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!)… 

zenith (zee-nith) noun

Meaning: The highest point (from astronomy, but also used in non-astronomical situations)

Sample Sentence: When the sun hits it’s zenith, it’s noon. The singer is at the zenith of his career.

Successfully Grow Plants From See

As temperatures warm up and brighter days are on the horizon, many consider reviving our gardens. Here are some tips for a plentiful bounty.

• Start with good quality seeds from a reliable vendor, like your local garden center or extension office.
• Choose a container at least 2 to 3 inches deep. DIY-ers can turn yogurt or paper cups into planters.
• Opt for a seed-starting soil mix that’s made especially for starting seeds.
• Place your newly planted seeds in an area with a lot of light but darkness. Seedlings need to rest!
• Use a mister or small watering can to keep the soil moist but not wet to avoid root rot.
• Watch them grow!

Quotes To Live By...

“You are beautiful when you are happy.”

–Oscar Wilde, author and poet

“March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes, and a laugh in her voice.”

–Hal Borland, journalist

“If you don’t see a clear path for what you want, sometimes you have to make it yourself.”

–Mindy Kaling, actress and author

Snacks, But Make Them Healthy

     Are you a snacker? If you said yes, you’re not alone — a pre-pandemic Department of Agriculture report shows that 95% of adults eat a snack daily. Rather than heading to the vending machine or grabbing a candy bar when filling up at the gas station, try these healthy snacking ideas instead.

• Be mindful: Instead of curling up on the couch with a bag of chips and binge-watching Netflix, stop and turn your attention to eating a snack like a small meal.
• Mix it up: When preparing a snack, consider combining complex carbs with lean proteins and healthy fats, like a slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter or an apple with a few cheese slices.
• Plan: If you’re out running errands, take a healthy snack with you in preparation for feeling snacky instead of grabbing for something on the go when you’re suddenly hungry.

The Difference Between Good And Bad Debt

     Being in debt isn’t fun, but did you know there’s a difference between good and bad debt? Taking time to analyze your debt may bring peace of mind and steer you on the right path to finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

     Student loans and home mortgages are considered good debts because they can increase earning potential, build wealth, and perhaps even significantly improve your life. These are very important to stay current on payments and be very consistent. Think long-term with good debt.

     Bad debt, on the other hand, is the debt that can weigh you down, like borrowing money at a high-interest rate to buy a depreciating asset. What are depreciating assets? Think boats, clothes, cars, and even vacations. Try to avoid these types of debt, or work to pay them off quickly by paying more than the minimum and making a payment plan you stick to. If you need to open a credit line to buy a car, shop around for the lowest interest rate so that more of your hard-earned money stays in your bank account.

 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…

A red house is made of red bricks. A blue house is made of blue bricks. A yellow house is made of yellow bricks. What is a greenhouse made from?

 (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, call me at (203) 243-3820. I’m here to help!

Fun Facts About March Madness

• The first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament was played in 1939. Eight teams competed; Oregon was the first champion.
• “March Madness” was first used in basketball in 1939. The phrase became associated with the NCAA tournament in 1982.
• The NCAA tournament field grew to its current size, 64 teams, in 1985.

Did You Know?

Shaquille O’Neal, Jon Bon Jovi, Queen Latifah, Albert Einstein, Elton John, Reese Witherspoon, Quincy Jones and Lady Gaga were all born in March.

Birdwatching Websites

Take your bird watching to the next with these websites and apps.

www.allaboutbirds.org – An online guide to birds and birdwatching from Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

www.audubon.org/app – A free field guide with more than 800 North American birds.

www.ebird.org – Real-time data about where birds are and how many.

Helping Aging Parents Downsize

     Having the conversation about downsizing with our aging parents can be hard on several levels — not only are we accepting that they’re getting older and will eventually be unable to keep up with everything that goes along with owning a home, but they may become emotional and not want to ask for help. 

     When it comes time to broach the conversation, the Family Caregiver Alliance suggests facilitating an open and honest discussion to not only go over where your parent(s) will live but also review any care they may need, finances, lifestyle changes, and how you and other family members can make the transition as smooth as possible.

     As plans are being made, and knowing they may be a bit fluid before being finalized, it’s time to start thinking about decluttering. In a perfect world, you could start the task six months to a year ahead of a move, taking time to go through the process slowly. To simplify the process, limit sorting and packing to two hours a day. Plan to go through one room at a time so you don’t overwhelm yourself or your parents. 

     One way to manage items you’re sorting through is to divide them into four categories: definitely save, maybe save, donate/sell/give away, or toss. Then, act on those action items. Collect important documents to be sure they’re kept together and easily accessible; think deeds, wills, birth certificates, military records, and passports.

     Going through a home filled with memories will take time and patience. As you go through the rooms and piles with your parents, take breaks to share stories and memories. After all, they kept these things for a reason, and you can learn more about them through the downsizing process.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

Thank You! 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.  

I could not 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:

Glass!

Tips For Storing Sweaters

It’s that time of year when we start thinking about packing away our winter clothes as we prepare for warmer months ahead. Here are some tips on how to store sweaters so they’re ready when you’re ready for them to come out again.

• Wash them so they’re fresh and ready for the next cold snap.
• Store them in tightly sealed plastic containers like bags or bins to keep moths away.
• Choose an excellent, dry location in which to store them away.
• If tight on space, fold sweaters onto hangers and store them in your closet.

Have A Laugh

What do you call a bear without any teeth? A gummy bear.

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 want to stop by and say “Hi,” I’d love to hear from you…

_{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: Do I have to hire a professional stager, or can I stage my home myself to sell it? 

A: Staging your home undoubtedly creates a great first impression, makes pictures pop on the Internet, and will boost your sales price.  First, consult with your REALTOR^®. You can do the staging yourself if you have the time and energy.  Here are the key things you should do: 

• Clean the inside and the outside from top to bottom. You may want to hire professional cleaners to do this part. 
• Remove clutter, extra furniture, and personal items so potential buyers will “see themselves” living in your home. 
• Paint the walls a neutral color to appeal to the broadest base of buyers.

     Hiring a professional stager is an excellent alternative if you don't have time and can afford it.  Professional stagers have inventory and can bring furniture and decor to make your home stand out. Ask your REALTOR^® for recommendations.  

      For more staging tips, ask for my Free Consumer Report, “4 Steps To Stage Your Home For A Fast Sale.”  I’ll send a copy right to you. 

     Do you have a question related to real estate or home ownership? Please email me at [email protected]. Perhaps I’ll feature your question in my next issue!

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

“Who Else Wants To Win

A $50.00 Gift Certificate?”

Guess who won last month’s Trivia Question? I’m pleased to announce the lucky winner of last month’s quiz. And the winner is…drum roll please: Evan Grant.

This famous Italian volcano is among the oldest active volcanoes in the world and remains one of the most active today. What is the name of the volcano?

a) Vesuvius b) Vulcano  c) Stromboli   d) Mt. Etna

      The answer is d) Mt. Etna, located on the island region of Sicily, is the largest volcano in Europe and is in a near-constant state of eruption. So, let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

What is the highest-grossing movie of all time, without considering inflation? 

a) Gone With the Wind b) Barbie c) Star Wars  d) Avatar

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