Word(s) of the Month…

Studies have shown your income and wealth are directly related to the size and depth of your vocabulary. Here is this month’s word, so you can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten your wallet!)…

dawn chorus (standard pronunciation) noun phrase

Meaning: the birdsong at sunrise, especially in spring and summer. Dawn chorus was added to Merriam-Webster in September 2022. 

Sample Sentence: I awoke to the lovely sounds of a dawn chorus outside my bedroom window.

Have A Laugh

Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon?

Great food, no atmosphere.

How To Clean Your Fireplace

As cool temperatures settle in, it’s time to warm up by the fire. Before you strike a match, make sure your gas or wood-burning fireplace is clean and ready for the season.

• If your fireplace is gas, turn off the valve and give the burners time to cool completely.
• If your fireplace is wood-burning, remove burnt wood and any ash that has been collected.
• Vacuum up dust and debris from around the fireplace and its vents.
• Clean glass doors with glass cleaner and paper towels.
• Clean pokers and other tools with a scrub brush, dish soap, and water.

Quotes To Live By…

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.”

–Edith Sitwell, poet

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

–Aristotle, philosopher

“Wisdom comes with winters.”

–Oscar Wilde, poet

When It's OK To Buy Off-Brand

     If you're looking for ways to save money, I have an idea: consider buying off-brand items instead of brand names, especially when it comes to grocery shopping or stocking up on household items. You may be surprised at just how much money you can save.

     It's been proven that shoppers can save 15 to 30 percent off their grocery store bills when they choose store brands over brand names. Moreover, the FDA requires the same production standards for many items, regardless of whether they're brand names, store brands, or generic.

     The experts have even gone so far as to declare that we should always buy generic products, including prescription drugs, food storage containers, baking mixes, diapers, and even fresh produce. Check out these tips to hold on to more of your hard-earned money:

• Baking: Opt for the store brands of sugar, flour, salt, and spices, and you can save up to 400% off name brands on the same shelves, many of which can cost four times as much as the generic.
• Cleaning: Rather than paying more to fund advertising spent by name brands, choose store brands and generic household cleaners that hold the same punch. Whether it's oven cleaners, bleach, or detergents, chances are the lower-priced items are just as effective as their higher-priced equivalents.
• OTC Meds: If you've got a cold or a headache, the last thing you want to do is worry about getting the best deal. Please take comfort in knowing that the FDA requires that all store-brand medications have the exact active ingredient dosage and safety measures as the brand-name medicines they're up against. Decision made!
• Craft and Gift Supplies: Wrapping paper, gift bags, glue, paint, and greeting cards can all cost quite a bit more with a name-brand attached. Generic or store brands are just as good, and gift recipients won't be looking for a name brand on items like these.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

A Heartfelt Message To My Special Clients And Friends...

I want to share a little secret with you.  I don’t spend my time cold calling or pestering people for business.  Instead, I focus 110% of my efforts on giving such outstanding service that people naturally think of me when a friend, neighbor, or family member needs a caring and competent REALTOR®.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank all the special people who’ve helped build my business with their enduring support and referrals.  I couldn’t do it without you!

Brain Teaser

What do an island and the letter “t” have in common?

 (See page 4 for the answer.)

What's My Home Worth?

If you want to know your home's current value, I will gladly conduct a Maximum Value Home Audit. Request this "no charge" in-depth home value analysis by emailing me at [email protected].

Stop Cookies From Sticking

There’s nothing better than homemade cookies except eating them, that is! If you’re doing a lot of baking this holiday season, here are a few tips to keep cookies from sticking to the baking tray.

• Line the tray with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
• If you don’t have parchment paper or a silicone mat, grease the baking tray with cooking spray or shortening.
• Preheat oven thoroughly.
• If the oven does not cook evenly, rotate the baking tray at least once to ensure an even bake.
• Remove baked cookies from the tray as soon as they can hold their shape; cool thoroughly on a rack.
• If a cookie does stick to the tray, ease it off with a thin metal spatula.

Shop-Small Websites

“Shop small” and “shop local” are phrases we often hear this time of year. These websites will allow you to do just that without leaving the house.

www.etsy.com – The original online marketplace for makers, crafters, and artisans.

www.storenvy.com – A place for independent brands to sell their wares.

www.amazon.com/Handmade – The power of Amazon backs independent makers on its Handmade platform.

Kids' Lunch Box Mistakes

     During the school year, you set your kids up for success as much as possible–making sure their homework's finished, helping them get a good night's sleep, and trying to avoid chaotic mornings. Another way to pave the road to academic success is providing lunches to fuel their school days, but it's not always easy. Here's a look at everyday kids' lunch mistakes and simple solutions for a successful lunch for everyone.

1. Stay the course: A school lunch isn't the time to introduce your kids to new foods. Instead, pack familiar foods that they recognize will make them feel comfortable during a crazy and tiring day.

