Check out our July newsletter!
Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
JULY 2025
WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999
No matter your position in life, there’s something universal about the ups and downs we all go through. Whether it’s in life, sports, or work, you can give it everything you’ve got, and things can still just not come together. When I have days like this, it’s easy for me to compare them to when I might have gone 0 for 3 or 4 at the plate one day in baseball. You see it in the pros especially: Guys will sting the ball, but it’ll get caught or be just foul. We have to remind ourselves that failures are paramount in achieving success. A career in real estate can be similar. You can work hard and do everything right and still maybe not have anything to show for it that day. But that’s life, and I am realizing that makes each win that much sweeter. Additionally, I try not to hang on to the win or the loss from the day before. What matters is what I do today. How can I help someone get closer to their goals, dreams, or even just provide them with the hope they need to keep going? That’s how I learned to approach this job since I started, and it’s hard to believe that was six years ago this month. July marks the year’s midpoint, and for me, it’s a natural time to reflect. I’ve been fortunate to work a lot of long and exciting days since 2019. Late nights. Weekends. Holidays. It’s been a grind at times of course, like any job, but I’m so thankful for it. I’m thankful for the challenges, the growth needed to overcome them, and most of all the extraordinary people that have been brought into my life. And my family? I owe them a lot. They’ve had my back through all of it. My wife has dropped off open house signs for me when I forgot them more than once. She’s covered for me on things like dishes and yard work when I couldn’t get home. I don’t take her support lightly. The same goes for my clients. I don’t just show them houses or help them list their home. I try to be the person they can lean on. I think about what I’d want to know if I were in their shoes. What would I need to feel confident moving forward? Whether it’s a tricky Gratitude, Growth, and Real Estate A MIDYEAR MOMENT OF REFLECTION
inspection or a financing curveball, I want them to know exactly what they’re walking into with no surprises.
That kind of work takes energy and time. And sometimes, it can be mentally exhausting. Still, I absolutely love it and appreciate what it gives me in return. I care about getting it right and helping people make the best decisions for their future. Many people I’ve worked with over the years feel like family now, and when I’m helping them through something as important as purchasing or selling their homes, I take that personally. I want the absolute best possible for all my clients, plain and simple. If I had to pick one word to describe the market right now, it would be “opportunity.” Inventory is up, and if you’re clear on your goals and prepared, there are good moves to make. I’m not in the business of guessing what the rest of the year and beyond will look like — nobody knows for sure — but I do know everyone needs a place to call home.
If you’re ready to take that step or even just thinking about it, reach out. I’d be happy to help you explore the options.
—Gavin Vargas
1
WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999
FROM FARM TO FREEZER Freezing food — what’s not to love about it? Not only does it save time and reduce food waste, it also retains nutrients and keeps your favorites on hand and ready to use. Let’s dive into the many benefits of freezing your food and how it stacks up nutritionally. cases, they might even retain nutrients better than fresh foods stored for several days. What happens to food in the freezing process? Freezing Food Locks in Freshness and Nutrients
When you freeze food, tiny ice crystals form. The quicker the freezing process, the smaller these crystals, which is important because smaller ice crystals cause less damage to cell structures. This helps to preserve the food’s texture, flavor, and nutritional content. Fast freezing processes like those used commercially minimize nutrient losses and help preserve food close to its original state. Which foods freeze best? Almost any food can be frozen, but some handle the process better than others. Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon and lettuce, can become mushy when thawed because the large ice crystals rupture cells. However, berries, peas, corn, carrots, and greens like
Understand the cold, hard facts of nutrient retention.
Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, freezing food doesn’t change its nutritional value? Instead, it’s like hitting the pause button, especially for fruits and vegetables. The moment these foods are picked, they start losing nutrients. However, freezing them shortly after harvest (often done at the peak of ripeness) helps lock in vitamins and minerals. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, and, in some
spinach freeze well. Meats and fish are also great options for freezing. Are there any nutritional downsides? While freezing does an excellent job at preserving nutrients, water-soluble vitamins like B and C can be slightly reduced during the blanching process (a quick boil used primarily for vegetables before commercial freezing to inactivate enzymes that degrade quality). However, this loss is often minor compared to the losses during refrigeration over several days.
