Word Of The Month…

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

Glade (glayd) noun

Meaning: A grassy, open space found within a forest.

Sample Sentence: After hours of hiking, the friends enjoyed a picnic in the sun-dappled glade.

Keep Your Grill Clean

Grilling outside is a summertime tradition. Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and even peaches—everything seems to taste better when it’s grilled. Just make sure to keep your grill in good shape! Here are some tips to keep your grill clean all season long.

•  Once the fire burns, let the grill grate heat up, and use a grill brush to remove any remaining food.
• Dip a wad of paper towels into oil and wipe over the grate, using tongs to avoid burning yourself.
• Though tempting, do not clean the grate after you finish grilling. The charred food will help protect the grate until you grill again.

Did You Know?

The most giant scoop of ice cream comes from Kemps Dairy in Wisconsin, in celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2014. The flavor of all 3,010 pounds? Strawberry.

Quotes To Live By…

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.”

–Erma Bombeck, humorist  

“It’s always summer somewhere.”

–Lilly Pulitzer, fashion designer

“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink the wild air.”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet

Recycle Your Electronics

     We’ve all been there. You get a new TV, computer, video gaming system, or smartphone but don’t know what to do with your old one. Should you toss it in the trash or your recycle bin? The fast answer is NO. Our electronics contain myriad elements that are not only precious, like gold, silver, and platinum, but can also be extracted and used again.

     These tips can help you find the best way to recycle your electronics. Also, check with your city to see what options may be available. Some towns provide drop-off points for residents.

• Clean It Up. Most of our electronics these days contain private information you don’t want to share if your hard drive goes to someone else. First, back up your drive to either the cloud or another drive. Then, read your owner’s manual (you can find these online) and perform a “factory reset” before recycling or donating.
• Return To Seller. If you buy your electronics from a big box store like Best Buy, Apple, Staples, Walmart, and more, you may be able to recycle them there, too.
• Donate. A lot of us like to have the latest and greatest when it comes to technology, but that doesn’t mean our old devices are no longer helpful. Check with your local non-profit organizations and institutions to see if they accept donated electronics, like domestic violence shelters for cell phones or old laptops. Thrift stores may be another option. Computers with Causes provides computers and tablets to those in need in all 50 states.
• Recycle Sustainably. If you do need to recycle on your own, be sure to find an organization recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). E-Stewards can direct you to the electronics recycling center nearest you. Call2Recycle, Earth911, and GreenerGadgets by the Consumer Technology Association are other recycling clearinghouses that may be able to help.

 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 providing 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 acknowledge and thank all the special people in my life who’ve helped build my business with their enduring support and referrals. I couldn’t do it without you!

Brain Teaser

What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?

 (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.

Have A Laugh

Which bathroom appliance would be the worst life preserver?

 The sink.

Keep Your Produce Fresh

There’s nothing worse than buying fresh fruits and veggies only to have them go bad a day or two later.  Here are some tips that can help keep your fruits and veggies fresh.

• Place a paper towel in a bag or box of lettuce and greens to absorb moisture.
• Wrap cucumbers in a paper towel before putting them in the fridge or on the counter.
• Place stems of herbs like cilantro and basil in a jar of water and keep them in the fridge or on your kitchen counter.
• Mix one part white vinegar and three parts water, dip fruits and veggies, and wash thoroughly to prevent mold and rotting.

Back-To-School Websites

It’s nearly time to go back to school.  These websites can help.

www.pbs.org/parents/back-to-school – Tips and games to help your kids get ready to return to school.

www.edukitinc.com – Pre-packaged school supply kits

classroomzen.com – Bring a sense of calm to your child’s study space.

Do You Feel Drained After A Full Night's Sleep?

     If you wake up in the morning feeling tired after a whole night's sleep or if your partner says that you snore overnight, you may want to examine your sleep patterns. Snoring and sleep apnea can quietly deplete your energy, and you may not even know you're suffering. 

     The Sleep Apnea Foundation says 10 to 30% of American adults may have sleep apnea and not even know it. If you're exhausted during the day, experience morning headaches, or are told that you do snore, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when people stop breathing, bringing them into a lighter state of sleep or awakening them from five to 30 more times an hour. Many tech gadgets like an Apple Watch or FitBit may indicate interrupted sleep patterns and clue you into a sleep issue.  

     After talking with your doctor, they may have you take a sleep test. Depending on the severity of your case, you may use a device to help with airflow overnight (a CPAP). Less severe cases can be managed with weight loss, sleeping on your side, and staying hydrated. 

 Keep Your Yard Green While Saving Green 

            The hot days of summer usually mean that we need to water our lawns more often if summer storms aren’t part of our everyday weather pattern. Watering more can wash more dollars right down the drain.

            Take a look at a few ways you can keep your yard green while saving some green.

1. If you have a sprinkler system, have an expert come out to inspect it to ensure it’s performing to the best of its ability and that it’s not spraying water onto undesired areas, like your driveway or the street.

2. Early-morning watering before 8 a.m. is beneficial to your yard. A 15—to 20-minute watering session will enable the water to reach the roots, and then the sun will dry it out a little to prevent fungus or disease.

3. Spreading a mulch over your plant beds will help keep moisture, so you’ll need to water less.

4. Check in with your local city or county officials to see if there are any water restrictions to be aware of — the last thing you want to do is incur a fine for watering when you’re not supposed to.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

Here's A Free, Valuable Resource...

Now You Can Search The Home Market, Get Helpful Community Information, AND Receive Important Resources For Saving Time And Money When Buying Or Selling At www.RudyPerkinsRealty.com 

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 future

Dog Days Of Summer

The 40-day Dog Days of Summer began on July 3 and ended on August 11. This time is so-called because of the rise of Sirius, or the Dog Star. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans thought that Sirius’ rise caused the hot temperatures we usually experience in the summertime. Sirius is the second-brightest star in the sky, behind the sun.

August's Stars

Babies born in August fall into one of two astrological signs: Leo (July 23 – August 23) or Virgo (August 24—September 23). A fire sign, Leo traits include being vivacious and passionate and enjoying basking in the spotlight. As an earth sign, Virgos are traditionally logical, practical, and perfectionists at heart.

THANK YOU for reading 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

(203) 243-3820

[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 can I ask the seller to pay for when buying a home? 

A. Remember, everything you ask from a seller is a concession in their mind.  Whether you ask them to lower the price, make a decorating allowance, or contribute to your closing costs, they are primarily interested in the bottom-line dollar proceeds at closing.  Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

1. Negotiations can be tough if you try to get the seller to lower the price and make other concessions or contributions to your closing costs. This can actually compromise your ability to come to an agreement. 

2. Appraisers are now asked to consider the dollar value of any seller concessions when they determine the value of the home you are purchasing. 

3. Lenders will limit the contributions made by the seller without lowering your loan amount.  You must ask your lender what they will allow the seller to pay. 

If you’d like to learn more about the home-buying process and how to get the home of your dreams at an affordable price, please Email me at [email protected]. 

Or, if you have any other real estate questions, I’m here to help. 

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.

What music agent turned cookie magnate used to attract artists to meetings with homemade cookies?

a) Margaret Rudkin of Pepperidge Farm b) Sam Porcello of Nabisco
c) Wally Amos Jr. of Famous Amos d) Ruth Wakefield of Nestle

Answer: c) Wally Amos Jr. was a talent agent for the William Morris Agency, representing acts like Simon & Garfunkel and The Temptations. When he eventually started his cookie business in 1975, he did so with loans from Marvin Gaye and others.

This month's trivia question.

What sport makes its debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris?

a) Skateboarding b) Karate c) Surfing  d)  Breaking

 Email Me At [email protected]

And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!