Client Spotlight: Charlie's Journey to Homeownership and Community Impact

Meet Charlie, one of our hero clients at Rethinking Real Estate. Charlie came to us with a tight budget, and we respected that, working diligently to find him a home that fit his needs. It wasn't easy, but we found the perfect spot for him just outside his initial search area. Fast forward a little over a year, and Charlie's story has blossomed in ways we could have only dreamed. He's been saving diligently to build a vegetable garden and a fence around his home. While the fence is still a work in progress, his vegetable garden is thriving! But here's the best part: Charlie's garden is producing more food than he needs, so he's been donating the surplus to his local food bank. Despite being on a restricted budget, Charlie believes in giving back and helping others. He truly embodies the spirit of community and generosity. 🌱❤️ Charlie reminds us all that homeownership is not just about having a place to live; it's about creating a space where you can grow, thrive, and contribute to the well-being of your community. Food Banks aren't just in Ephrata. We visited the Bonney Lake Food Bank and spoke with Kellie Fremont, Operations Director who took us on a tour of the whole facility. First we saw the market area which is a large open area where all you need to do is scan your card, and start shopping. It's as easy as that. From canned food to nuts, cheese, and milk, to chicken, pork, and vegetables, you'll find everything you need. Many of their vegetables and meats come from local farmers, BIPOC farmers, and women-owned or run farms. They even have young chefs preparing pre-made meals, so you don't have to cook if it's been a long day. Going back behind the scenes we met some of their dedicated staff and numerous volunteers who help bring in, store, and stock the food for families to shop. We also saw the large freezer and refrigerators where the volunteers box all the items for the lockers and put fresh vegetables and meat in the market refrigerators. Kellie summed it up perfectly in the attached video why their motto is "Community, Dignity, Equity.", and why they all do what they do. Kellie, Stacey, and their team are our community heroes. My words, not theirs. :)   The market is located at 24015 State Route 410, Buckley, WA 98321, and is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. If you can't make it during those hours, there are self-service refrigerated lockers at the entrance providing nutritious food with 24/7 access. Just place your online order and the volunteers will pull all of your items together and put it in the locker for pickup. GoodRoots also strives to bridge the gap between childhood hunger and access to healthy, nutritional food. By providing kid-friendly food bags, called POWER PACKS, to students every Friday during the school year and summer they are making a difference. Each bag contains enough food for the weekend, so students return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn. If you're thinking about how you can help your local food bank, consider Charlie's example. Whether you donate your time, money, or non-expired food, be a part of your community. Every little bit counts, and together, we can make a difference. 🏡💚 Feel inspired? Let us help you find a home where you can plant your roots and make a difference. Contact us today! Rethinking Real Estate 253-987-6789. Be a part of the Solution. #RethinkingRealEstate #CommunityImpact #Homeownership #GivingBack #LocalHero #FoodBankDonations #GrowYourCommunity        

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Savoring the Farm to Table Experience in the Northwest

