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 you can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten your wallet!)…

rapscallion rap-‘skal-yun noun

Meaning: someone who causes trouble. 

Sample Sentence: As soon as he turned two, his son turned into a rapscallion, leaving chaos in his wake.

Have A Laugh

Where do you take someone who’s been in a peek-a-boo accident?
The ICU.

How To Clean Your Dishwasher

It may seem silly, but did you know that you should clean your dishwasher periodically?  Sure, it cleans your dishes and utensils, but it needs a cleaning once in a while, too. 

• Wipe down the exterior: Use a soapy sponge and hot water for a plastic door, or a glass cleaner (without ammonia) for stainless steel, to wipe away dirt, fingerprints and smudges.
• Clean the filter: Newer dishwashers have manual-clean filters that need to be emptied every few months.  Simply unscrew, rinse and replace.
• Sanitize: Use a citric-acid-based dishwasher cleaner once a month to remove any discoloration or odor.

Quotes To Live By…

“Never let success get to your head, never let failure get to your heart.”

– Beyoncé, singer

“Someone is sitting in the shade because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

–Warren Buffett, investor and philanthropist

“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.”

–Helen Keller, author and activist

Make Tech Make Sense

    We live in the computer age, and it's becoming more so every day, what with telehealth doctors' appointments, FaceTime calls with family, and appointment scheduling on the computer or through an app on our smartphones.  Even simple system updates on our smartphones can throw us off for a day or two as we adjust to the newness of it all.

     For older adults who have technophobia, or fear of new technology, living in this computer age with smartphones, lightning-fast computers, and tablets can be more than overwhelming.  But there are ways to ease the anxiety, starting with setting realistic goals.  Rather than trying to learn everything all at once, it's a good idea to start with one device or one task. 

     If Grandpa got a new tablet for his birthday,  a good place to start is with an overview of the tablet and all it can do.  Next, move on to a task, like composing an email or text, or making a video call.    

     Taking a class is a terrific way to become more familiar with technology.  Many community centers offer senior programming, which may include tech-familiarity classes.  Aside from that, several tech-savvy organizations are working with older adults to help them become more comfortable with technology, and many of them are doing so for free. 

     A few to check out are Cyber-Seniors.org, which offers daily webinars and connects high schoolers and college students with people 60-plus; Generationsonline.org, which helps with everything from basic Internet usage to texting and emailing, and making video calls; and SeniorPlanet.org from AARP, which offers classes on smartphones and apps, social media, and digital wellness.

 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 thank all of 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 has cities, but no houses; forests, but no trees; and water, but no fish?

 (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 emailing me at [email protected].

Prevent Clutter At Home

It's easy to cast things aside when you get home, saying you'll put them away later.  But when later never comes, suddenly you're faced with clutter.  Here are tips to stop it before it starts.

-Sort through the mail, keeping what you need and recycling everything else.

-After you've enjoyed your leftovers, recycle to-go containers – they're more of a hassle than they're worth.

-Take a moment to clear off the coffee table, kitchen counters, and your nightstand before bed so you awake to a decluttered house

Did You Know?

Out of all the letters in the alphabet, did you know that "e" is the most commonly used letter in the English language?  Its popularity is likely because "e" is used in plurals that end in -es, commonly used pronouns  (he, she, me, we, they), and, of course, the word "the." Speaking of "the," it is the most commonly used word.

Crossword Puzzle Websites

Keep your mind sharp by completing a crossword a day.  These websites make it easy and free!

play.usatoday.com/crossword – Curated daily, each crossword is themed, like "Middle School" or "Prime Cuts."

www.dictionary.com/games/crossword – Learn new words and increase your vocabulary at the same time.

www.newyorker.com/puzzles-and-games-dept/crossword – Start with the Mini.

Keep Your Wallet Safe

    There is nothing worse than losing your wallet or having it disappear when out in a crowded space.  Not only will you need to replace your driver's license, but you will also need to call your bank and credit card companies to stop any new charges from popping up and request replacement cards.

    Though it is a hassle to make all the replacement calls, you can do yourself a favor by leaving some things out of your wallet and safely at home.  Here, a handful of what to leave behind, and why.

• Spare key: If you carry a spare house key in your wallet and it's lost or stolen, not only will whoever has it have your ID with your home address, but they will also have a key to get in.
• Social Security card: If your full Social Security number falls into the wrong hands, it can easily lead to identity theft.  Instead, store your card in a safe place at home and take it with you only when you need it.
• Too many credit cards: Think about whether you really need to carry all your credit cards with you all the time.  Can you leave that department store card at home until you need it?

 Like New Again

     Rather than tossing out an old piece of furniture, why not give it a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint?  These tips for painting wood furniture will make your DIY project as easy as 1-2-3, not to mention pretty as can be.

• Assemble your tools and supplies.  You will need: clean rags, microfiber cloths, sandpaper, primer, paint, paint tray and liners, sealer, paint brush, roller, drop cloth, and a screwdriver.
• Remove hardware and clean the piece.  Use a grease remover to remove any grime, rinse with fresh water, and use a damp sponge for a final wipe-down.  Let dry thoroughly.
• Sanding the clean furniture will create a gritty surface for the new paint to adhere to, but don't remove the entire current finish.
• It's time to prime!  A primer covers stains and prevents mildew.  Use a roller for larger surfaces and a paintbrush for tighter spaces.
• Follow with one or two coats of your favorite paint color.  Once totally dry, finish with a sealer to lengthen the life of your DIY.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

Would You Like To Know How Much
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…with no "sales pitches” or run-arounds.  Email me at [email protected], and I'll give you all the details.

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 for your referrals… and for spreading the word about my services.

Brain Teaser Answer:

A map

Take A Walk

Going for a walk isn't only a great way to get steps in during your day, it can be good for your overall health, too.  Research shows that walking at least 20 minutes a day, five days a week, can boost our immune systems, which is especially important during cold and flu season.  Lacing up our shoes and hitting the pavement can also curb a sweet tooth, regulate our blood sugar, and boost our moods.  Whether you go with a friend, leash up your dog, or listen to a podcast, go ahead – take a walk!

Switch It Out

Did you know you're supposed to change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months?  You'll want to replace it after you've been sick with a cold, the flu, or strep throat, too, so you don't get sick again. 

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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 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 are some mistakes I should avoid when I invest in real estate?

A: Even smart investors make mistakes.  Here are three common mistakes and what you should do instead:

• Not Doing Your Homework.  Evaluate your financial situation and understand the right numbers to use for calculations.  Learn the basics about cash flow, appreciation, and loan amortization. 
• Not finding the right property.  Do a thorough search, including “off MLS” deals and best buys, to find the right property for you.  Work with a REALTOR^® who is an Investor Specialist.  He or she can help find a good investment property.  
• Failing to get a professional inspection.  You need to know if there have been problems with the property and that they've been properly addressed.

     To learn more about owning investment property, call and ask for my Free Consumer Report called “How To Avoid 8 Dumb Mistakes Even Smart Investors Make." I'll be glad to 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 it 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 was released in July of 2007, and called a "gamechanger."

a) Bluetooth b) MacBook c) WiFi  d) iPhone

The answer is d) iPhone.  Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone, OS 1, at Macworld in San Francisco on January 9, 2007; it hit the market on June 29, 2007.  With advancements in technology, Apple has developed 16 additional series; iPhone 18 is expected to be released in Spring 2026.Month's 

This Month's Trivia Question:

What country has a mythical creature as its national animal?

a) Rwanda b) Scotland c) Ireland d) Thailand

Email Me At [email protected]

And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!