Linda Garza

Tips to help you find a local child care provider and or babysitter.

You've found your new dream home, you love the new neighborhood and the area is perfect.  If you are a homebuyer with children, you will probably have a need for a childcare provider for your young child if you work out of the home during the day, and before or after school care for your elementary school aged children. This is one of the first things that you have to think about after settling in to your new home.

In our Tri-Cities, Washington community (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) and surrounding areas, there is quite a large selection of childcare providers to choose from.  I have listed a few providers that I have used in the past with my children as well as others that I have heard good things about.  My youngest child has attended Kids World Childcare in West Richland and Center Director Christy and her staff were absolutely wonderful. They truly were a blessing to me knowing that my little one was being taken care and given such great care throughout the day. I would recommend them to anyone. My older children have attended KinderCare Learning Centers (Kennewick location) as well as the YMCA summer programs and Boys and Girls before and after school programs and have had great experiences there too.

KinderCare, 306 Torbett Street, Richland, WA 99352-2604 www.kindercare.com Ages: 12 mos. to 12 Year-Olds, Open: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM Monday - Friday

North Richland KinderCare, 2995 Einstein, Richland, WA 99354 www.kindercare.com Ages: 6 Weeks to 12 Year-Olds Open: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM Monday - Friday

Kids World Childcare, 2901 Bombing Range Road, West Richland, WA 99353 http://www.kidsworldchildcare.net/ Phone Number: (509) 967-9150 4 weeks to 5 years and up (in school)

Kids World Childcare, 814 Comstock Street - Richland, WA http://www.kidsworldchildcare.net/ Phone Number: (509) 946-1882 12 months to 5 years

Kids World Childcare, 820 North 20th Avenue Pasco WA 99301 http://www.kidsworldchildcare.net/ Phone Number: (509) 545-3379 4 weeks to 5 years

YMCA - www.ymcatricities.org The YMCA offers before and After School Child Care for all Kennewick Elementary Schools. YMCA Child Care focuses on enrichment programs for children ages 5-12 that are safe, nurturing environment and state-licensed.

http://www.ymcatricities.org/preschool.htm YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center offers full time, state licensed child care for ages 2-5. The center is located at office at 1234 Columbia Park Trail in Richland. The Early Childhood Learning Center features the YMCA Creative Curriculum for Preschool as part of a dynamic, fun filled day.  They offer child care service from 7AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday.

Boys and Girls Club www.kidexpert.org Provides Kinder Club programs (turns a half day of Kindergarten into a whole day of learning and fun) at a few local schools and before and after school care at local schools.

As for babysitters, I have learned that referrals from friends, relatives, church and coworkers have been my best source.  Definitely ask around.  Everyone will certainly have someone they know and trust to take care of their children for a dinner or night out and trust goes a long way.  I have also found that once you have found a couple of providers that interest you, check them out - get references.  A visit during the day when the kids are there and interacting with each other and the provider will tell you a lot about what really goes on after parents leave for the day.  Use a questionnaire to rate the potential provider. Here is link to a questionnaire that I have found very useful http://www.4women.gov/Pregnancy/tools/checklist.cfm.

Good luck and happy babysitter hunting!

For more homebuying and selling advice, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-5657lindag@cypressgmac.com.  Specializing in Tri-Cities Washington Real Estate! Real Estate Services for Kennewick, Richland and Pasco Real Estate!  Putting your family first is my #1 priority! Search for properties on my website www.lindagarza.com.

You've bought your dream home ~ time to start packing, but don't forget about helping your kids adjust!

If you have children, this new move may bring about many different feelings - some are scared, some are excited, some may even be angry. These are just a few of the feelings kids have about moving. A move isn't easy for anyone, even for adults. Moving for children can be a time for some great new things - like a new room or a new place to explore - it can also be a time that's sad and stressful, too. Here are some ways to make a move a little easier.

Talk, Talk, Talk!

Tell your children immediately about the move. Be honest, tell them why - whether it is because of a new job or to be closer to Grandpa and Grandma. Be positive and enthusiastic and your children will feel that from you. Children need time to adjust and get used to the idea of moving. As we all know, it really is a big deal and the sooner they know, the more time you have to talk over all the questions that they might have. Questions like, what school will I go to? Will I still be able to play baseball and take my guitar lessons?

Be Prepared to Have the Answers!

After you tell your children the great news about the move, most children will have lots of questions. The more you know; the better. Do some investigating ahead of time. You can get online and investigate your new community, or ask your real estate agent for advice on local community resources. If you can help your children connect with the new community personally, it may make things easier. Children will feel less nervous when they know what to expect and may even start to feel excited once they see what lies ahead.

Check It Out!

If you can, take the family for a tour of the new house and area. You can point out all the local parks and activities around your new home. It will give you a chance to let the kids see their new rooms and imagine how they will decorate it. Who knows, they may even run into other kids in the neighborhood and make some new friends. Make it a point to drive by and visit their new schools. You can stop in and meet their new teachers and let them see the activities that their school offers.

It's Hard to Say Goodbye!

It's always sad to say goodbye to friends, family, and neighbors. You can help make it a little easier if you give your children notebooks ahead of time and let them have everyone write down his or her address, phone number, and email address. If you have a camera or video camera, take lots of pictures or videos of friends, favorite places, and your neighborhood. Your children may really enjoy putting together a scrapbook or shoebox full of things that remind them of their hometown and all of their friends.

Get Moving!