Price Is King
WHAT BUYERS NOTICE FIRST
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in real estate over the years, it’s that the asking price is the single most important factor of any property. We can clean, paint, and install every bell and whistle, but if the list price is not realistic, it won’t matter. I’ve had many conversations where sellers wanted to “test the market” and aim high to see what happens. When you do that, you automatically detour most of the buyers who might actually offer a price you would consider selling for. Most buyers are hesitant to offer below the asking price unless the property has been listed for an extended period of time. So, if we list at 650K when really the market is 620K and we would be okay with 620K, we are just wasting our time listing at a price that we know is a little high and the educated buyer (any buyer with a
smartphone and an app called Zillow) is willing to pay. And it’s important to remember they’re not looking at your home in isolation. They’re comparing it to every other listing that checks the same boxes. If everything else in your category is selling in the $350K to $400K range, and yours is sitting at $450K — even with extra upgrades — most buyers won’t even bother. They’ll keep scrolling. That doesn’t mean we have to undercut ourselves or leave money on the table, but we have to think like a buyer. 80% of the population will pay for a good value. So if homes in your home’s price range have sold 450–500K and yours is on the nicer end, even “the nicest,” start at the top of the range and let the market decide if it’s willing to pay above the top of the price range for it. A compelling price will
still attract multiple interested parties in almost every price point. Price is king in real estate; that’s why we need to carefully walk through the numbers. We look at comps and buyer behavior to get a good idea of what’s actually happening in the neighborhood. Timing and seasonality also play a big role. Pricing a home right at the right time helps keep negotiations in your favor and can result in a faster sale. If we get the price right, it sets the seller up for a strong negotiation prior to the transaction.
2 WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999
BUILD SMART
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
What to Know About ADUs
Ingredients
If you’ve been thinking about adding more space to your property, you’re not alone. More and more people in the Tri-Cities are looking into building ADUs or DADUs — that’s short for accessory dwelling units and detached accessory dwelling units. Basically, it means adding a separate space to your property, either attached or in a separate structure. It could be for aging parents, a college kid who’s home for the summer, or a quiet place to work. There have been many conversations about these in real estate lately. Some people want to keep their families close but not under the same roof. Others are looking at ways to bring in rental income. And in some cases, it’s both. These kinds of setups are becoming more popular, but there are a number of things to consider before getting started. The first thing to consider is your area’s zoning rules and requirements. One thing might be allowed in Richland, but it could be different in Kennewick or Pasco. Rules and regulations also differ between Benton and Franklin County. For instance, Benton County allows you to build an ADU that is up to 40% of your home’s footprint or 800 square feet, whichever is smaller. This means if your main house is 1,500 square feet, you’re looking at a max of 600 square feet for your ADU. If you plan to build one of these units, you must do your homework early. The last thing you want is to get deep into the process only to find out your lot didn’t meet the minimum size or there were other regulations you didn’t know about. That’s a waste of time and money. It’s also a good idea to have a clear reason for wanting an ADU or DADU. The “why” behind the build can really shape your decisions. If it’s for a tenant, maybe you need a separate entrance. You might want to keep it more connected if it’s for family. This kind of project can add both financial and personal value, but it might not be the right move for every homeowner. If you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk. I’m happy to help you look into it.
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
Solution on Page 4
WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999 3
Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
9527 Sandifur Parkway Pasco, WA 99301
2 1 INSIDE
The Heart Behind the Hustle
The Science Behind Frozen Food
Pricing Your Home the Right Way
3
New Ways to Add Living Space
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
4
With Luxury Minimalism, Live Well With Less Luxury Minimalism for the Modern Home WHY WE SHOULD CURATE, NOT ACCUMULATE
Step into a home where calm meets class; open spaces, quiet elegance, and thoughtful design turn everyday living into a curated experience. Luxury minimalism matches the sleek restraint of minimalism with the richness of high-end materials, creating a calming and refined home. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY In luxury minimalism, you choose every piece with care. Rather than filling a space with decorations or duplicate furniture, the goal is to curate, not accumulate. This means selecting fewer items but ensuring each is well-crafted, functional, and built to last. When designed with intention, a single, perfectly upholstered armchair can say more than an entire matching set. TIMELESS MATERIALS Luxury minimalists gravitate toward natural, enduring elements like warm
wood, cool stone, and tranquil bamboo. These elements age beautifully and add character over time, grounding your space in authenticity and durability. The blend of raw and refined textures creates depth without being overwhelming. A NEUTRAL PALETTE Color plays a subtle but essential role in this aesthetic. Soft neutrals like cream, taupe, charcoal, and muted grays form the foundation of most luxury minimalist spaces. These hues soothe the mind and allow your eyes to rest, setting a peaceful tone throughout your home. Accents in metallic finishes or rich earth tones can add contrast and sophistication. PURPOSEFUL DESIGN AND LAYOUT Every object has a role, and every room serves a purpose. Clean lines, open floor plans, and thoughtfully placed furniture
help create visual clarity and functional flow. Instead of crowding a space with décor, luxury minimalism encourages breathing room in a space dedicated to your lifestyle. SUSTAINABILITY WITH STYLE This lifestyle also embraces conscious living. By investing in a few high-quality pieces, you create less waste. Luxury minimalism is rooted in sustainability for the environment and for your peace of mind. Overall, luxury minimalism invites you to slow down, declutter with purpose, and surround yourself with beauty that endures. It’s about living intentionally with less noise, more clarity, and a quiet kind of sophistication that never goes out of style.
4 WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator