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!)…

Quandary (kwan-da-ry) noun

Meaning: a state of perplexity or doubt

Sample Sentence: I am in a real quandary as to how to solve this problem.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Australia is the only continent without active volcanos? Australia has over 150 volcanos, but they haven’t erupted for over 4,000 years. The lack of volcano activity is thought to be due to Australia’s distance from any major fault lines. Volcanoes usually erupt when they are close to tectonic plate boundaries.

Long Live Honey!

Honey is one of the few foods that will not spoil. It is thought that the water and sugar content, as well as low pH makes the environment inhospitable to bacteria. Here are some ways you can use this gift from nature:

-Dab on zits to dry out.

-Use as a salve for burns.

-Use instead of sugar to help control blood sugar levels.

-Use with beeswax and olive oil as an effective remedy for psoriasis.

-Soothe a cough by eating 1 teaspoon.

Have A Laugh

What kind of exercises do lazy people do? Diddly-squats!

Quotes To Live By…

“Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.”               –J.M. Barrie, Novelist.

“You can’t see the full picture when you are in the frame.”

–Les Brown, Speaker & Former TV/Radio Host

“Without a customer, you don’t have a business — all you have is a hobby.”

 –Don Peppers, Speaker & Consultant

How To Be There
For A Friend With Cancer

     Nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes. When faced with the terrible news that a friend has cancer, there are some things you can do (and should not do) to stay positive for your friend during their time of need.

DO:

• Offer to lend a hand. Daily tasks can be overwhelming for people who are sick. Ask your friend what they need help with, and if they don’t know, you could suggest grocery shopping, cleaning, picking up or dropping off kids, or mowing the lawn. Pick anything you can do to lighten their load.
• Ask if they’d like to talk. People with cancer often want to talk about anything but their diagnosis, while others are frustrated that people around them avoid the topic. Try to be a friend who can be a supportive listener with whatever is on their mind.
• Ask permission to visit. When someone is sick, they may not want visitors, so it’s important to ask beforehand when you should visit and be prepared for them to say, “not right now.” Remember, it isn’t personal.
• Support other caregivers. Perhaps their spouse or partner needs a break. Ask how you can support them, too.

DON’T

• Avoid your friend. It may be difficult to face your friend, but avoiding them could cause more pain. Take time to process the news, but also be mindful that they may need you. You might have to put your feelings to the side and put theirs first to support them during this tough period.
• Tell them everything is going to be OK. Offering false platitudes may make you feel better, but you can’t offer something you don’t know. Stick with a supportive comment, like “We’ll get through this, and I’ll be right by your side.”
• Make comments that they don’t look sick. Avoid telling your friend that they’re looking fine. Remember, each cancer is different, and it manifests in different ways that may not be visible. Leave health comments to their doctor.

 www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

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

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

Brain Teaser

I have no voice, but I am able to speak to you. I share all of the world’s events and people’s intimate thoughts. I have a spine, but I am not human. 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 emailing me at: [email protected].

Feel Calmer In Seconds

Many people suffer from anxiety disorders, and everyone feels anxious sometimes. Try these tips to help regain control of your emotions:

-Breathe deep. Focus on inhaling and exhaling and clear your mind of anything else.

-Check the threes. Find three things around you, and describe them to yourself. Move three different body parts. Name three sounds you can hear.

-Take a quick walk. Even 5 minutes around the block can help you center.

-Carry lavender oil. Essential oils can be spread on wrists or temples, and the scent is known to be soothing. 

What IS That Smell?

We’ve all left something in the refrigerator that smells from time to time, but how do you eliminate the lingering odor? Simple: place a cup of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb smells. Replace once a month for an odor-free fridge!

Free Online Courses

These websites provide free online courses on popular topics.

www.edx.org – Free online courses by Harvard, MIT, and more leading institutions. 

www.khanacademy.org – Pick topics from computer programming to science or medicine on this free educational website. 

www.coursera.com – This site partners with universities and companies worldwide to provide free courses.

How To Trade In Your Phone

     Have you ever traded in a phone? Most carriers have their own programs that you can learn about on their website or through your account. However, there are other options out there, too, offering cash for both Android and Apple devices. Here’s how to get the best deal:

• Shop around. Don’t just take your carrier’s word for it, be sure to check multiple providers to find the best offer. Try these sites after checking with your provider: GadgetGone.com, ItsWorthMore.com.
• Before cashing in, fix that broken screen. Some carriers will reduce the price for the phone to next to nothing if it has a broken screen. However, most screen fixes are quick, can be cheap, and will increase the value of your phone. Do your research.
• Delete. Delete. Be sure to delete all personal information after you have backed up your phone. Once you’ve saved your data, restore the phone to its factory settings to avoid any potential fraud or your data getting into the wrong hands.

 Lead-Based Paint

     We know lead can be dangerous and could be present if you have an older home. But how do you determine if there is lead present, and what should you watch for? In short: homes built before 1978, when the federal government banned its use, and antique painted furniture might have lead paint. Here’s how to spot lead paint and what to do:

Why you should be concerned:

Lead is a toxin and can cause brain and organ damage. Assume paint on antiques or old homes contains lead until tested.

• Lead paint often cracks in an “alligator skin” pattern.
• Chipped or flaking painted surfaces could be dangerous. You can buy lead test swabs at hardware stores, telling you in a few minutes if lead is present.

What to do:

• Do not allow kids or pregnant women to contact the item or painted surfaces if the lead test is positive.
• Ensure that painted areas are kept in good condition and be extra careful to clean up any paint chips.
• Wash hands thoroughly when touching or working with vintage items.
• Talk to a company that specializes in lead paint removal/remediation.

 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 energies 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!

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:

A book

Tech Tips To Save Time

You may find yourself spending more time with technology than you need to. Try these shortcuts:

• Want to share an exact moment in a YouTube video? Play the video to the precise time, hit share, and underneath the share button, you’ll see a checkbox that will display the time you want to target. Check the box and send the link.
• At the end of a sentence, when texting on your phone, hit the space bar twice. This adds a period, space and capitalizes the next letter.
• Use free dictation in Google Docs. Did you know that you can record your voice to dictate text? Go to the Tools menu and enable the Voice Typing command. You can then start dictating.

THANK YOU for reading Rudy Perkins Realty, my personal newsletter. I wanted to produce a newsletter that has great content and 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

[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’re asking 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: 

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.  It can actually compromise your ability to negotiate. 

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

Lenders will limit the contributions made by the seller without lowering your loan amount.  You need to 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 a price you can afford, please email me at: [email protected]. 

Or, if you have any other real estate questions, I’m here to help. Have a real estate question? Let me know! I may share it in this section next month.

www.rudyperkinsrealty.com

 “Who Wants To Win $50.00 Gift Certificate?

Then be the first person to answer this month's Trivia Question correctly?  

Last Month's Trivia Question?

In what popular 90s TV series was there a character with
the last name of “Bing?”

a) Seinfeld b) Friends c) Frasier  d) Cheers

The answer is b) Friends. Chandler Bing was the name of the character played by Matthew Perry.

So let’s move on to this month’s trivia question.

What 1985 movie was known for two Academy-award
nominated songs by Lionel Richie and Phil Collins?

a) A Chorus Line b) Delivery Boys c) White Nights  
d) Fast Forward 

Email Me At [email protected],

And You Could Be One Of My Next Winners!