Word Of The Month…

Studies have shown that 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 increase your earnings!)…
 

Multifarious (mul-tuh-fair-e-ous) adjective 

Meaning: Having a large variety; a synonym of diverse. 

Sample Sentence: Her interests are multifarious, ranging from playing soccer to becoming a sommelier.

Did You Know?

The month of June is named for Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth.

Create Stunning Floral Arrangements

When your garden is in bloom, why not show off the stunning flowers inside your home with a homemade floral arrangement?  These expert tips make it easy to add a pop of natural color to your décor.

• First, choose a vase. Create a grid using tape to cover the mouth of the vase; this will keep the stems in place.
• Next, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from your cuttings.
• Cut the bottom of each stem diagonally.
• Start the arrangement with greenery as a base.
• Add the most enormous blooms or flowers that are more unusual, known as focal flowers.
• Lastly, add smaller flowers and other textures to fill out the arrangement.

Quotes To Live By…

“Some of the best memories are made in flip-flops.”

–Kellie Elmore, author

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”

–Charles Bowden, author, journalist

“And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.”

–James Russell Lowell, poet

Prep Your Kids
For A Summer Of Fun

     Summer's here, and it's time for your kids to get outside and, well, be kids. While we adults view exercise as a must-do to stay healthy, kids often don't think about exercising as they play with their friends, ride bikes, play soccer, or swim in the lake.

     It's not only the physical benefits kids enjoy when they play, but also the mental ones. Not only will they develop stronger bones and muscles and reduce their risks of becoming overweight and developing type 2 diabetes, but being physically active also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and even gives them a brighter outlook on life.

     If you're signing your kids up to play sports this summer or have a summer filled with outdoor family activities planned, keep these tips in mind to ensure they stay safe, healthy, and make the most of their school break.

• Get A Sports Physical. Even if she isn't playing organized sports, a sports physical will help identify any issues that could impact her summer fun. For example, if she has asthma, your doctor may adjust her medication to accommodate more physical activity, such as running, jumping, and playing.
• Wear A Helmet. Whether riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard, ensure your child is always wearing a helmet that fits correctly.
• Apply Sunscreen. There's nothing worse than having to miss out on the fun due to a sunburn. Be sure your kids are lathered up before they head out to play, and reapply often.
• Stay Hydrated. Children's bodies don't cool down as quickly as adults', so they must stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Be sure your child always has a filled water bottle with him and encourage him to drink throughout the day.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

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

Thank you to all my clients and friends who support my practice and graciously refer me to their friends and neighbors. Rather than pester people with unwanted calls and visits, I build my business based on the positive comments and referrals from people just like you. I couldn't do it without you!

Brain Teaser

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?

 (See page 4 for the answer.)

What's My Home Worth?

If you'd like to know your home’s current value, I'd be happy to conduct a Maximum Value Home Audit. Request this “no charge” in-depth home value analysis by emailing me at: [email protected].

Best Ways To Clean Window Screens

Summer is here, and it’s time to throw open the windows and let the fresh air flow through the house. Before doing so, however, ensure that your window screens are clean. Here are some tips to do just that.

• After removing the screens, gently vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Using a soft bristle brush, lightly scrub one side of the screen in a circular motion, using warm water and a gentle dish soap. Rinse and repeat on the other side.
• Air dry completely before reinstalling.

Have A Laugh

What did the ocean say to the beach at the end of summer?

Nothing, it just waved goodbye.

Car Rental Websites

Flights are booked and the hotel is reserved. The final part of trip planning is renting a car. These websites will help you find the lowest car rental rates.

www.AutoSlash.com – Has helped more than 1 million people save more than $100 million on rentals since 2010.

www.Booking.com – Not just for accommodations.

Your airline website – When booking your flight, many airlines offer deals on your rental car, too.