If you've never experienced a farm-to-table event, you're missing out on one of life's most delicious and fulfilling adventures. We recently had the pleasure of attending such an event at Athol Orchards, and let me tell you, it was an experience to remember! Nestled in the picturesque Idaho mountains, Athol Orchards hosts this special event only twice a year. Run by passionate volunteers and the dedicated orchard owner and her veteran husband, this event is the epitome of fresh, local, and delightful dining. The Magic of Athol Orchards From the moment we arrived at Athol Orchards, we were greeted by a breathtaking view of the Idaho mountains, setting the perfect backdrop for our farm-to-table feast. The orchard is not just about apples, though they have an impressive variety. It’s also home to cows, chickens, and the charming Highland cattle, affectionately known as "hairy coos." The diversity of produce and livestock at the orchard plays a significant role in the farm-to-table experience. We were thrilled to learn that everything on our plates came from either Athol Orchards or neighboring farms. This close-knit community effort means that when you dine at such an event, you're directly supporting local farmers and their families. https://www.atholorchards.com/ A Feast to Remember The meal itself was nothing short of extraordinary. Picture this: tender pork and juicy chicken, both raised right there on the farm, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The honey, which added a touch of sweetness to several dishes, was from a neighborhood farm but they also produced their own honey on-site but had lost their hive over the winter so are starting from scratch. Our meal included fresh salad greens grown just a few feet from our table, ensuring the crispest and most flavorful salads. And let's not forget dessert! We indulged in homemade strawberry/rhubarb  and peach pies that tasted like a slice of summer heaven. Even the flowers adorning our table were from a nearby grower, adding a beautiful, fragrant touch to the already stunning setup. It was clear that every detail was meticulously planned to provide an authentic farm-to-table experience. Beyond Athol Orchards: More Farm-to-Table Adventures Athol Orchards isn’t the only place where you can enjoy such a unique dining experience. Here are a few other farm-to-table events a little closer to home that are perfect for special occasionsor if you want to support your local farmers: Roling Rocks Family Farm Saturday July 27th 5:30pm-9:30pm 11714 230th St E Graham, Wa   Widnor Farms July 13,20,27 1858 W Badger Road Custer, Wa   Grub Summer Farm Dinners June 27th 5:30pm-7:00pm 2016 N Elliot Ave NW Olympia   Dragon's Head Cider July 15th 5:00pm-8:00pm 18201 107th Ave SW Vashon The Joy of Supporting Local One of the most fulfilling aspects of the farm-to-table experience is knowing that you’re contributing to the sustainability and prosperity of local businesses. By choosing to dine this way, you’re not only enjoying the freshest food possible, but also supporting the hardworking farmers who are dedicated to providing quality produce and meats. Final Thoughts Our experience at Athol Orchards was unforgettable. The combination of delicious food, stunning scenery, and the warm feeling of community made it a truly special event. It was wonderful to engage with other diners, sharing stories about life and what brought them to this beautiful area. If you ever get the chance to attend a farm-to-table event, especially at a place like this, don’t hesitate. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the beauty and bounty that local farms offer and the joy of strangers coming together to form a vibrant, connected community.

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Thinking of Trading Rain Boots for Cowboy Boots?

