Thursday, January 17, 2019

Reading Can Improve the Brain’s Health


A graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, attorney Cynthia Ann Miller practices law in Hinsdale, IL. From offices located in Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and Naperville, IL, Cynthia Miller focuses primarily on matters related to commercial and residential real estate. Aside from her professional endeavors, Ms. Miller enjoys reading, an activity that has been shown to increase one’s overall health and cognitive well-being.

People who enjoy reading love getting lost in a good book. It can be therapeutic and comforting in the midst of hectic schedules. Science is proving that adults who read books regularly not only benefit from the joys of an interesting hobby, they reap several health benefits as well.

In fact, a recent study completed by the Yale University’s School of Public Health concluded that individuals who read books regularly live almost two years longer than people who don’t. Researchers attribute this result to improved cognition, memory, and brain function of people who continue reading as they age. 

By maintaining cognitive engagement, readers continue to improve their vocabulary, concentration, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. All of these benefits are the result of a brain that is being continually exercised and trained to stay elastic and active, thereby reducing dementia and other cognitive difficulties.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Disclosure Law for Residential Real Estate Sellers in Illinois


Cynthia Miller, a Hinsdale, IL, attorney, handles commercial and residential real estate matters for clients in Naperville, Downers Grove, and Hinsdale. Possessing nearly two decades of experience, Cynthia Ann Miller of Hinsdale, IL, handles a wide range of real estate issues on behalf of buyers and sellers, including quiet title actions, leases, boundary disputes, and foreclosures.

In Illinois, residential real estate sellers are legally required to make certain disclosures to prospective buyers in writing, containing information about the safety, quality, and healthfulness of a property. Buyers are expected to provide such disclosures before a sales contract is signed to ensure the seller and buyer are on equal ground during negotiations. Since the purpose of these disclosures is to put buyers and sellers on equal ground only, they do not take the place of a warranty or inspection.

When filling out a disclosure form, buyers only need to list the issues of which they have personal knowledge. This may include the presence of lead paint, crime and death in the home, zoning changes, and structural issues. If the seller is unaware of any issues relating to the property, or they believe the issues have been properly corrected, they do not need to disclose the information to the buyer. 

Since the disclosure law only applies to known defects, an inspection is still essential for properly valuing a property. If a buyer suspects the seller fraudulently concealed a known defect that was revealed during the inspection or after the deal is closed, he or she can contract the seller and request the seller pay for the repairs. Buyers also can sue the seller for fraud, but must be able to prove the seller knew about and purposely hid a problem with a home.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Physical Books Making a Comeback


For more than 25 years, attorney Cynthia Ann Miller has led her own real estate law practice with locations in Naperville, Downers Grove, and Hinsdale, IL. Outside of her work, Cynthia Miller pursues hobbies that include hiking, traveling, cooking, and reading.

Ever since Amazon debuted its Kindle reader in 2007, publishing observers have been predicting the end of the traditional publishing model and the obsolescence of print books. For a while, it seemed the doomsayers might be correct, with e-books taking a significant market share within a few years of the e-reader’s introduction. 

In recent years, however, statistics indicate that print books are making a comeback. In 2016, e-book sales dropped by 17 percent, while print book sales increased by approximately 5 percent.

Industry analysts list several reasons for this trend reversal, including an increasing number of people spending more time on their smartphones than reading any kind of book. Others point out that traditional print books have retained their popularity because physical books make good gifts, function as décor in a home, and feel good to hold in the hand. 

Additionally, surveys have indicated that millennials consistently prefer physical books to digital books. As this demographic becomes the dominant consumer group, analysts suggest that print books will continue to regain their popularity.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Quiet Residential Titles vs. Clouded Titles


Attorney Cynthia Ann Miller of Hinsdale, IL, provides residential real estate services at her eponymous private practice. From her office in Hinsdale, IL, and other locations, Cynthia Miller represents clients in a number of legal disputes and matters, including quiet title actions.

A quiet title action clarifies the ownership of real property (land and buildings). It resolves any competing claims so that a prospective buyer of a property can make a free and clear purchase, without the threat of any future legal challenges to ownership. 

By contrast, a clouded title can interfere with the successful transfer of ownership. For instance, a foreclosure can hinder the current owner's release of the property. Additionally, problems may arise if a listed owner is deceased. Outstanding liens, clerical errors in recording the deed, and forged deeds can also cloud a title and add time and expense to the transfer of real property.

Regulations regarding quiet title actions vary according to jurisdiction. In some states, persons filing a suit must have possession of the property, while in others they do not need to be the possessor. Some states mandate that only titleholders may bring suit; in others, anyone having an interest in the property may initiate proceedings.

Friday, April 13, 2018

Making the Perfect Poached Egg


Cynthia Ann Miller is a well established Hinsdale, IL attorney who operates a real estate practice with locations in Downers Grove and Naperville. When not engaged in Hinsdale, IL legal work, Cynthia Miller puts her culinary school background to use through trying out a variety of recipes.

One of the fundamental skills every professional and home chef should master is how to poach an egg. One simple method involves heating water to boil in a saucepan and bringing it down to a brisk simmer. The egg is then cracked into a measuring cup, and gently slipped into the water. One popular addition at this point is vinegar, a splash of which encourages the egg white to come together more compactly in the water.

The egg should be cooked for approximately four minutes, which results in a firm egg white around a yolk that is still runny. Remove the egg using a slotted spoon and pat it dry softly using a paper towel. Poached eggs should be eaten as soon as possible after cooking, and are perfect with a dash of salt and pepper on a piece of toast or atop a salad.