2. Keep it light: There may be a lot of distractions at lunchtime – recess, anyone? Don't be tempted to pack too much to eat. Instead, choose quick bites that serve as fuel on the go.

3. Pack the protein: Go easy on the carbs and sugars. Be sure to include protein in your kids' lunches, whether PB&J, ham and cheese, hummus, or string cheese. Not only will it keep them feeling full, but the protein will also help them stay focused through the afternoon.

 Bring Serenity To Your Home

     Our homes should be our sanctuaries year-round – a place to escape, recharge and reenergize for whatever may come our way. Discover a few ways to bring serenity to your home without breaking the bank:

• “A place for everything, and everything in its place” isn’t just a saying but a way of living. Reducing clutter in your home alleviates anxiety, helps you sleep better, and encourages a happier environment.
• Carve out some space for a reading nook, whether it’s a comfy chair tucked into a corner, a window seat with fluffy pillows, or a chaise with a throw blanket for a warming embrace. Flip on a nearby lamp, and you’re ready to dive into the latest novel for some quiet “you” time.
• Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers, potted plants, or an armful of tree limbs loosely arranged in a tall vase. Glimpsing these bits of nature within your home will boost your mood, reduce stress, and make you healthier and happier.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

FREE Consumer Help Is Just A Phone Call Away... 

Learn valuable secrets for saving thousands and avoiding costly mistakes when buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Best of all, it’s FREE. Ask about my “Insider’s Free Resources” by calling me at: (203) 243-3820 

DID YOU KNOW…

Thanks for your referrals! Unlike most real estate agents, I DON’T spend my time pestering people with phone calls or bothersome interruptions to find good clients. Instead, I dedicate 110% of my time and energy to providing outstanding service; people naturally think of me when a friend or family member needs help buying or selling a home.

Thanks For Thinking of Me!

Did you know I can help you or any of your friends or family save time and money when buying or selling a home? Thanks for keeping me in mind with your referrals…and spreading the word about my services.

Brain Teaser Answer:

They are both in the middle of water.

Wrap Gifts Like A Pro

You’ve found the perfect gift, and now it’s time to wrap it, but how? In addition to taking your time, here are a few tips to gift wrap like a pro.

• Place the gift in a box to avoid odd shapes to tackle.
• Pre-cut tape to leave hands free for wrapping. For an actual pro move, use double-sided tape.
• Measure the gift with wrapping paper before cutting to avoid coming up short. Add an extra inch or so for overlap.
• Fold the cut edges of the wrapping paper for crisp lines.
• Add a wow factor (or cover up any mishaps) with a decorative bow.
• Tie on a gift tag, and voila – your gift is ready to give!

Say This 3 Times Fast...

The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick.

THANK YOU for reading Rudy Perkins Realty, my newsletter. I wanted to produce a newsletter with great content that is fun and valuable to you. Your constructive feedback is always welcome.

AND…whether you’re thinking of buying, selling or financing real estate, or just want to stop by and say “Hi,” I’d love to hear from you…

RUDOLPH PERKINS

Rudy Perkins Realty

12032433820

[email protected]

_{Disclaimer: The information contained in this letter is intended for informational purposes. It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical or other professional services advice. Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This letter is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.}

Real Estate Corner…

Q: How can I secure a low mortgage interest rate? 

A: Securing a low mortgage interest rate helps make your monthly payment more affordable and saves money over the life of your loan. Besides using a larger down payment, here are three things to do to secure a low mortgage interest rate:

• Compare multiple lenders and meet with your top three. Review the application process and your credit report to start working on any issues you may have. The higher your credit score, the better prospect for a lender you will become. Lenders will review the various loan programs with you.
• Your debt-to-income ratio should be below 36 percent before you apply for a mortgage. The lower it is, the greater your eligibility for a higher loan amount.
• Don’t make drastic changes, such as changing jobs or making large purchases on credit cards. You want lenders to see you have a stable job history and the ability to make payments. 

To learn more, Email me at [email protected] to request my Free Consumer Report called.
“7 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Financing.”

     Do you have a real estate question you want to be answered? Feel free to call me at (203) 243-3820. Perhaps I’ll feature your question in my next issue!

www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

"Who Wants To Win A $50.00 Gift Certificate?

Then be the first person to answer this month's Trivia Question correctly. 

Last Month's Trivia Answer:

In what popular '90s TV series was
there a character called Carlton?
a) The Simpsons   b) Flash Forward  
c) The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air   d) The X-Files

      The answer is c) The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air streamed from 1990-1996 and has just made a comeback 31 years later!

This Month's Trivia Question: 

Which object does a male penguin gift to a
female penguin to win her over?

a) Ice cube b) Feather c) Fish   d) Pebble

 Email Me At [email protected],

And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!