FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   For more information, contact: Penn HendersonNextHome Paradise Realty808.345.6214penn@pennhenderson.comwww.hawaiirealestatehub.com Penn Henderson earns internationally recognized elite achievement for performance in luxury real estate. Institute of Luxury Home Marketing - Penn Henderson Kailua-Kona, Hawaii / March 9, 2023 / Penn Henderson with NextHome Paradise Realty on the Big Island earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s newest and most prestigious designation of excellence, recognizing the best of the best, the GUILD Elite™. Only the finest earn the designation, not only for their experience, knowledge, and expertise but also for continued success in the top echelon of residential real estate. Henderson is a GUILD Elite™ Member, part of an exclusive group of real estate professionals who have completed The Institute’s training and have proven their performance in the multi-million-dollar market.  “Agents who have earned the GUILD Elite™ recognition are rare and perform at a superior level in their community,” said Kathleen Bibbins, General Manager of The Institute. “To achieve and maintain multi-million-dollar success consistently, it takes an exceptional degree of service and a constant focus on clients’ needs. We want to recognize this outstanding accomplishment and give these superior professionals the earned distinction of being the agent of choice for the most discerning affluent buyers and sellers.” The specialized training and ongoing membership with The Institute provide Henderson with the knowledge and tools to better serve affluent clients. The GUILD Elite™ designation displays evidence of a strong commitment to being the best in the field with an unwavering commitment to service at the highest level. “It’s truly an honor to be recognized as a dedicated luxury real estate professional providing unwavering integrity and a commitment to outstanding service”, said Henderson. Penn Henderson is a 22-year Big Island resident specializing in the Kona & Kohala Coast, a certified CASAN™ Luxury Real Estate Expert, PSA© Pricing Strategy Advisor, RSPS© Resort & Second Home Specialist, EPRO®, and earned “Rookie of the Year” by the West Hawaii Association of Realtors. For more information about the luxury market on Hawaii’s Big Island, contact Penn Henderson with NextHome Paradise Realty at 808-345-6214 or penn@pennhenderson.com.  

When preparing to batten down the hatches during a storm, don’t forget to pay attention to your furry family members. Loud, unpredictable noises and an uptick of electrical currents in the air can make your pet seriously scared when the weather goes wild. Here are three ways to soothe your dog or cat during an electrical storm.Create a comfortable space. Many animals like small, tight spaces when the weather becomes unpredictable. (Some even jump in the bathtub!) Find a cozy spot for your pet (preferably in the same room you’re in) and bring in their favorite blanket, bed or toy.Turn on calming music. Animals have long been known to react to soothing music the same way people do. Play some classical tunes or lullabies to help put pets at ease.Distract them. Just like people, animals can be distracted in the face of fear. Play their favorite game or pull a special occasion treat out. Eventually, they may associate storms with treats and toys, instead of static electricity and thunder.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Planning to buy your first house?Be prepared and avoid excess stress with these tipsGet Help Hire a real estate pro to help you find the right property and close a deal.Be Open to Concessions You might not be able to afford to check off every item on your wish list.Define Your Finances Get a loan pre-approval, budget for closing costs and dont spend beyond your means.Take Your Time Weigh the pros and cons of each house you view, and fight the urge to rush your decision.Buying your first home can be a challenge. But it should be exciting, not overwhelming.Published with permission from RISMedia.

