Here’s free advice if you’re buying or re-financing your home. It’s my Free Consumer Guide titled, “7 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Financing Your Home.” Call me at 12032433820 to learn more…
December 2023
New Haven, CT
Inside This Issue…
Build Relationships With These Tips…Page 1
You're Never Too Young To Think About Estate Planning…Page 2
Environmentally Friendly Holidays…Page 3
Have A Clutter Problem?...Page 3
Answer This Trivia Question And You Could Win $50.00 Gift Certificate...Page 4
A Seller Offered To Finance Me. What Does That Mean To Me?
…Page 4
Rudolph Perkins Presents...
Rudy Perkins Realty Newsletter!
"Insider Tips For Healthy, Wealthy & Happy Living..."
4 Tips To Improve Your Relationships
Life moves at a fast pace, and while we're trying to do it all, it's easy to put our relationships — whether with our partners, kids, families, or friends — on the back burner, which can, in turn, cause them to fizzle and fade away. It's time to put our relationships first again. Consider these four tips to improve your relationships with others and, perhaps most importantly, yourself.
- Celebrate little victories: When something goes right in your partner's/kid's/friend's day, celebrate! The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology published research showing that celebrating little victories — in addition to the big ones — increases intimacy, trust, and relationship satisfaction.
- Be fully present: Whether talking in person or on the phone, disconnect from everything else to be fully present with your partner, child, friend, or family member. Turn off the TV, turn on your cell phone's "Do not disturb" feature," and turn your attention wholly to whomever you're with to show them their rarity.
- Try new things together: Relationships, regardless of type, are strengthened by meaningful experiences that result in core memories, especially if those experiences are unique to both of you. Take on a challenging hike, find an art class, or travel somewhere new, all of which will create stronger bonds with the people in your life.
- Take time for yourself: They say you can't be loyal to someone else until you love yourself, and our relationships with ourselves are some of the most important we'll ever have. One way to build this self-relationship is by taking ourselves out on play dates to lean into curiosity and joy and, most of all, have fun.
www.rudyperkinsrealty.com
Save Thousands When Buying A Home...
Did you know a free consumer report reveals ways to save time and money when buying a home? It’s called “8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding and Buying Your Next Home,” it’s great even if you’re not planning to buy soon. Get your 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 you can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten your wallet!)…
Artificial Intelligence (AI), noun
Meaning: the capability of computers to mimic human intelligence
Sample Sentence: Artificial intelligence, or AI, will never be able to replace human intelligence.
Did You Know?
“Decem” means tenth in Latin. The month of December was the tenth month in the Roman calendar, until January and February were added in the year 713 BCE.
Keep Holiday Lights Neat
There’s nothing worse than being ready to decorate for the holidays only to be derailed by tangled strings of holiday lights. Here are a few tips to help maintain your sanity and brighten your holidays.
-Cut a notch onto both ends of an empty paper towel cardboard roll and wrap lights from top to bottom.
-Wrap lights around your fist and use twist ties to keep them neatly together.
-Tape one end of the lights to the outside of the box they came in, wrap the lights around the box and tuck the other end to secure them.
-Invest $10 in a power cord reel. Thread one end of the lights through the reel and spin the handle to wrap them around quickly.
Quotes To Live By…
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.” –John Burroughs, author
“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”
–Maya Angelou, poet
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
–Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. President
When Should You Start Thinking About Estate Planning?
Though it’s not fun, if you’re a homeowner, it is essential to think about what will happen to your home and other assets should the unthinkable happen. Being proactive about estate planning ensures your assets will be distributed how you want them to be and not left up to the state to allocate them on your behalf. And you’re never too young to start thinking about estate planning.
If you or people in your life are in their twenties, here are some things to start thinking about and putting into place for peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, too.
- Take stock of your assets: Make a list of what you own, like your home, cars, jewelry, artwork, bank accounts, retirement accounts (e.g. 401k, IRA), life insurance, etc.
- Identify debt: List everything you owe, including a mortgage, car payments, student loans, and other outstanding loans.
- Name a guardian: If you have children, you will want to name a guardian who will care for them should you no longer be able to. You’ll want to do the same for your pets to ensure they’re cared for.
- Designate your beneficiaries: Formally name your beneficiaries on bank, retirement, and investment accounts.
- Write a will: This document can be as simple as listing instructions on distributing your assets should anything happen to you.
An estate lawyer or financial planner can help answer any questions regarding estate planning, too.
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 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
I come in winter. I cannot see, hear, or feel. I can’t eat, but you can eat parts of me. What am I?
(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 calling me at: (203) 243-3820.
