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!)…

sanctimonious (pronounced sank-ti-moan-ee-us) adjective

Meaning: negative connotation to act morally superior

Sample Sentence: His sanctimonious attitude contrasted with his meek manners.

"Under Penalty of Law"

Those sternly worded “Do Not Remove” tags on pillows and mattresses sound intimidating, but the owners of the pillow or mattress are allowed to remove the tags. They date from the early 20th century and were introduced to ensure consumers knew what they were buying—all the materials inside the mattress or pillow had to be listed on the tag. With these labels, companies doing business cheaply could no longer get away with using trash or old newspapers as stuffing.

A Bridge Too Far

The Italian city of Venice is famous for its many canals and bridges, but another European city with a bridge count positively dwarfs that of Venice. Hamburg, Germany, has almost 2,500 bridges—more than Venice, Amsterdam, and London combined.

Quotes To Live By…

“Nobody is as powerful as we make them out to be.”

– Alice Walker, Author

“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”

– Zora Neale Hurston, Author

“As long as you live, keep learning how to live.”

– Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Ancient Roman Statesman

6 Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

     Fatigue is a common symptom of a thyroid disorder, but fatigue is also a common symptom of being a busy human in the 21st century. The butterfly-shaped gland in your neck regulates thyroid hormone (TH), essential to the proper functions of multiple systems in your body.

     Thyroid disorders often go undetected until symptoms are more severe, but hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are usually not too hard to treat once identified. Some surprising signs may indicate it’s time to talk to your doctor.

• Cognitive function: An underactive thyroid may cause forgetfulness, while an overactive thyroid can make it extremely hard to concentrate.
• Bowel issues: Hypothyroidism can lead to constipation, while hyperthyroidism can lead to diarrhea.
• Heart problems: Too much TH may make for heart palpitations and chest pain. Too little may lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Skin issues: Thyroid issues may cause several problems, including dry skin, brittle nails, or a swollen face.
• Muscle pain: Sudden and unexplained muscle pain, cramping, or weakness may indicate an underactive thyroid.
• Infertility: Hypothyroidism can disrupt hormones that affect ovulation and lactation.

Want To Lose Your Lawn?

     Manicured lawns might look nice, but they’re also expensive to maintain and environmentally problematic. Replacing your lawn can save time and money, not to mention be a boon to pollinating insects and birds.

     Lawn alternatives vary widely by climate, so consult a local gardening expert or resources geared toward your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Find your Plant Hardiness Zone by entering your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

     Remember: Acceptable plants in one city may be classified as invasive in another. Do your research before you start planting. 

• Durable ground covers such as clover, moss, Woolly Thyme, and Blue Star Creeper spread quickly, require no mowing or watering, and withstand the rigors of backyard picnics and playtime.
• Xeriscaping isn’t just applicable to the desert climates where it’s popular. It’s all about focusing on native plants that can thrive where you live with little to no maintenance.
• Garden or flower beds can eliminate some lawn areas, but you can also use decorative gravel to fill in the spaces between those beds to eliminate even more grass.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

Would You Like To Know How Much
Is your Neighbor's Home Listed Or Sold For?

Maybe you're just curious. Or maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Either way, I can help… without "sales pitches" or run-arounds. Call me at (203) 243-3820
and I'll give you all the facts.

Brain Teaser…

There is only one letter in the alphabet that is not used in any name of any U.S. state. What is it?  (see pg. 4)

Real Estate Question?

Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Or maybe 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!

Sink Or Swim

Dress up your fizzy water with some citrus, and you’ll notice something odd: lemons float, and limes sink. This is true regardless of whether the fruit is whole or sliced. Limes, it turns out, are slightly more dense than lemons, typically about the same density as water.

