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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
APRIL 2025
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Why 2025 Might Be Your Time to Buy
A few years ago, buying a home felt more like a high-stakes competition than an exciting life milestone. Often, I worked with clients who had little to no time to make an offer. If they didn’t act quickly, the house would be gone. To get the edge, buyers were waiving inspections, submitting offers well above the asking price, and even offering to cover the difference in appraised value to purchase price in the event the appraised value was lower than purchase price. Rather than choosing their dream homes, many buyers considered simply securing a home a win. The market today feels much different. For the first time in years, buyers have options. Inventory has expanded significantly, which means fewer bidding wars, opportunities to negotiate, and just better choices for your specific needs and preferences. Although interest rates are still a buyer pain point, I feel that 2025 might just be the best time to buy a home in the last five years. A Market That’s Finally Balancing With homes hitting the market and disappearing overnight, sellers had nearly all of the leverage a couple of years ago. Sure, it was fun for them to sell, but then more often than not, they would face the same kind of environment when it was time for them to buy. Most received multiple offers on their listings, and homes often sold above asking price. Now the power has shifted back toward buyers (more in some markets and price points than others). Inventory is higher now than I’ve seen in the last 12 months. Buyers can
take more time finding a home and are less likely to face a multiple-offer situation. Sellers are also aware of the shift and have begun to price accordingly. At the end of March of 2024, there were a total of 637 homes on the market for sale including both new construction and resale homes. Keep in mind, many of the new construction homes that were/are listed are ‘under construction’ and sometimes will not be completed for up to 6-12 months even though they are listed for sale as available for sale. As I write this today, March 23rd, we currently have 752 homes listed for sale in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and West Richland). We have 115 more homes available to choose from. More choices, as well as a whole other year of the market/builders/sellers/lenders etc. adjusting to interest rates in the 6%–7% range for the third consecutive year, have ultimately created a friendly shopping environment for homebuyers. Whether shopping for a new build or a resale home, buyers are getting great deals in 2025. Builders are competing to attract buyers by offering closing cost/interest rate buydown incentives and add-ons like fencing, landscaping, appliances, and more, allowing buyers to keep cash on hand. These upgrades, which buyers previously had to cover themselves, are now resulting in buyers moving into move-in-ready homes with minimal cash out of pocket. Buyers of resale homes are often walking away with instant equity because they are able to purchase property at or below
appraised values from sellers willing to make deals. We recently helped a first- time home buyer secure a home for more than $30k below appraised value. What an amazing way to start a real estate portfolio. Now Might Be the Time to Act After two relatively flat years of appreciation for our local market (about 4.5% total appreciation according the Federal Housing and Finance Administration), it looks like the Tri-Cities is poised for continued steady price growth as we are used to seeing. Since 1980, we average 4.5% appreciation year over year and have seen a 185% total increase in the most recent 20 years. Fifty more homes sold in January 2025 as compared to January 2024, which also shows activity has been increasing. Waiting for a perfect, predictable time to buy could leave you waiting forever. The best move is to buy when the time and property are right for you. “Time in the market beats timing the market.” If you’d like to discuss your options for investing in real estate or making a move, whether now or in the future, I would love to have an honest conversation with you.
—Gavin Vargas 1
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Explore the Tri-Cities Tri-Cities is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and spring is an excellent time to get outside before the weather gets too hot and the bugs come out in full force. Here are a few ways to enjoy the longer days and mild temperatures. Hiking and Biking The Best Outdoor Adventures Before Summer Hits
waterfront areas, and educational signage teaches about Lewis and Clark and local flora and fauna. Looking for a challenge? Chamna Natural Preserve offers an extensive trail network for mountain biking and trail running through diverse terrain. Boating and Fishing Spring weather in Tri-Cities may be too cool for swimming, but the balance of sunshine and light breezes is perfect for a day out on the water. The Columbia River offers endless opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking. Howard Amon Park provides easy access to the river and is a great launching point for your water adventure. The Yakima and Snake rivers also offer plenty of spring boating opportunities before the summer brings crowded waterways. If you’d rather enjoy a more stationary activity, spring is a prime time for fishing in the Tri- Cities region. While the Chinook runs don’t
Tri-Cities is home to miles of hiking and biking trails for all ability levels. Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve has several great options, including Badger Mountain Trail. The 3.2-mile hike is moderately challenging and rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the Columbia Basin. Those looking to extend the adventure can continue on the 6.8-mile Badger Mountain Skyline Trail or head to nearby Candy Mountain for more great views. If you prefer exploring on two wheels, the Sacagawea Heritage Trail provides a smooth ride along the Columbia River. The 23-mile paved loop connects to several city parks and
occur until the summer, the Columbia River is teeming with native salmon and steelhead year-round. Anglers can also target bass, walleye, catfish, and other non-native species. Top fishing spots along the Columbia include the John Day and McNary pools and Hanford Reach, a beautiful area where the Snake and Yakima rivers converge. Whether hiking, biking, paddling, or casting a line, get out and take advantage of all that Tri-Cities has to offer. Beat the heat, avoid the crowds, and skip the bug spray with a beautiful spring day outdoors.
