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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
NOVEMBER 2024
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EVERY DREAM HOME HAS A DOG
A Real Estate Agent’s Lifelong Love of Pups
People say dogs are man’s best friend, but dogs were already my best friend when I was just a young boy. Some kids are into dinosaurs, pirates, or ninjas, but I was chiefly into dogs. Growing up, my favorite movie was “101 Dalmatians.” I must have watched it at least 101 times. I would watch anything that had a dog on the cover. I enjoyed the classics, like “Air Bud,” the movie that taught me dogs could play basketball, and “Homeward Bound,” which featured the heartwarming relationship between an older dog, a pup, and a sassy cat. More than just watching them on TV, I also grew up with dogs, and ever since childhood, I have had at least one four-legged canine companion. Thankfully, I married well, and my wife has had dogs throughout her life, too. Once we got married, we knew we had to get our own dogs. Now, we have two spectacular dogs named Moses and Owen. Personable Pups To paraphrase “Shrek,” dogs are like onions; they have layers. I love how each dog has their own personality — and a lot of it (in a good way). My wife grew up with dachshunds, which are especially personable hunting dogs. I love the breed’s affectionate, outgoing nature, so when we looked into adopting dogs, we naturally were attracted to dachshunds. While we were initially looking to get just one pup — little Moses — my mother-in-law convinced us to get his brother, Owen, as well. I was worried that with our busy work schedules, we would barely have time for one dog, let alone two, but I am glad I caved in. Adopting those two brothers and watching them grow together is one of the best decisions we have ever made. COVID Canines We got our dogs in February 2020. I don’t know if you are a history buff or not, but that was about one month before the COVID pandemic started. We ended up being stuck in lockdown with our pups for about three months. As a result, they did not learn to socialize with other dogs. They are getting better, but it’s slow
progress. I can only imagine what it was like for kids trapped at home all that time.
To add to that difficulty, while you would not think of it by looking at them because of the shapes of our dachshunds’ bodies, the size of their diaphragms, and their huge lungs, they have booming, thunderously loud barks. They are literally all bark and no bite. They might scare people with their yapping, but they are as cute, sweet, and docile as they come. However, we have gotten in the habit of taking them camping with us and taking them on 1.5–3-mile walks daily. Now, they are our trusted, loyal, and charismatic canine companions, and I am glad to have them around to help guide and protect our baby girl, who is expected to join us any day now.
—Gavin Vargas
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Looking to Buy Your First Home? HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SUCCESSFUL PURCHASE
Handling Existing Debt In the current real estate market, it is especially important to be pre-approved for a mortgage before making an offer on a home. However, getting pre-approved means qualifying for a substantial loan, which can be difficult for those who owe a substantial amount of money already. Mountains of student loan debt, car loans, and other expenses can hurt your credit and make it more difficult to become pre-approved. Before purchasing a home, it may be necessary to pay off your other debts and obligations first. Building Credit It can be difficult to secure a loan without having a well- established credit history. This is usually a large issue among younger millennials and Gen-Z home buyers. Some assume they have good credit just because they have steady employment, but that is not always the case. Paying your bills on time is one way to build your score. If you are struggling to remember to pay your bills every month, many services offer autopay that takes the stress of remembering what is due and when out of the picture. Having a credit card is a good way to build credit, so long as you pay it off each month. It is also important to keep the balance on your credit card below 30% of the maximum balance to increase your credit score gains.
The prospect of buying a new home — especially for first-time home buyers — can often be equal parts exciting and frustrating. The idea of a place to call and make your own is one many strive for. However, getting yourself into a position to make that purchase, from securing the loan to building credit, can be difficult without proper guidance. These are two issues first-time home buyers run into when looking to get pre-approved and how you can avoid them.
TRANSFORM ANY ROOM INTO YOUR ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT HUB
No house is complete without a dedicated space for entertainment. You need somewhere to play board games with your kids, watch a movie for date night, or finish the evening playing your favorite video game. Most houses don’t have a game room, so we usually have to turn a spare bedroom, basement, or den into one. You can design your dream game room in many ways depending on your interests. Here are three ideas to inspire your gaming paradise. The Movie Theater Treatment Going to a movie theater for a family night out or date night is a great way to spend an evening, but you don’t have to leave the house to capture the same magic. All you need is a big-screen TV or a projector, dimmable lights, a few recliners, and a way to play your favorite movies and TV shows. Not only will this become the ideal place to
watch movies, but it will also be a fantastic video game room for gamers of all ages.
to watch your favorite teams take the ice, court, or field. Of course, you need a screen to watch the game, but you’ll also want to decorate the room with some of your favorite athletes’ jerseys, pictures of pinnacle moments in your team’s history, and an air hockey or foosball table. This room will quickly become your friends’ and family’s favorite place to watch games.