When you move into a new house, there are numerous things youll want to do early on to get your house in live-in shape, and one thing you should think about early is setting up the surround sound system in your new home.Techies love this sort of stuff, but not everyone is adept at understanding all the wiring and how to properly set up speakers and an audio system. While you could hire someone to come in and do the job, watching a few DIY videos on YouTube may be enough for you to handle it yourself.One of the most vital components of the surround system is the speaker and the placement of the speakers around your media room is paramount in creating an ideal surround sound system environment.Start by locating the sweet spot in your room where you will most likely be sitting to watch TV. Of course, multiple people watch at one time, and you might not always sit in the same place, but try to find the central area so you can work everything off of that area.When it comes to setting up each speaker correctly, it is important to follow the display model. For example, the center channel speaker should be located directly above or below the display as the majority of the dialogue from a TV show or movie comes through this speaker. Its recommended to place the center speaker as close to the television as possible while also being careful to angle the speaker towards your ears.The front left/right speakers provide the off-screen effects and project all the stereo soundtrack information including the background environments. Avoid placing these speakers too close together to avoid a sound stage or placing them too far apart, which will create a large gap in the sound stage. Its best to place them as close to ear level as possible. One common mistake is putting them in corners, but that will muffle their sound.The surround speakers are primarily the area in which homeowners tend to mix up the most. Despite their name, they arent supposed to be behind you, and are actually best when they are set up directly on your left and right. Most experts recommended that surround speakers be placed approximately 2 feet above ear level.TVs are getting bigger and better and it would be a shame to have the HD picture of your dream and just the standard sound emulating from the set. Invest in a nice surround sound system and feel like youre at the movies every time you watch.Interested in more real estate tips? Feel free to contact me directly!Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Regardless of how much time you spend cleaning, there are likely to be a few places you overlook. Below are five frequently missed spaces that may need a little elbow grease.Baseboards. While cleaning, look down. The baseboards running along the floor may likely need a little TLC, as they commonly pick up dust and debris throughout the year. Give them a scrub at least twice annually.Doors. When is the last time you washed the surface of your doors? How about the door jambs? Doors get a ton of traffic, especially to high-use places like the bathroom. Give them a wash at least twice a year to remove fingerprints, dust and grime.Behind appliances. Pull out the fridge and stove and take a look at what’s lurking back there. In addition to dust, you could find food scraps that attract critters, and even missing cooking accoutrement.Stairs. Look closely at your staircases and you will likely find a thick layer of dust in the crevices and cracks. Give them a sweep or a vacuum to keep them in top shape.Cabinet interiors. At least once a year, empty everything out of your cabinets and give them a wipe down. This will remove dust, mildew, cobwebs and any critters that may have moved in. Bonus: with everything out of the cabinets, you now have the ideal opportunity to reorganize! Win!Published with permission from RISMedia.

These details are essential to any Mediterranean-style abode…Stucco FaadeA stucco faade along with a low-pitched roof outfitted with terracotta tiles is a popular exterior theme.Natural MaterialsNatural materials are the norm, such as hand-carved wood doors, limestone floors and warm earth tones.Arched Windows & DoorwaysGentle curves and soft angles are a prevalent part of the aesthetic, particularly in doorways and windows.Exposed BeamsThis architectural detail makes any room feel more spacious and distinguished.Tiles GaloreMosaic tile backsplashes, terracotta tile floors and even tile countertops help capture authentic Mediterranean style.Iron AccentsWrought-iron light fixtures, railings and gates further the Old World aesthetic.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Are you the type of person who likes to take their flower garden indoors? Indoor plants do more than simply add color to your space; they can also improve the mood of those who live with them. If you’re looking for a blooming plant, consider one of the following four:Bromeliads. These funky, spiky plants are in the pineapple family! Bright and tropical, they like lots of light and don’t require too much water, which makes them a great choice for a beginning gardener.African Violet. These are some of the most popular blooming house plants, as they flower for a long duration and are relatively easy to care for.Begonias. A well-cared for begonia will bloom almost continuously. Place them in a bright location away from windows.Peace Lily. These lovely, graceful flowers are adaptable and low-maintenance. They don’t demand too much light and can survive stints of both over- and under-watering.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few things to know about wet rooms. With no curtains, doors or shower trays, the clean aesthetic provides a spa-like bathing experience, and whats not to love about that? From easier access to efficient cleaning, an open-concept shower and bath area has numerous functional advantages. If you dont have the space for both a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower, this style can be a great solution. Working with a designer will ensure your bathroom is fashionable and functional.Published with permission from RISMedia.

