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March 2023
New Haven, CT
Rudolph Perkins Presents...
Rudy Perkins Realty Newsletter!
"Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living..."
When asked to do something with or for someone else, the natural inclination for many of us is to say "yes," even if we want to say "no." That inclination stems from parts within us that we may not even be aware of, including avoiding conflict or confrontation, wanting to please others, the fear of missing out (FOMO is real!), or simply a compulsion to say "yes" to anything.
For our mental health and time management, however, it's essential that we learn to say "no," and that it's OK to do just that. Why is saying "no" important? For one thing, saying "no" helps you set boundaries in your personal and professional life. And one of the benefits of saying "no" is that it allows you the space and time to make better decisions.
If you're not used to it, saying "no" can be challenging. Here are a few tips that can empower you when the time comes:
- Rehearse: Ask a friend or confidant to help you rehearse what you'll say to the person who's asked you to do something. Talking it through a few times will help you be prepared when the time comes. Have your friend be the asker and practice a few different ways to say "no" gently but firmly.
- Offer alternatives: It can be challenging in the workplace, but rather than replying with a hard "no," consider offering options. For example, if your boss asks you to take on a project and your workload is already heavy, propose an extended deadline and ask how your projects should be prioritized.
- Be honest: There's no need to lie when saying "no." Instead, your reply can be as simple as, "I'm afraid I can't," or, "Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm unable to."
Lastly, remember Warren Buffett's quote: "The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything."
www.rudyperkinsrealty.com
How To Get Top Dollar Selling Your Home
If you’re considering selling your home soon, request my Free Consumer Guide, “7 Insider Tips To Net More Money Selling Your Own Home.” This report will be your secret weapon to maximize the net profits from the sale of your home. You can get a free copy by emailing me at [email protected]...
Word 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 that you can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten your wallet!)…
Desk-bombing noun
Meaning: unexpectantly stopping to talk with someone at their desk rather than calling on the phone or sending an email. Desk-bombing was added to the Cambridge Dictionary in December 2022.
Sample Sentence: Sara keeps desk-bombing me throughout the day, interrupting my workflow.
Have A Laugh
Why is it a bad idea to iron your four-leaf clover?
Because you shouldn’t press your luck.
Keep Indoor Plants Watered
Indoor plants brighten up our living spaces and help provide a cheery atmosphere. Here are a few tips on making sure you’re watering your plants correctly.
- Determine how much water your plants need. For example, tropical plants need more water than succulents, which like to stay on the drier side.
- Water the soil, not the leaves.
- Consider the season: plants need less water in winter than in summer.
- If you overwater, no worries – pour out the excess.
Quotes To Live By...
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
–Malala Yousafzai, education activist
“I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”
—Rita Rudner, comedian
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity.”
–Amelia Earhart, aviator
Air Fryer Mistakes
If you’re a fan of air fryers, you’re not alone: 26 million of these countertop cookers have been sold in the past two years. Rather than frying food, air fryers cook faster and with less fat by blowing hot air around the food that sits in a basket or on a tray, depending on the model used.
Are you using your air fryer correctly, though? These tips will help you be a fry pro:
- Rather than using extra virgin olive oil or another low smoke point (the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke) vegetable oils, opt for avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oil, which have higher smoke points and are better for higher-temperature cooking.
- Don’t let your food get blown around–use toothpicks to keep lightweight foods – think kale chips, quesadillas, even grilled cheese – in place, so they cook evenly and stay put.
- Avoid uneven cooking by moving food around in the basket or tray once or twice to ensure the hot air covers it evenly.
Keeping small spaces clutter-free is critical, especially regarding bathrooms on the leaner side. These ideas can help organize your room and streamline morning and nighttime routines.
- Hang a caddy over your showerhead and fill the shelves with soap, shampoos, conditioners, and anything else you reach for in the shower or tub. If a shower caddy doesn’t work, a tension corner caddy with plenty of shelving is another option.
- If your sink has a cabinet, consider buying small baskets or a shelf to organize items. There are shelf organizers made to fit around the plumbing, too–visit the Container Store to see options or search online for “under-sink storage.”
- Mount a slim shelf above the sink to hold a toothbrush holder and soap dispenser and over the toilet for extra towels and rolls of toilet paper.
- A slim rolling cabinet can fit in a small space and hide away unsightly tools or clutter. Plus, more counter space on top!
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…
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 such outstanding service; people naturally think of me when a friend or family member needs help buying or selling a home. Thanks for your referrals!
Brain Teaser…
Give me food, and I will live. Give me water, and I will die. What am I?
(See page 4 for the answer.)
Real Estate Question?
Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Or perhaps you need a recommendation for a handyman, carpet cleaner, or plumber…Either way, I love hearing from all my good friends and clients. And I’m happy to help answer questions you might have about anything relating to real estate or home ownership.
If you have a question, tip, or idea, email me at [email protected]. I’m here to help!
Keep Your Calls Clean
Our cell phones go everywhere with us and deserve a little TLC, too. These tips from the Federal Communications Commission will keep your phone clean and sanitized.
- Unplug your phone.
- Wipe with a barely-damp lint-free cloth (soap and water) or alcohol-based wipes.
- Don’t use cleaners with bleach, abrasives, or aerosol sprays.
- And now that it’s clean try to wash your hands often before touching your device to keep it clean.
Did You Know?
The only times of the year that the sun rises due east and sets due west are during the fall and spring equinoxes.
Vacation Home Rental Websites
Plug your criteria into these websites and find the perfect spot for your next vacation.
www.airbnb.com – The original vacation home rental site offers experiences to make the most of your time away.
www.vrbo.com – More than 2 million homes worldwide await, from tiny houses to elaborate estates.
www.flipkey.com – Powered by the muscle of TripAdvisor with rentals in 190 countries.
Lending Money To Friends Or Family: Good Idea?
A Dutch proverb reads, “Who ventures to lend loses money and friend,” Often, the same can be true of family. Understanding the circumstances in which you’re being approached for a loan by a friend or family member, and putting parameters in place from the start, can keep the sentiment of that proverb at bay and your relationships intact.
A study by Finder a few years ago found that one in three people surveyed borrowed money from someone they knew, so numbers suggest you’ll likely be asked to loan money at some point in life. If you’re the lender, saying no to loved ones who need financial help can be challenging. If you are approached by a friend or family member for a loan, here are a few things to remember before opening your wallet, checkbook, or cash app.
- Have an honest conversation: What will the money be used for? How does the person you’re lending money to plan to pay it back?
- Approach the loan as a business transaction: Draft a contract that clearly defines the amount of the loan and the timeframe in which the money will be repaid. You may want to include an agreed-upon payment plan that outlines how and when money will be refunded, e.g., in monthly installments.
- Try to keep expectations low. While you are treating the loan as a business transaction, it isn’t. It’s a much more casual deal between friends, and often the loan recipient won’t feel pressed to make regular payments. If you can privately see it as a gift, you won’t be upset when it takes longer to be paid back or if you don’t receive the total amount.
- Consider the person asking. If someone asks you for money repeatedly and doesn’t keep up their end of the deal, it’s a no-brainer to hesitate the next time they ask. Remember–it’s ok to say “no”!
www.rudyperkinsrealty.com
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Every month I acknowledge all my clients and good friends who support me and my business with referrals, word of mouth, and repeat business. Thank you, I couldn't do it without you.
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:
Fire
Which Streaming Service Is Right For You?
Streaming TV is now mainstream, and there are plenty of options from which to choose, so how do you know which is right for you? Well, it depends on your TV-watching habits and how much you want to spend. Here are a few ideas to get you started using your smart TV or a streaming device like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Roku Streaming Stick. Check out:
- Live TV: YouTube TV, Hulu, Philo, Sling
- On-Demand: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Crunchyroll, HBO Max, Starz
- Sports: DirectTV Stream, fuboTV, ESPN Plus, YouTube TV
- Kids: Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, PBS Kids, KidoodleTV
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
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.
Q: Can landscaping make a difference when I'm trying to sell my home?
A. Here are some ideas to get more offers on your property.
- Consider a low-maintenance landscaping concept. Having little or no natural grass and rock gardens is perfect for busy professionals and retirees looking at your home. Also, consider using native plants because they are colorful, require little fertilizer, and need no additional water or special attention.
- Keep your foundation plants pruned. Make sure plants are low enough against the windows and railings. This keeps a well-maintained appearance and makes your home look more secure.
- If you are short on time, hire a professional. A professional landscaper can rid your yard of weeds and dead spots. This ensures a healthy-looking yard.
Learn more about selling your home in my Free Consumer Report, "4 Steps To Stage Your Home For A Fast Sale." Email me at [email protected], and I'll send a copy right over to you.
Do you have a question related to real estate or home ownership? Please 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 Question And Answer:
What famous female singer recently played a 200-year-old antique flute at the Library of Congress?
a) Pink b) Lizzo c) Beyonce d) Madonna
The answer is b) Lizzo. She played President James Madison's crystal flute at the library and again onstage at a DC concert in September of 2022.
This Month's Trivia Question:
Which is the loudest animal on Earth?
a) Lion b) Hyena c) Whale d) Cicada
Email Me At [email protected], And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!