The more the merrier! Let children know that you will need their help. Give everyone a responsibility, hand out checklists of things to do and let them know how much you appreciate their help. It is sometimes useful to pack a "first night box" for each family member, especially your children. You can fill these special boxes with everyone's favorite things and things you'll want to have as soon as you get there. This can include personal items such as stuffed animals, photos, and other things that will make you feel at home. It's also a great idea to include things you'll need the first night, such as sheets for your bed, a pillow, pajamas, toothbrush, and other must-haves. Clearly mark these boxes with your names on it so you can grab it when it comes off the moving truck.

The Big Day!

Moving day is usually filled with many different emotions. Your children may cry when they leave your old home (you might too). Be there for extra reassurance that things will be okay. When you get to your new house, unpack your special boxes of favorite stuff. That will help them feel more at home. They can even hang up pictures of their friends and favorite places in their new rooms.

Settling In!

Adjusting to your new home and community might take some time. Let them take it slowly and give the new place a chance. As we all know, starting a new experience is tough and some people adjust right away and some take time. A new house, new school, new friends and neighborhood...be patient. Hopefully little by little, they will feel at home. Try to get them involved in the same types of activities they were previously in whether it may be soccer, ballet, gymnastics etc Or you can try to get them involved in something completely new. There are many ways for you to help your children find new friends; karate lessons, piano, guitar, art classes, etc. - the sky is limit. The more opportunities you give your kids to be involved in, the more your new town will feel like home.

Keep in Touch!

Old and new friends, how cool is that! Have your children use that notebook filled with contact information from your old town to keep connected. Have them send postcards and pictures from your new city and it can be fun to get email or letters from them and to catch up on what's new.

For more home buying and selling advice, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-0859 lindag@cypressgmac.com. Specializing in Tri-Cities Washington Real Estate! Real Estate Services for Kennewick, Richland and Pasco Real Estate! Putting your family first is my #1 priority! You can also search for properties on my website www.lindagarza.com.

2009, here we come! December is almost here, Christmas is fast approaching and January 2009 is right around the corner...where did this year go! Time sure does fly when your having fun! I know sometimes trying to sell your home during the holidays doesn't seem like fun. Keep up the faith, some homes do actually sell during this time of year and there have been offers that have come in on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or even New Year's Eve! In the Tri-Cities, if you are in the market to buy a home, it's still a great time to do it. If you listen to the mainstream media and press, you may have heard that lending has all but ceased. Don't believe everything you hear. Talk to your local lenders. If you have good credit, money in the bank and fit their lending criteria, you can get into your new home today!

Deals, deals and more great deals. There are a wealth of great buys on the market right now in the Tri-Cities. If you have been looking, now is the perfect time to act. 2009 Outlook... So far there hasn't been a lot foreclosures in the Tri-Cities. Contrary to popular belief, the foreclosures that are on the market aren't being sold for dirt cheap. The banks are in the business of making and lending money and they do not want to sell their foreclosures at a dramatic loss. If you are interested in buying one, you will need to have cash in the bank. Some homes may also need need a little work. The Tri-Cities is still a great place to buy or sell your home.

For more home selling advice, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-0859 lindag@cypressgmac.com. Specializing in Tri-Cities Washington Real Estate! Real Estate Services for Kennewick, Richland and Pasco Real Estate! Putting your family first is my #1 priority! You can also search for properties on my website www.lindagarza.com.

Winter is almost here. November through January is often thought to be the most difficult to sell your home - the dreaded "the Holiday Season". While the thought of selling your home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, the season does have its advantages: holiday buyers tend to be more serious, and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed.

Decorate, but don't go overboard. Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor. A front lawn covered with inflatable Santa's and reindeer will distract buyers from actually seeing your home. Same goes for the inside, don't cover every inch of your home with holiday collectibles and decor. Keep it simple and allow your decor to highlight your homes selling points (bright open spaces, etc.).

Hire a dependable real estate agent. Find someone who will be there and won't disappear when you need them. Get recommendations from friends and family - it will help ease the stress so that you can enjoy your holidays.

Target your buyers. Anyone house hunting during the holidays must have a good reason for doing so. Buyers are often more serious about buying. Work with your agent to target buyers relocating for jobs in your area etc.

Price it right. A home that's priced appropriately for the market will make buyers happy.

Curb appeal is a top priority. Keep up the appearances. Touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers' safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice and leaves.

Take high quality real estate photos. Home buyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet. Make a good first impression by offering lots of great quality photos of your home. If possible, have a summer or spring photo of your home available so buyers can see how it looks year-round. You can also create a video tour for the Web. You'll get less foot traffic during the holidays, thanks to inclement weather and vacation plans. But shooting a video tour and posting it on the Web may attract house hunters who don't have time to physically see your home or would rather not drive in a snowstorm.

Make it feel like home for your buyers. Welcome them in to your home by making your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by setting the fireplace or turning up the head, playing soft music and even fresh baked cookies or treats (just the smell of freshly baked goodies is also a treat). When you encourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you also give them more time to admire its best features.

Relax -- the holidays will soon be over and the New Year is just around the corner. Take a moment to remind yourself that if you don't sell now, there's always next yea which will come soon enough. Happy Holidays and Happy Home Selling!

For more home selling and decorating ideas, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-5657 lindag@cypressgmac.com. Specializing in Tri-Cities Washington Real Estate! Real Estate Services for Kennewick, Richland and Pasco Real Estate! Putting your family first is my #1 priority! You can also search for properties on my website www.lindagarza.com.