The Reasons Behind Dry Skin
May Surprise You

     If you suffer from dry skin, you aren’t alone.  The American Academy of Dermatology Association says that nearly everyone experiences dry skin by the time they turn 60 years old. The causes behind dry skin are as varied as the people, ranging from genetics and medications to medical conditions, as well as the type of water we use, the air we breathe, and our bathing habits. For example, if you have diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, or take acne medications or retinol, you may find your skin to be dry and even itchy.  Likewise, enjoying long, hot showers, washing your hands often, or living in a climate with low humidity and/or cold temperatures may result in dry skin. A vitamin or mineral deficiency could also be a cause. Even the types of soaps we use can be agents of dry skin: many are made to remove oil, which can suck moisture from the skin.

     If you have dry skin, be sure to keep baths or showers to 10 minutes or less; cover up as much as possible in harsh weather conditions; drink non-caffeinated drinks throughout the day; and apply a moisturizer within one minute of getting out of the bath or shower, as moisturizers work best on damp skin. Check with your doctor as well – a blood test may help identify vitamin deficiencies.

 Saying 'I Do' To Being A Wedding Guest On A Budget

     The invitation arrives in the mail, and you're thrilled for the happy couple. As plans solidify and the wedding day approaches, you realize that, although you're not the one getting married, the costs can rapidly make it feel like it's your special day.

     Take these five tips into account on how to save money as a wedding guest, and join in the celebration without worrying about your bank account.

1. Pick and choose: Wedding guests aren't expected to attend all events leading up to the big day. Select the ones that mean the most to you, and skip the others.

2. Get fit: Rather than buying a new outfit for each wedding, find a few staples that you can mix and match to create new looks.

3. Go in on a group gift: If a group of your friends or family is attending the wedding as well, ask if they'd like to contribute to a group gift from the registry.

4. The early bird…In this case, they get the pick of registry gifts, including those with lower price points.

5. Find a roommate: If you're traveling for the wedding, consider asking if anyone would like to share a room and split the costs.

 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? Thank you for keeping me in mind with your referrals and spreading the word about my services.

Brain Teaser Answer:

An echo

Buckle Up

If you’re a fan of rollercoasters, buckle up for Top Thrill 2, a steel coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio with a height of 420 feet and speeds up to 120 mph. For more thrills, check out Pantherian at Kings Dominion in Virginia, or the upcoming Wrath of Rakshasa, which is currently undergoing test runs and is expected to open soon at Six Flags Great America in Illinois.

Free Transcription

Do you use audio notes or ever have to transcribe video or audio files? It takes forever, and can be a real pain. One of Microsoft Word’s newer features does it for you for free! Upload your audio under the Home tab > Dictate > Transcribe, or search online for a video tutorial if you prefer.

THANK YOU for reading my

Newsletter. I wanted to create a newsletter that offers great content and is both enjoyable 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…

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: Are there any secrets to finding the right home at the right price with the right financing?  

 A: Many homebuyers waste time and money by not doing their homework before going home shopping.  Here’s what you should do:

• Analyze your NEEDS before you start looking.  Create a list that includes the price range, size, general location, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and other relevant details. 
• Know what you WANT in your next home.  List the features you’d like to have and rank them in terms of importance.  If you have a spouse, set your priorities as a couple. 
• Understand how much home you can afford.  Become familiar with your “payment-to-income ratio” and your “debt-to-income ratio,” two guides bankers and mortgage lenders use to determine how much loan you can afford. 

For more home buying tips, ask for my Free Consumer Report called “8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Buying Your Next Home.” 

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

“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 three countries have a dragon as their national animal?

a) China, North Korea, Wales b) China, Greece, Hungary
c) China, Bhutan, Wales, d) Bhutan, North Korea, Serbia 

The answer is c) China, Bhutan, and Wales.  These countries’ national animals are the Chinese Dragon, the Thunder Dragon (Druk), and the Welsh Dragon, respectively.  So let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

What summer treat was invented by a child in 1905?

a) Ice cream float b) Popsicle c) Push-pop  d) Icee

 Email Me At [email protected].

And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!