Plant Tracker Apps

Keep your plants alive with these apps for both Apple and Android phones.

getplanta.com: The free version reminds you to water your houseplants on a schedule tailored to the pot size, type, and distance from windows. The paid version ($36/year) adds features like fertilization prompts, a light meter, and help from Dr. Planta for ailing flora.

blossomplant.com: This app covers indoor and outdoor plants with plant and disease ID and detailed care guides. The light meter feature is only available for Android. There’s a free trial, after which it’s $19.99/year.

picturethisai.com: The huge plant ID database (free) is the main appeal here—it includes more than 10,000 indoor and outdoor species and boasts 98% accuracy. More features come with the $30/year subscription.

Digital Wallets 101

     As each new payment method was introduced, we learned to swipe, insert, and tap our credit cards in the checkout line. But you may not even need to dig your wallet out of your purse anymore—contactless payments through digital wallets are increasingly common.

     The question of whether to get a digital wallet may be moot: If you have a smartphone, you probably already have a digital wallet app. Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are each associated with your device; you need to activate them.

      In each case, you can quickly store your existing credit cards to pay for groceries at a local store. But, like a physical wallet, these mobile digital wallets can store things like bus passes, plane tickets, and gym membership cards. A digital wallet can be an incredible time-saver when your phone is more likely to be in your hand than your wallet.

     There are also digital wallets (sometimes called money apps) that are not dependent on an operating system and are primarily geared toward sending and receiving money. This category includes popular apps or websites like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App. In each case, you can link bank accounts and credit/debit cards to the app to pay for purchases online or in person (by scanning a payee’s QR code or knowing their account name). These apps also make it easy to split the dinner bill among friends—everyone can send their share to someone who puts down a credit card. Note that the latter form of digital wallet may add a fee for certain transactions.

     Digital wallets are generally considered more secure payment methods since security measures on your phone (like passcodes and facial recognition) make it incredibly difficult for anyone else to access your accounts. And, when you tap your phone at a store’s register, the store gets a unique and encrypted code to complete the transaction—even if they don’t see your account information. As contactless payments and digital money transfers become more prevalent, digital wallets will become more popular. Check out the one in your pocket!

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

It’s my way of acknowledging good friends and saying “thanks” to those who support me and my business with referrals, word of mouth, and repeat business. 

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:

The letter Q

Toaster Tidying

When was the last time you cleaned your toaster? Chances are it’s due, but luckily it’s pretty easy. Here’s how.

• Make sure it’s unplugged and completely cool!
• Pull out and dump the contents of the crumb tray, dislodging stuck bits with a scrub brush.
• Wash the crumb tray and let it dry completely before putting it back.
• Clean out toaster slots with a small brush or a rubber spatula. You can also wipe them out gently with a damp rag.

Have A Laugh...

What's the difference between a poorly dressed man on a unicycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle?

Attire.

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: What should I consider when negotiating with a buyer?

A: Revealing too much information to buyers when negotiating the sale of your home is a common, costly mistake. Here's how to avoid it. 

• Know what you want from the sale and try to determine what your buyers want, so you will make a deal that benefits you both. A professional REALTOR® knows the questions to ask potential buyers to determine their motivation for buying and what price they can afford. 
• Don't mention your home's "appraisal" value at a showing to persuade a buyer to pay more for it.
• If you're at a showing, don't tell a buyer why you're selling (especially if you need to sell it quickly). Just say your housing needs have changed.

     You can learn about six more costly mistakes in my Free Consumer Report called "How To Avoid 7 Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home." Email me at [email protected], and I'll send a copy right over to you.

     Do you have a question you want answered related to real estate or home ownership? 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 s Trivia Question correctly.

Last Month's Trivia Question.

Which of these sports will make its debut at the

2024 Summer Olympics in Paris?

a) Breaking b) Skateboarding c) Sport Climbing d) Surfing

      The answer is a) Breaking...but don't call it break dancing. Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing debuted in Tokyo and will return to the Summer Olympics in Paris. So let's move on to this month's trivia question.

In the U.S., you'd "knock on wood" for good luck. In what country do carp scales represent similar good fortune? 

a) Poland b) Japan c) Madagascar d) Jamaica

Email Me At [email protected], And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!