While we all know water is essential for our health, not all of us enjoy chugging those recommended eight daily glasses. Or maybe it’s your child who refuses to drink plain old water. Below are a few tips to help you up your water intake.Add flavor. A squeeze of citrus, fresh mint or a handful of blueberries can make drinking water a bit more fun. Make sure to keep these twists simple and fresh, and avoid sweeteners (artificial or otherwise), which can have health repercussions.Swap in tea. Unsweetened herbal tea can aid your water consumption, especially if you’re steeping the bags yourself, which helps assure there are no sneaky additives. Add a hot cup of herbal first thing in the morning and before bed to squeeze in a few more fluid ounces.Choose fruit. While this should not replace the water you drink, focusing on a few juicy fruits a day can help keep you hydrated. Try watermelon or oranges for a fresh liquid burst.Keep it cold. If you enjoy cold beverages, then keeping chilled water around can help you drink it down faster.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Social media is just that"social. And a big part of it is sharing photos when youre out celebrating something, such as your birthday.However, these two things"photos of yourself and your date of birth"can be all someone needs to steal your identity and start opening bank accounts, credit cards and other things in your name.Frank Abagnale, a famous fraud-prevention specialist, has said that “98 percent of stealing a persons identity is just finding their date of birth and an image of them.”While you may not want to delete every photo of yourself from Facebook, or leave your birthday off your profile page, you can at least limit who sees them.Hiding Your Date of BirthClick on your name and then click on the About tab. On the left are several categories that you can edit. Click on Contact and Basic Info to get to your birthdate"hover over it and an Edit button should appear. After clicking on Edit, you can change who sees either your birth month and day, or the year you were born.You can change any of those, but Facebook only allows it a certain number of times. Instead of changing the date and lying to Facebook, which could get you kicked off the service, you can hide your birthday so that only you can view it. Or, you can customize your share options to display your birthdate to the public, all friends or only certain friends.Hiding PhotosHiding photos on Facebook can take a little more work, though the steps are simple.Start by limiting who can see your Facebook page to only your friends. Just as you can hide your date of birth from the About tab, you can also hide who can view your contact information.Your name and profile photo are always public on Facebook, partly as a way to help people find you. If you dont want anyone stealing a photo of you so they can fraudulently use it, make your profile photo something generic.When you post something on your timeline, you choose who sees that post. Limit those to your friends only and dont make them public. Use the View As tool to see what your profile looks like to other people, including the public and specific friends. You can also control the privacy for each photo individually after it has been posted by clicking on a photo and then on Edit Post.If someone tags you in a photo, by default it publishes without giving you the option to review it first. You can change this by clicking on your name, then Timeline Settings, and then you can choose to review photos you’re tagged in before they are published.Reviewing anything youre tagged in will help prevent new photos of you from showing up without your approval.Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you need money for home improvements, tuition or another purpose, you might be able to secure funds through a second mortgage.How Does a Second Mortgage Work?A second mortgage is a loan that allows a homeowner to borrow against the value of their house by using it as collateral.One option is to receive a lump sum of money to be repaid over a period of time. Another is to open a home equity line of credit.Before getting a second mortgage, be sure to weigh the decision carefully.Falling behind on your payments could put you at risk of foreclosure.A second mortgage should only be used for a legitimate purpose that will benefit you in the long run.Published with permission from RISMedia.

The entrance of your home says a lot about your character, from interior design to overall aesthetics. Below are some helpful tips for making sure your space wows you and your guests every time.Kill the clutter. Clutter is a huge no-no in your entryway, as it impacts the entire vibe of your space from the moment you set foot in the door. However, this can be hard, as the entryway is the space you dump your keys, mail, boots and coat. To remedy this, make sure you have designated, tucked away spaces for everything you store at the entrance of your home. Hooks for coats, baskets for mail and a covered bin for shoes can all work wonders.Add a statement. Placing a beloved piece of art or furniture in the mouth of your home is a great way to appreciate it every time you enter, and can offer a fantastic conversation starter between you and guests.Have a seat. Whether it’s a plush chair or a simple bench, a seat in your entryway is great for roosting as you tie your shoelaces, and makes a perfect place for attractive accent pillows.Light it right. Good lighting in your entryway is a must. Add an attractive lighting fixture, set up a dimmer for mood and a floor or table lamp for added options.Personal touches. Placing photos of your family and pets in your entryway can add a nice personal element and warm your heart every time you pass by.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Want to quit smoking tobacco? Theres good reason to. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. And let’s face it: Smoking is expensive, so kicking the habit can also save you a lot of cash.Although quitting an addiction is inherently difficult and may take several tries, its not impossible. In fact, millions of people have successfully stopped smoking, and with hard work and the right strategies, you could become one of them. Try the following tips from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to help you quit smoking:Get Ready to QuitIf you want to quit smoking, try to get motivated. Make a list of your reasons to quit, and write a contract to yourself that outlines your plan. You could either slowly limit how much you smoke before quitting fully or quit all at once by going cold turkey. Use the method that works best for you.Determine what triggers you to smoke. For example, do you smoke after a meal, while driving or when you’re stressed? Develop a strategy to handle each trigger. If you’ve tried to quit smoking before, think about those attempts. What helped you during that time, and what made it harder?Seek SupportSet a quit date, and let those close to you know about it. Ask your family and friends for support in your effort to quit smoking. You can also get support from hotlines and websites, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW and smokefree.gov.Try Medicine and Use It CorrectlyTalk with your doctor and pharmacist about medicines and over-the-counter products that have been shown to help many people quit smoking. You can buy nicotine gum, patches and lozenges from a drug store, and other helpful medicines are available by prescription.Learn New Skills and BehaviorsTry new activities to replace smoking. For example, instead of smoking after a meal, take a brisk walk in your neighborhood or around your office building. Take up knitting, carpentry or other hobbies and activities that keep your hands busy, and try to be physically active regularly.Try to avoid smokers, and ask those you can’t avoid to respect your efforts to quit and not smoke around you. Remove cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters from your home, office and car, and try to avoid drinking alcohol, which makes people more likely to start smoking again after quitting.Prepare for WithdrawalWithdrawals can be challenging, but keep in mind that symptoms often lessen after only one or two weeks of not smoking. If you feel like smoking, wait a few minutes for the urge to pass, and remind yourself of the benefits of quitting.Although many smokers gain weight after they quit, the average gain is 10 pounds or less. You can control this side effect by following a heart-healthy eating plan and being physically active. Remember the bright side: Food smells and tastes better if you dont smoke.Dont Give UpIf you relapse and start smoking again, dont get frustrated or discouraged. Most smokers make repeated attempts to quit before complete success. Accept that you slipped, learn from the experience and recommit to quitting smoking. Set a new quit date, and try again.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Heres everything you need to know about butcher block countertops…The BasicsThere are three different types of butcher block counters to consider:Edge grain is made by stacking planks together so the side of each piece is seenEnd grain is built using square-shaped pieces that give it a grid-like appearance.Face grain is made by laying slabs of wood flat together so the width of each plank is visible.Types of WoodMaple, cherry and walnut are all popular options, while bamboo can be a great eco-friendly alternative.Care and MaintenanceA food-safe oil finish will provide a protective coating that is resistant to heat, moisture and stains, while still retaining a rich appearance. Published with permission from RISMedia.

For most people, theres no denying that salt is tasty. The sodium-rich ingredient excites our palates and adds flavor to bland food. But too much of a good thing can be bad.According to federal stats, nine out of 10 Americans eat more sodium than they need, which can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that cutting down on salt and other high-sodium products can help lower your blood pressure or keep it at a healthy level. Use these tips from HealthFinder.gov to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet:Know your sodium limit. Generally, healthy adults and teenagers 14 years old and above need to limit their sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg a day. Children younger than 14 need no more than 1,500 to 2,200 mg a day, depending on their age. For people with high blood pressure, limiting sodium intake to 1,500 mg a day may be helpful. Make sure to ask your doctor how much sodium is okay for you.Shop for low-sodium foods. Believe it or not, most of the sodium we eat doesnt come from our salt shakers. Sodium is in almost all the processed and prepared foods we buy"even foods that dont taste salty, such as bread or tortillas. When youre shopping, limit these high-sodium items: processed meats, poultry and seafood, such as deli meats and sausages; sauces, dressings and condiments; and instant foods, such as flavored rice or noodles.Check the label. Use the Nutrition Facts label to check the amount of sodium in foods, and compare different options. Try to choose products with 5 percent Daily Value (DV) or less; a sodium content of 20 percent DV or more is high.Make healthy shifts. Swap out foods that are higher in sodium for healthier options. For example, you can snack on unsalted nuts instead of salted pretzels or chips. Buy plenty of fruits and vegetables, but avoid frozen vegetables with added butter or sauce and canned veggies high in sodium.Cook more at home. Making your own meals is a great way to eat less sodium, because youre in control of what goes into your food. Try different herbs and spices, such as ginger or garlic, to flavor your meal instead of salt. Choose condiments that are unsalted or lower in sodium, and if youre cooking pasta, dont add salt to the water. When you do eat out, check the menu for any lower-sodium dishes, and ask to get dressings and sauces on the side so you can add only as much as you need.Add more potassium to your diet. Replace high-sodium foods with high-potassium foods, which can help lower your blood pressure. Good sources of potassium include potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, beans, milk and yogurt.