  Did you know 86 people PER DAY moved to Nashville in 2023? It's still one of the top cities to move to in 2024. With stats like that, we had to check it out for ourselves and see how it stacks up for our fellow Washintonians considering the move.  1. Weather We left Seattle in the morning, with a crisp 46 degrees and the usual gray sky giving the airport streets a cozy, damp charm. Arriving in Nashville in the afternoon, we were greeted by a wall of humidity so thick you could swim through it. Don, who sees humidity as a plague, started sweating instantly. It was like Nashville said, "Welcome! Here, have some instant perspiration!" Nashville had just endured a week of thunderstorms and flooding, and we arrived just in time for the grand finale of storms. The next day, the skies cleared, and we enjoyed a few sunny days with temperatures soaring to 88-90 degrees, paired with  a little humidity, Locals told us summer temps can hit 115-118 degrees on some rare summer days. Our weather adventures didn’t stop there. We witnessed a rare event: the simultaneous emergence of two broods of cicadas, a phenomenon that hadn't occurred in over 220 years. One brood follows a 13-year cycle, and the other a 17-year cycle. Don had a few of them fly into his mouth while using the city scooters to get around. Their sound can be intense if you're near a large community of them—you can even hear them with your windows up on the interstate. It really was an incredible sight--you could see pedestrian walking down the street swatting at the air to get them out of their hair and off their body. From Seattle’s cool drizzle to Nashville’s steamy vibe, we learned to laugh and sweat it out! 2. Coffee Culture Seattle is the holy grail of coffee culture. Home to Starbucks and countless independent coffeehouses, Seattle takes its caffeine seriously. While the current #1 Barista might be in Los Angeles, it doesn't mean we don't know our jitter juice. In fact, we rank among the top three cities for most coffee drinkers in the United States. Nashville, on the other hand, makes you work a bit for that perfect cup. Great coffee isn’t on every corner downtown, so coffee lovers might need to hunt for their favorite spot. However, once you find it, you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals eager to help you feel at home. Everywhere we went, people couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. 3. Music Scene In Nashville, live music spills out of every honky-tonk on Broadway. Country music reigns supreme, but you’ll find rock, blues, and jazz if you know where to look. Everyone’s a musician, from your Uber driver to your wait staff to the farmer's market. Locals say, "You need to do Broadway once," and we did, but we discovered smaller bars like The Station Inn for nightly Bluegrass, and Skulls Rainbow Room in Printer's Alley for jazz that allowed us to enjoy the creativity of the musicians. Seattle, the birthplace of grunge, offers a diverse and vibrant music scene. Known as the "City of Music," Seattle boasts more than 80 clubs and venues. From sizzling Jazz Alley to the latest indie bands, there's something for everyone. Though different in style, music is the heartbeat of both cities, creating energy and fostering creativity throughout the streets. 4. Architecture Nashville, established as a city in 1806, showcases architecture that emphasizes historical elegance and Southern charm, with touches of Art Deco. History is evident wherever you go, from Greek Revival structures to modern-day skylines, including the iconic Batman Building. The city boasts an incredible variety. Walking through the neighborhoods, you’ll find a mix of Victorian, Art Deco, Civil War-era influences, and modern styles all on the same street. Checkout this hotel lobby which used to be the main train station: Seattle, established as a city in 1869, is defined by modernity, innovation, and environmental consciousness, with hints of Neoclassical and Nordic influence. Strolling through Seattle, you'll encounter Victorian homes alongside the Seattle Box style, Dutch Colonial houses, and Northwest Contemporary designs. 5. Cuisine Contrasts Nashville is famous for its Hot chicken, barbecue, and Southern comfort food. Meals are hearty, and sweet tea flows like water. Smashburgers, bourbon, and shrimp and grits are worth taking the time to find. Don't miss going to The Butter Milk Ranch. The pastries are must-tries. We faced a 2.5-hour wait at this bakery on a Sunday--I know, DUMB to go that day, so we decided to get some to-go items and then start a Sunday drive, and they were fantastic (as you can see from the photos above). In Seattle, we know seafood, especially salmon and Dungeness crab—there's even a city named after the crab. The farm-to-table movement thrives here, with farmers markets in almost every neighborhood. Seattle's rich cultural diversity offers a plethora of Asian and Pacific Island cuisine, introducing a whole new palette to our taste buds.  From Nashville's spicy, hearty meals to Seattle's fresh, diverse flavors, both cities offer culinary delights for everyone. As foodies, Don and I can appreciate the blend of spices that create these amazing dishes. It's one of our favorite parts of the trip. EATING     6. Outdoor Adventures In Nashville, the Cumberland River weaves it way through the city's streets and bridges and whether you take a kayak out and get some exercise or sit on a paddle boat, it is the perfect river to enjoy the view. Once out of the city, the rolling hills immediately greet you and there are some amazing hikes and trails to experience. If you are a history buff, just wandering the hills will take you back centuries to the beginning of our country. Want a little challenge hike a 60 foot waterfall that is so beautiful. In Seattle where we are surrounded by mountains and water, Seattle is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Kayaking on Lake Union, hiking in the Cascades, and skiing in the winter are just a few of the options. Oh an don't forget the incredible beaches and coastline. As they say in Seattle, ski in the morning, lunch in a kayak and dinner on the coast. We really can do it all here. 7. Tech vs. Traditions Nashville's work scene is a dynamic blend of traditional industries and innovative startups, fostering a vibrant and diverse job market. The city is experiencing booming growth in sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology. We visited a candy shop where the owner, a former Cordon Bleu chef, returned to Tennessee to launch his business, creating amazing chocolate flavors. If you have a chance, check out his store, Oliver and Sinclair. Seattle: Home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle is a hub of innovation and progress. The pace is faster, and the skyline dotted with cranes is a testament to its rapid growth. We also have some amazing food created just here like Korean BBQ and philippino and portugese bakery items. An amazing place to find pastries is 85 C Bakery cafe.    Conclusion: Finding the Sweet Spot After visiting both cities, it's clear that each has its unique charms and quirks, yet shares some similarities. Whether you're soaking up the sun at a country music festival in Nashville or sipping a handcrafted espresso on a rainy Seattle morning, it's all about embracing the differences and finding joy in the journey. Each city has so much to offer. If you're considering making the move to Nashville or Seattle, we are here to assist with all your real estate needs. Whether you're looking to sell or buy in Seattle, or need expert advice for a smooth transition to Nashville, we've got you covered. We can even suggest some great spots in either city. At Rethinking Real Estate, we’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Let's make your next move your best move

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