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Gavin’s HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
NOVEMBER 2025
WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999
Remembering the Heart of Our Family
GRATEFUL FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED
This time of year has me thinking about someone important.
you want to rise to the occasion. That’s just who he was, and it wasn’t just me. He did that for everyone. Whether you were a friend, a client, or an agent on his team, he found a way to invest in you with time, attention, or encouragement. At the office, he coached agents to grow their business and build a life they could be proud of. He wanted people to succeed, but not at the expense of their families or their health. He believed you could have both and showed that you could run a strong, profitable business while still having time to coach your kid’s team or show up for family dinner. And he didn’t just talk about it. He lived it. That’s the example he set for me, and it’s one I try to follow every day. Even when I first got into real estate and didn’t know what I was doing, he reminded me that helping people starts with listening. He’d say, “Figure out what they really need, and go from there.” Sometimes it meant showing a house. Other times, it meant introducing someone to a contractor or just being a sounding board on a hard day. He believed that if you focus on helping people and genuinely care, everything else, including income and success, will come. This will be the first Thanksgiving without him, and that still feels strange. He was the heart of our family and the life of every gathering. Most of us are on the quieter side, but not him. He was loud in the best way. He’d joke around, steal “tasters” from the grill, and make sure everyone felt included. He loved to connect and always made it fun to be together. I will miss him for the rest of my life, but more than anything, I’m thankful. I’m grateful I got to be his grandson and that he was in my life for as long as he was. And I hope I can live in a way that reflects the kind of man he was. If I could say one thing to him now, it would be simple. Thank you.
As some of you may know, my grandfather, Jeff Thompson, passed away recently. And while his absence still feels unreal, I’ve been thinking a lot about what he meant to me and so many others. There’s a good chance many of you reading this knew him. In fact, many people in our community knew him long before they knew me. He built Windermere Group One from the ground up and led the company for more than 30 years. But he was so much more than a managing broker or business partner. He was my grandpa, and more than that, he was the closest thing I had to a father. My dad wasn’t really in the picture when I was growing up. He was young when he had me, and while he was around here and there, I didn’t see him much. But grandpa stepped in from day one. He picked me up from school, helped me with homework, took me to taekwondo and baseball, and read to me at night. He made time for all the things that matter most. Looking back, I realize I got to grow up with someone who truly showed me what being a dad looks like. He believed in me and called on me to do more than I thought was possible. And he didn’t do it in a pushy way, but in a way that makes
—Gavin Vargas
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WINDERMEREGROUPONE.COM | (509) 420-3999
A House That Works for Everyone
Making Room for Multigenerational Living
Multigenerational living is becoming increasingly common, whether it’s aging parents moving in, adult kids returning home, or both. While this type of arrangement can be rewarding for many reasons, it takes careful planning and thoughtful remodeling to make it work well for everyone involved. Balance is the first thing to consider when taking on this type of project. Everyone needs their space, and working with what you already have is the easiest and least expensive way to provide that. That might mean converting a basement into a private apartment, adding a kitchenette to a bedroom suite, or turning an office into a bedroom. You’ll also want to consider accessibility. If you have aging parents moving in, walk through the property and assess how
easily and safely they can move through the space. Wider doorways, zero-step entries, and slip-resistant flooring are things to consider. A walk-in shower, grab bars, and adjustable showerheads in the bathroom can make a world of difference for safety. Don’t forget lighting. Maximizing natural light is ideal, but smart placement of lamps and fixtures also matters. Good lighting reduces the risk of trips and falls and helps make your home feel brighter and more inviting. Finally, storage tends to get very tight in a busy household. Use built-in shelving, under-bed drawers, and tall cabinets to maximize every inch of space. Multipurpose furniture pieces and closet organizers also keep things tidy without getting in the way.
You don’t have to start from scratch if you’re remodeling for multigenerational living. Just focus on smart changes that will make the house more functional and supportive of your family setup. With some adjustments to the layout and a little planning, you can create a space that offers both independence and togetherness, which helps everyone feel at home.
Buyers Weigh Their Next Big Move Do Lower Rates Change the Game?
