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 daughter has attended Kids World Childcare in West Richland and 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) 205-5657 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.

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 buying or selling advice, 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.

Many times before putting your home on the market, your real estate agent may suggest a little sprucing up of your home. Sometimes all you need may be a little art on your walls. It is an inexpensive way to make your home stand out from the crowd. Please do remember not to go overboard with art that is too taste specific and keep it neutral and simple. Don't get nailed with extra holes in your walls and poorly arranged pictures. Consider these tips before hanging artwork.

Arrangement is key

•· If you have several smaller items or a large wall on which to showcase your artwork, an arrangement may work best.

•· Artwork can be grouped by color, subject matter or by matching frames or mats. Consider varying the sizes and shapes of items to add interest to an arrangement.

Keep it orderly

•· To keep a grouping from looking disorderly, create a geometric shape with the outer edges and plan for at least one or two straight lines to run through the arrangement.

•· You can achieve cohesiveness by hanging items relatively close together so they seem like a unit. Make sure one item doesn't overshadow the others.

•· Items arranged in a V or inverted V shape lead the eye in a smooth fashion.

Location, location, location

•· Pictures should be at either standing eye level or seated eye level depending on the room. Place pictures where they won't be obscured by the head of a sitting person.

•· It's also best to mount items no more than one foot above furnishings. If you need to hang a picture higher, fill the gap with a vase or other decoration.

Put in on paper

•· Don't start hammering until you have a plan. First trace around the frame on a piece of paper, mark where the hook is and cut out the form. Place the paper on the wall and when it's where you want - nail it!

For more home selling and decorating ideas, contact Linda Garza at Cypress GMAC Real Estate (509) 205-5657 lindag@cypressgmac.com. Specializing in 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.

When you are preparing or have your home on the market, it is important to remember that first impressions mean everthing. Cleaning - really cleaning - your entire house was once a springtime ritual. Now laborsaving equipment and products make it easier to clean year-round. Regular as-needed cleaning is the best method because it's the most efficient. Saving jobs for one big binge in the spring or fall takes more time in the long run.

Daily

•· Clean up clutter as you go and wipe up spills as they happen.

•· Encourage family members to pick up, hang up, put away and clean up after themselves.

•· Wipe sinks after every use and clean the shower or tub.

•· Load the dishwasher as soon as possible, or put dishes in the sink to soak until you can wash them.

•· Get rid of rubbish. Place a trash compactor in the kitchen near recycling bins or in the garage to save on trips to the curb and reduce the volume in landfills.

Weekly

•· Clean your own way, but do it regularly.

•· Your schedule should include dusting and vacuuming of walls and woodwork.

•· Wipe door jambs with a detergent solution, dust windowsills and remove fingerprints with a spray cleaner.

•· While vacuuming, clean up any spots and stains you may see on the carpet.

•· Use a disinfectant in the kitchen and bathroom.

•· Try to clean one large appliance and one out-of-sight storage area once a month.

Sometimes potential homebuyers cannot see past the clutter so following these daily and weekly clean-up guides will help keep your home in tip-top shape year round.

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.

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 year 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.