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Saving money is often easier said than done, but if youre serious about bulking up your savings account, there are ways to achieve your financial goals. And while eliminating vacations, canceling your cable subscription or getting rid of your car and relying on public transportation can help you save big chunks of money, these may not be practical solutions for you and your family.If eliminating big expenses is too difficult, take a step back and focus on cutting smaller expenses that wont impact your life in a big way.Here are a few ideas to get you started:Small, Daily Expenses$5 cup of coffee a few times a week at your local coffee shop will add up right before your eyes. In fact, if you purchase a cup of coffee twice a week, thatll cost you nearly $500 a year. If your caffeine addiction has you picking up a coffee every day of the work week, youre laying down $1,200 a year. Thats some real cash worth saving by brewing your coffee at home.Impulse PurchasesImpulse purchases can go beyond living expenses and straight into splurges that you dont truly need. Common impulse purchases include a pint of ice cream at the grocery store, or gum or lottery tickets when youre buying gas. Make a conscious effort to put an end to these small impulse purchases for a week and see how much money you save.In-App PurchasesIf youve downloaded a lot of games, photo editors or other apps that do a range of things for you, you have the opportunity to spend plenty of cash on things you probably dont even think about. Paid versions of apps"or ones that allow in-app purchases"are convenient and can help you save time, but spending a few dollars for such apps can add up. When downloading apps or games on your smartphone, go with the free version if you can, knowing that you may have to sit through some ads to get the content.Coupon AppsWhile coupons are a great way for savvy shoppers to save some serious money when shopping for groceries, clothes and everything in between, they can also encourage unnecessary spending if youre constantly purchasing products you dont need. If youre looking to get a handle on your spending, remove Groupon and other coupon apps from your phone"and only look for a coupon once youve decided to purchase an item.Alcohol and Desserts When Dining OutBeverages at restaurants have high markups, particularly alcohol, so skip the cocktail untilThe same goes for desserts. While you dont want to deny your sweet tooth when youre celebrating your birthday, for example, know that restaurant desserts are extremely overpriced. Do your wallet a favor by making something at home or buying it elsewhere.While the ideas noted above are on the simple end of the spectrum, begin incorporating one or two at a time and see how far youve come at the end of a month before deciding whether or not you can adhere to it long term.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Saving money can be difficult, and sometimes your frame of mind can hold you back. Here are some negative thoughts to overcome:I Dont Make Enough Money to SaveYou are more than likely wrong about this one. Sometimes it’s about writing down your numbers and determining what you can cut and save on.With the improving economy, it’s becoming even easier. Household incomes have been increasing and the unemployment rate has been falling the past few years, giving more people a chance to save. And many are doing it. The personal savings rate in the U.S. rose to 5.9 percent in March after rising steadily since 2013. But theres room for improvement. The personal savings rate averaged 8.29 percent from 1959 until 2017.Ill Start Saving When I Earn MoreHow many times have you told yourself that you’ll start saving when your income rises enough so you can afford it? Unfortunately, this kind of thinking won’t get you anywhere. Expenses often increase as pay does, so putting off saving for this reason doesnt mean youll do it later. Start now instead of waiting.Im Young. Ive Got Decades to SaveTelling yourself that you’ll save later can affect your retirement planning. Its a problem that can be dealt with later, the thinking goes, and it can be hard to imagine what will happen decades from now.The value of compounding and saving early in life are explained on the website interest.com. Waiting only five years, not decades, can require a higher savings rate to reach a retirement goal of $1 million by age 65.According to the site, if you save $405 per month by age 25 at an average annual return of 7 percent then youll have $1 million at age 65. But if you wait until youre 30 to start saving then youll need to save $585 per month to reach that same goal.Its Too DifficultSaving money isnt easy, but it isnt as difficult as you might think. Some apps can help. Digit monitors your spending and moves money from your checking account into savings when you can afford it. Meanwhile, a finance app, Acorns, automatically invests your spare change.Some retirement plans take the work out of investing with target-date retirement funds. Workers select a fund closest to their retirement date and the portfolio changes automatically as they age"aggressive investing when theyre young and more conservative as they near retirement.Enrollment in a 401(k) retirement plan can be automatic when a worker joins a company, allowing them to opt out if they want to. Employee contributions can also be automatically increased over time.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.