It happened. The Fed recently cut rates, and you can already feel the change. Not long ago, buyers were seeing numbers in the high 6% and low 7% range. Today, some lenders are quoting in the low 6% range, and depending on the program, even the high 5% range. That kind of shift always gets people asking the same question: “Do I wait for them to go even lower, or is now the time to make a move?” It’s a fair question, and honestly, there’s no perfect answer. Rates move every single day. What I’ve noticed, though, is that waiting for the “right” number can turn into waiting forever. That’s why I encourage people to start conversations now. Sitting down with a lender gives you real numbers to work with and a better picture of your budget. You might be closer to your goal than you think. One of the things I love about this business is learning about the different loan products out there. I just heard about a program offering a 4.99% interest rate. To qualify, you need a 740 credit score
and 3% down. When you compare that to the 6% most people are paying right now, it makes a big difference in affordability. The program is a 10-year adjustable-rate mortgage, but for most people, that isn’t a problem. Ten years is a long time. By then, you may have refinanced or moved on to another home anyway. At the same time, I remind people that interest rates aren’t the main reason most folks buy a home. Rates affect what type of home you can afford, but they don’t create the need. Families typically buy because they want more space, to be in a different neighborhood, or to have parents move in. Those life changes drive decisions more than the daily rate updates. My advice is to talk with a lender you trust, run the numbers, and get clear on your options. If you need recommendations, I’m happy to connect you with people who will look out for your best interests. Waiting on the sidelines might feel safe, but taking the first step on your own is true progress.
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The Season Starts in the Kitchen A Taste of Gratitude Although this year carries a bittersweet note for our family, we still have plenty of reasons to feel grateful and excited for the season ahead. One of those reasons, at least in my house, is the smell of fresh bread and cookies coming from the kitchen. My wife has been baking up a storm recently. She’s turned out sourdough loaves, honey whole-wheat bread, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and even cinnamon rolls. She’s really gotten into it, and I have to say, she’s gotten good. It’s made the house smell amazing, and it has me looking forward to the holidays more than usual. I’ve been on a strict diet for the last little while, so the thought of getting to enjoy all that homemade food again is something I’m pretty excited about. Food you make at home just feels different than something you pick up. It takes time, effort, and care, and that shows up in the way it tastes. When someone puts in that work, it makes the food more satisfying. For me, it also makes the season more memorable. There’s something special about walking in the door and smelling fresh bread out of the oven, even if I’m not the one who gets to eat it that night. As we head into the holidays, I encourage more people to try something new in their kitchens. Even if you’ve never baked before, you can have a lot of fun learning. And this is the perfect season to experiment because you get to share the results with the people you care about. So, while the holidays will feel a little different this year, I’m grateful for the simple things that bring us together. For me, that’s freshly baked goodies on the table and family close by. I hope this Thanksgiving gives you the same mix of good food, good company, and plenty of reasons to feel thankful.
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Ingredients
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1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin
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1 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers or pecans 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)
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1 (10 oz) can evaporated milk
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1 cup light brown sugar
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3 eggs
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1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
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1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
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1 box yellow cake mix
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, add pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Stir to combine and pour into the prepared pan. 4. Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix on top, followed by nuts or graham crackers and toffee bits. 5. Pour melted butter evenly on top. 6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set and edges are lightly browned. 7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Inspired by CookiesAndCups.com
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9527 Sandifur Parkway Pasco, WA 99301
INSIDE 1
My Grandfather’s Lasting Legacy
2 Remodeling Tips for Shared Living
The Question on Every Buyer’s Mind
3 Fresh Bread and Family Gatherings
Pumpkin Dump Cake
4 Make Unforgettable Moments Right at Home BEYOND BOARD GAMES Unplug and Reconnect With These At-Home Family Activities
DIY Movie Theater Pick a movie, create homemade tickets, pop some popcorn, and let each person take a role: usher, snack stand operator, director of pre- movie trivia. It’s a great experience, especially if pajamas are part of the dress code! The ‘Yes Day’ Challenge Designate a day where each family member gets one “yes,” within reason. Whether it’s choosing dinner, picking a game, or deciding the music playlist for the evening, it’s a great way to give everyone a turn to feel heard and special. Story Time With a Twist Pass around a notebook (or take turns typing) and write a progressive story. Each person adds a paragraph without knowing what the next one will be. The results are usually hilarious and fun and make for great bonding experiences!
Sometimes, the best memories happen without ever leaving the house. In a world of busy schedules and nonstop notifications, slowing down at home with the people you love is more important than ever. However, “family time” doesn’t have to mean sitting silently in the same room, scrolling on
separate screens. Here are some fun, creative at-home bonding activities that go beyond the usual board game night. Family Cook-Offs Pick a theme: pizza night, taco bar, or “mystery ingredient challenge,” and split into teams. Whether it’s kids versus adults or a free-for-all, cooking together (and maybe making a mess) turns an ordinary evening into a delicious adventure. You can even offer bonus points for a judging panel and silly chef hats! Indoor Campout Turn your living room into a wilderness escape. String up fairy lights, pull out sleeping bags, and break out the spooky stories. Don’t forget to roast marshmallows over the stove, microwave s’mores, and get the giggles going with a game of Would You Rather? under your blanket fort.
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