireworks lighting up the sky over the Columbia River around 10 p.m. Bring the whole family, find a good spot early, and enjoy the fun and community spirit. SEE3SLAM July 12–13 | John Dam Plaza, Richland More than just a sports event, See3Slam is a fast-growing 3-on-3 basketball tournament with a full weekend of fun activities. In addition to the games, the event features food, entertainment, and center court contests. Whether you’re playing or just watching, prepare for a high-energy
weekend in Richland. Pack sunscreen and get ready for a good time. ART IN THE PARK FESTIVAL July 25–26 | Howard Amon Park, Richland Hosted by the Allied Arts Association, the Art in the Park Festival brings over 78,000 people to Howard Amon Park each year. At the festival, you can see the work of more than 300 artists. The event also features food trucks, live music, and interactive art experiences. Located right along the Columbia River, it’s a great way to spend summer outdoors while supporting local creativity.
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Most people want to become homeowners, but affordability is a big hurdle for many potential buyers. First-timers often seem priced out of the market, and those looking to move up can feel stuck between what they have and what they want. Even if it feels impossible, there are still ways to meet your homeownership goals. TEAM UP AND SPLIT THE LOAD. Owning a home comes with many perks, but it’s also a big responsibility. If you’re flying solo but want to start building equity in a property instead of throwing money toward rent, partnering with someone close to you could be a great option. Purchasing a home with a sibling, cousin, or good friend will allow you to split the down payment, share bills, and take turns on chores. When the time is right for both of you, you can part ways and use any gains from the home to move forward. GET FAMILY ASSISTANCE. Another option is for parents to buy a home for their kids to live in. Over time, parents can slowly sell the home to their children through a contract or private arrangement. And if you’re buying a house for a close family member, like your child, you can often get the same loan terms you would if you were buying a primary residence for yourself. LOOK AT DUPLEXES AND SMALL MULTIFAMILY HOMES. An often overlooked move is to buy a duplex or triplex, which you can frequently find for around the same price as a single-family home. You can live in one unit and rent out the other. That rent money is often enough to cover a large chunk of your mortgage, sometimes more than half. Being a landlord isn’t for everyone, but this is a great setup for people who don’t mind the responsibility and are ready to start building equity without taking on the full cost of a mortgage. Real Options for Real Buyers NEW PATHS TO PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• • • • • •
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through
Local Business Spotlight
YOU HAVE OPTIONS. Buying a home doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. You might not be able to do it all on your own, but that
Greenhead Lawncare for lawn and shrubbery maintenance. Phone: (509) 572-7042 Email: greenheadlawncarellc@gmail.com Check out their Facebook page, too!
doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. If affordability has you feeling stuck, reach out and let’s look at some options that could work for your situation.
3/29/24, 9:13 AM
COMPANY LOGO - Copy.jfif
AJ’s HVAC for HVAC tune up or electrical services. Phone: (509) 783-3133 Email: ajshvac.electrical@gmail.com Website: www.ajshvacandelectrical.com
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9527 Sandifur Parkway Pasco, WA 99301
2 1 INSIDE
Tips to Make Summer Count
Pop the Bubbly, It’s Party Time!
What’s Happening Around the Tri-Cities?
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Getting Creative With Homebuying
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
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Small Repairs Lead to Big Savings
HOME SWEET WELL- MAINTAINED HOME MAINTENANCE TASKS THAT PAY FOR THEMSELVES
storm could knock them into your roof, windows, or walls, leading to costly repairs. Keeping your trees trimmed and pruned regularly can save thousands of dollars in potential repairs. Hiring a professional could cost up to $2,000, but it beats replacing a roof, which averages about $9,500. KEEP YOUR GUTTERS CLEAR. Cleaning your gutters is a basic chore that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. When debris blocks your gutters, water cannot drain off your roof, leading to leaks, water damage, mold, and even foundation problems. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year. TUNE UP YOUR HVAC SYSTEM. The last thing you want to face during a heat wave or chilly winter is for your HVAC system to fail you, and the dollars could stack up if it breaks down. Annual or twice-a-year
HVAC tune-ups keep your system running smoothly and reduce your monthly energy bills. Clogged machines cause damage like leaks or ceiling damage and work less effectively, increasing your bills over time. PROTECT YOUR DRIVEWAY. Your driveway takes a daily beating from cars, weather, and time, so protecting the pavement from damage is essential. Applying a coat of sealer every 3–5 years can prevent cracks and pores from forming in the asphalt, which could ultimately lead to potholes. If your blacktop is starting to fade, it’s time to give it a little TLC. A little home maintenance now can prevent future financial headaches. Investing time and effort into these chores will protect your property and keep your dollars where they belong.
Home is where the heart is, but if you ignore maintenance, it can also be where your wallet suffers. Keeping up with minor repairs and seasonal upkeep can save you big bucks. From fixing a leaky faucet to sealing pesky drafts, essential home maintenance projects like these practically pay for themselves. CUT TREE BRANCHES. Having trees in your yard heightens curb appeal and provides natural shade. But when limbs are damaged or diseased, a
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