RESTORE YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS LIKE A PRO Buff, Patch, and Polish
Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular options when designing or renovating a home. It’s incredibly durable, but that doesn’t mean it’s impervious to damage. Moving bulky furniture, wearing workboots or high heels, and letting your animals sprint through the house with long claws can leave your hardwood floors covered in scratches. Replacing it can be
expensive, so your next best option is to repair the damage yourself. Depending on the level of damage, you can use these tricks to help your hardwoods feel like new. Simple Touch-Ups After years of walking on your hardwood floors, you will notice a few scuffs and scratches. These are easy to take care of on your own. Using a soft cloth, apply a small dab of coconut oil to your floors and rub it in a small circular motion. After it sits for about five minutes, your floor will regain its shine. For minor scratches, you can use a touch-up pen or wax stick to fill in and cover any blemishes. Deeper Scratches Once the scratches and scuff marks become more pronounced, you’ll need to exert more effort. Start by using fine
steel wool to buff out any scratches. Just be sure you don’t push too hard! This will also remove the very top layer of wood, so you may need to apply some wood polish afterward to ensure your floor retains its shine. If that doesn’t work, you can also try wood putty. Start by cleaning the scratch before using a putty knife to place the wood putty into the gap. Let it dry, and sand it with fine-grit sandpaper until it’s level with the rest of your floor. You’ll then want to apply a shellac finish over the repaired area to protect your floor further. The Point of No Return If the years have really beaten up your floor, you’ll need to take more drastic measures. To unveil fresh wood, sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper or an orbital sander. Once again, don’t go too deep. After sanding, wipe the dust from the area before finishing it with a matching stain and seal.
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KETO LEMON GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN
Inspired by DietDoctor.com
Ingredients
REFRESHING YOUR YARD FOR SPRING
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4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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1 lemon, zest and juice
Simple Upgrades to Boost Curb Appeal
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
The weather’s heating up, and the days are getting longer, so many of us are heading outside to refresh our yards after a long winter. Trimming bushes and trees, planting flowers, and getting a head start on vegetable gardens are productive ways to enjoy a spring day. Yard maintenance also does wonders for a home’s curb appeal. The True Impact of Curb Appeal We all know “curb appeal” refers to things that make a house look nice from the outside — consider it your home’s first impression. But a well- maintained exterior also has a psychological impact. It signals to buyers and visitors that the entire home is cared for, influencing everything from buyer interest to resale price. Fortunately, making small, strategic improvements can go a long way in boosting your home’s appeal. High Impact Upgrades for Instant Appeal First, focus on the basics. A mowed, healthy, lush green lawn is the foundation of curb appeal, so spend time aerating, dethatching, and fertilizing to have a lush lawn for summer. Mulching flower beds and around trees is another easy way to make your yard look polished. Trimming and shaping overgrown bushes and trees creates a well-kept appearance and reinforces the impression that the property is well-maintained. Small exterior updates, such as swapping out your old mailbox and updating your front door hardware, can also refresh the look of your home in little time. While you’re at it, you can make a huge visual difference by power washing your home, sidewalks, and fences. If you want to sell your home, consider a few larger investments this spring as well. Refreshing exterior paint, replacing or repairing an old fence, and adding hardscaping features take curb appeal to the next level. Retaining walls and stone pathways enhance both function and aesthetics. You can also replace siding, repaint trim, and upgrade your aging garage door to dramatically improve your home’s appearance. Striking the Right Balance Every home has a different style, so the ways to increase curb appeal will vary. I recommend taking it piece by piece, as sometimes our neglected yard or exteriors can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, I’m fortunate to offer an outstanding team of landscapers, masons, painters, roofers, power washing, handymen, and more to help you tackle these little improvements that can have such a great impact.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
Solution on Page 4
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2 1 INSIDE
Home Buyers Are Winning in 2025
Your Guide to Spring Outdoor Fun
Quick Fixes for Your Scratched Hardwood Floors
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Make Your Yard Shine This Spring
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
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A Look at ‘Old Money’ Fashion
‘Old Money’ Style The Timeless Appeal of Quiet Luxury
Offering a vision of sophistication, the “old money” aesthetic stands apart in a world dominated by fleeting trends and fast fashion. The old money style, rooted in heritage and understated luxury, is making a comeback and captivating those who appreciate elegance, quality, nostalgia, and even sustainability in their clothing. Key Characteristics of Old Money Style The old money aesthetic is built on classic pieces that never go out of style. Think perfectly tailored blazers paired with cashmere sweaters, loafers with a patina that speaks to years of wear, or crisp button- down shirts tucked into high-waisted khakis. Accessories also play a subtle but crucial role — like a vintage leather handbag, a silk scarf, or subtle pearl jewelry. Craftsmanship and quality are paramount in every piece. Old money fashion emphasizes
premium fabrics like silk, wool, and fine cotton. Tailoring is equally important, ensuring each garment fits perfectly and enhances one’s silhouette. These materials and attention to detail let the clothing speak for itself without the flashy designs, cheap materials, and bold logos common in contemporary clothing styles. Of course, this aesthetic is also rooted in history. Heritage is a hallmark of old money fashion, and conservative cuts, neutral color palettes, and minimalist designs make up the look. This connection to the past gives old money style its enduring appeal and relevance even as fashion trends come and go. Why This Style Matters Today The old money style offers a refreshing alternative that values craftsmanship, tradition, and subtle elegance. It meets
a growing demand for meaningful and lasting clothing choices, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward timeless durability and quality. As consumers become more mindful of their purchases and seek longer-lasting products that won’t end up in a landfill after one season, enduring materials and designs become more appealing. Old money style also resonates because it transcends fashion and offers more than just a look. Ultimately, it connects a timeless approach to modern living and sustainability.
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