Help Candles Burn Longer
When you find the perfectly scented candle, you want it to last forever. These tips will keep your candles burning longer to enjoy them even more.
- Burn the candle for at least four hours the first time you light it so that the top layer of wax melts entirely. This will help with subsequent burns.
- Freeze your candle for a few hours before lighting — the cold, hard wax will melt slower.
- Trim the wick before each lighting.
- After you’ve blown out the candle, sprinkle a pinch of salt and stir into the melted wax to slow burn time.
- Once the candle has cooled, clean any soot and cover to prevent dust.
- Store candles away from direct sunlight and drafts, which can cause an uneven burn.
Have A Laugh
Why do birds fly south for the winter?
Because it’s too far to walk.
Airline Booking Websites
Finding the best airfare can be daunting. These websites can help.
flights.google.com – Airfare searches backed by the power of Google.
www.skyscanner.com – 100 million travelers a month search the site.
www.going.com – Flight deals are delivered to your inbox daily.
Go, Green, This Holiday Season
The holidays can generate a lot of joy and a lot of trash! And that trash may come from unexpected places. According to Oceanic Global, an astounding additional 1 million tons of garbage, including food, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons, and shopping bags, go to landfills each holiday season. Not only that, but the Environmental Capital Group estimates about 5.8 billion pounds of returned items wind up in landfills every year, too.
There is good news, however — we can help the Earth by going greener this holiday season.
- Rather than paper or bags, wrap gifts in a pretty scarf or reusable fabric.
- Instead of traditional holiday lights, opt for LED bulbs that use up to 95% less electricity.
- Gift memorable experiences instead of material things.
- If you’re entertaining, use reusable plates, utensils, and tablecloths.
- Find a composting option to turn your tree into mulch after the season ends.
- Opt to donate unwanted gifts to local charities instead of returning them.
- Choose holiday cards printed on recycled paper.
It happens so quickly: suddenly, your home is cluttered and overwhelming. Rest assured, you’re not alone: one in four Americans has a clutter problem.
If you or a friend needs help decluttering their home, I’m here to help! Follow these easy steps and see how decluttering your home can bring order and ease your mind.
1. Create a timeline. Do you want your home to be fully decluttered within a week? A month? Your timeline needs to work for you.
2. Prioritize cluttered areas and tackle one at a time.
Clean before you declutter so everyday items are accounted for.
3. Designate five containers for each space: putting away, fixing, recycling, tossing, and donating — and then do it!
Along the way, congratulate yourself on a job well done. When you’re finished, you’ll likely realize you’re in a better mood, have decreased anxiety, and see increased productivity and focus.
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
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:
Snowman
Add A Bit of Hygge
Hygge is a Danish word that essentially means to make your surroundings cozy and comfortable, everything we want in the wintertime. If you're going to add some hygge to your life without breaking the bank, I've got some ideas for you.
- Keep your favorite hot tea or coffee on hand to fill your favorite mug immediately.
- Create an instrumental music playlist that calms your mind.
- Snuggle into your favorite sweater or pajamas, fluffy socks, and blanket.
- Light a fire in the fireplace, or replicate the vibe with a mix of candles.
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: A seller offered to finance me. What does that mean to me?
A. This is one of the options you might consider if you want to buy a home but can't afford a significant down payment. In a "seller take-back," the seller holds a second mortgage for you and becomes your lender. You would make your monthly mortgage payments to the seller.
Other ways to buy a home with little down include using local or federal government programs, a tax refund, and asking a relative or friend for a financial gift. Before you do any of the above, consult a professional REALTOR® about your options. A REALTOR® will also provide direction and connections to a lender and help you avoid costly traps and pitfalls in the home-buying process.
For more information on down-payment options, ask for my Free Consumer Report "4 Quick Ways To Buy A Home With Little Down." I'll send a copy right to you.
Do you have a real estate question you want answered? Feel free to email me at [email protected]. Perhaps I'll feature your question in my next issue!
www.rudyperkinsrealty.com
A $50.00 Gift Certificate?"
Then, be the first person to answer this month's Trivia Question correctly.
Last Month's Trivia.
There are two gems, each synonymous with their color, that is the same mineral. What are they?
a) Amethyst and Ruby b) Sapphire and Ruby c) Emerald and Sapphire d) Emerald and Amethyst
The answer is b) Sapphire and Ruby. Both are from a mineral called "corundum." The different colors depend on the kind of impurities in the stone.
Let's move on to this month's trivia question.
How big was the most giant snowflake ever recorded in width?
a) 8 inches b) 12 inches c) 15 inches d) 23 inches
Email Me At [email protected], And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!