A Space to Watch the Big Game Is the Super Bowl a can’t-miss event for you and your family? How about the Stanley Cup playoffs or the NBA Finals? If so, you should turn your game room into a dedicated place
A Tabletop Paradise For some, gaming screenless is their
preferred style. If so, you’ll want to create the perfect space for board and tabletop games. You need a large table that can easily fit everyone playing, comfortable chairs that promote good posture, and plenty of board games. You’ll also benefit from bright lighting in the room, or if you’re looking for something to shake up game night, add colorful lights that reflect the mood of any game.
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The Economic Landscape of the Tri-Cities GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY
Local Business Spotlight
Check out Divots Indoor Golf in Richland for indoor golf and other games in a welcoming atmosphere. They also serve a variety of beverages and appetizers! Location: 2450 N. Columbia Center Blvd. Richland, WA 99352
Washington’s Tri-Cities, comprising the cities of Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick and nestled on the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia rivers, are thriving. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts ample areas for hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports. The Tri-Cities also boast historic parks and museums, which celebrate everything from the area’s historic links with the Manhattan Project to its unparalleled night sky views. However, despite these intrinsic positives, the Tri-Cities’ rapid growth is mainly due to its vibrant and burgeoning economy. Let’s explore the diverse economy of the Tri-Cities, from agriculture to manufacturing. Washington’s Winery The Tri-Cities area has long been a boon for farmers, and our rich soil has contributed to our thriving wine industry. The Tri-Cities are known as “The Heart of Washington Wine Country,” and the region boasts over 200 wineries. If you want to try our rich vintages, you need only take a tour or visit one of the area’s many wine bars. Nuclear Legacy During World War II and the ensuing Cold War, the Hanford Nuclear Site produced plutonium for the Departments of Defense and Energy as part of the atomic weapon program. As a result, large amounts of radioactive waste were left that must now be assessed and disposed of. This clean-up project has contributed to the area’s burgeoning energy and radioactive sector and shows no signs of slowing down. Packaging in Pasco Amazon’s package hub in Pasco employs over 1,800 workers and processes millions of packages. Comprising multiple facilities, including an $11.8 million “last mile” facility, Amazon’s investment in the Tri-Cities is centered on its 162-acre property near the Sacajawea Historical State Park. Economists predict that the project will inevitably bring in hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of new jobs in the near future.
Contact: (509) 578-5749
Pictures With Santa! Celebrate the season with St. Nick! Bring your kids by for a picture with Santa on Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, hosted by Windermere Group One.
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9527 Sandifur Parkway Pasco, WA 99301
2 1 INSIDE
My Lifelong Love of Dogs
Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
How to Create the Ultimate Entertainment Room
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Exploring the Economy of the Tri-Cities
Local Business Spotlight
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Why Museums Are the Perfect Indoor Family Adventure Educational Adventures Await Discover the Hidden Benefits of Visiting Museums With Your Kids
With the weather cooling down as we approach winter, our opportunities to get out of the house and have fun with the family become more limited. Going to the zoo or visiting a local park isn’t the same when you have to layer up with coats, sweatshirts, and fuzzy hats. We must
find indoor alternatives to keep our kids entertained and excited, which can be a bit more challenging, especially if you’re looking for an educational excursion. While you could go to the movies or visit your local library, consider visiting a museum if you want something unique and fun. You can find museums dedicated to all topics, from natural history to modern art and everything in between. You simply have to find one in your area that appeals to your children’s interests. Your kids will benefit greatly by exploring and learning about a museum’s exhibits, and you may walk away with additional knowledge, too! Here are three benefits you’ll experience by visiting a museum. Enhanced Curiosity Museums are full of mysteries and discoveries that will be entirely new to you and your children. You’ll love exploring the meaning behind beautiful works of art or
determining the historical significance of unique artifacts. This curiosity may inspire your child to learn more about a specific period or explore a future career path when they’re older. Stronger Critical Thinking Skills Whether you’re looking at dinosaur fossils in a Natural History Museum or military artifacts in an American History Museum, there’s always something new to learn or discover. Your kids will love pondering what happened to the dinosaurs or what caused some of history’s most significant conflicts. Family Bonding One of the main goals of a family outing is to spend time with and learn more about your loved ones. Your kids will share their interests as they explore different exhibits, and you can ask questions to encourage their curiosity and love for specific topics. It’s a great way to learn about your kid’s likes and dislikes without asking them directly!
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