Focus In On Eye Health

Millions of people have undetected vision problems, and you or your family members may be among them.  These simple steps will help you understand and protect your eyes:

Ø      Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one or two years, even if you think your vision is fine. Have your children’s eyes checked at regular intervals.  If your child has headaches or difficulty at school, it might be due to a vision problem.  Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is the most common cause of eye impairment in childhood. 

Another reason to go?  Studies show that eye doctors may be the first to detect serious conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes because they look directly at the eyes’ blood vessels.

Ø      Eat these eye “super foods”:  spinach, salmon, walnuts, berries, orange bell peppers, broccoli, soy, eggs, avocados and (yes) carrots. They contain valuable nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene and zinc as well as lutein and zeaxanthin.  Eating them will help prevent aged-related macular degeneration (which causes blurred vision and blind spots).

Ø      Learn your family’s eye-health history.  People with a family history of some eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts, are at increased risk of developing them. Talk with your eye doctor to confirm diagnosis.

Ø      Reduce eye strain. To avoid computer vision syndrome (headaches, dry and tired eyes), use the 20-20-20 rule:  Every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

Ø      Wear protective goggles when handling power tools or chemicals. 

Did you know half of all eye injuries happen as a result of doing regular household chores? Buy safety goggles at any hardware store and use them.

Ø      Wear sunglasses, even when it’s hazy.  Look for shades that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation – and make you look cool!

Thinking Of Selling Your Home Soon?

Don’t attempt to sell your home without my Free consumer guide, “44 Money-making Tips For Preparing Your Home To Sell.” My exclusive report will give you all the facts for a fast, top dollar sale.  
           Just call 631-241-4172 anytime, 24 hours, and I’ll rush a copy out to you.

  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.

                         Call me at 631-241-4172 and I’ll give you all the facts. 

How To Spot A Fake Check

Did you know if you deposit a check that is found to be fake, you’re responsible for the funds and could face criminal charges?  You may find fake checks in the mail from unknown sources (probably a scam artist).  Here’s how to check the check:

Look at the bank logo.  If it doesn’t have one or it’s faded, be suspicious. 

Study the MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) line, a series of digits at the bottom of the check representing the bank routing number, account and check number (in that order).  A check with no routing number (the first nine digits) is counterfeit.  You can verify bank routing numbers at: http://www.fededirectory.frb.org/reserve.cfm

Examine the signature.  If it looks digitized, it was likely scanned.

Be wary if the amount is just under $5,000.  Federal rules require that checks under that amount be available to you within five days.

 Do You Have A Real Estate Or Home-

Ownership Question You Want Answered?

Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth.  Or maybe you just need a recommendation for a handyman, carpet cleaner or plumber… 

Either way, I love hearing from all of my good friends and clients.  And I’m always looking to answer pressing questions you might have about anything relating to real estate or home-ownership. 
If you have a question, tip or idea, please feel free to call me at 631-241-4172    
I’m here to help!

4 Weeds Good Enough To Eat

If you can’t think of anything for dinner, look in your backyard.  These weeds are edible, but do your research and properly identify them (and make sure you or the neighbor’s dog haven’t sprayed them with something) before you put them on your plate.  A tip: don’t try these if you are prone to allergies. 

¨    Dandelion.  Add the leaves, which contain vitamins A, C and K, to soup.  The leaves are more tender and less bitter if you eat them before they flower. 

 ¨    Plantain (the weed, not the banana).  Blanche the leaves and sauté with butter and garlic. You also can crush them and use on insect bites.

 
¨    Stinging nettles.  You must steam or boil these to get rid of the nettles, but they are said to make a nutritious tea. 

 
¨ Purslane.  Eat the young stems and leaves in salads or sandwiches or use them in recipes that call for spinach (the taste is similar).   Purslane contains antioxidant vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.

Real Estate Corner…

Q.  What are the most common home-buying mistakes? 

A.  First, you should work with a REALTOR®, a professional who will guide you through the process and help you avoid these pitfalls: 

¨    Not knowing how much house you can afford. Mortgage calculators are available online. Be sure to factor in such items as property taxes, maintenance and insurance.

¨    Not shopping for loan options. You need to know your credit score, get pre-qualified and pre-approved.

¨    Not including mortgage financing and professional inspection contingencies in the contract.  The mortgage financing clause saves you if the home doesn’t appraise for the offered price; the inspection clause allows you to negotiate (or cancel the deal) if an inspector finds problems.

¨    Falling in love with a house without considering all the facts, such as structural flaws, location, neighborhood and potential for resale.

If you have any questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation,
please call me at 631-241-4172