Today’s Sound Off is about selling your home:

Dear Heloise: I’m tired of people calling me at all hours and asking if I want to sell my home. I’ve told them “No, and please do not call me again.”

As it so happens, I’m on the Do Not Call list, but so far that hasn’t stopped anyone. I sincerely believe many of these callers are scammers, and if they are not, they are certainly a bunch of creeps.

If I wanted to list my house for sale, I would do it with someone I know and trust, not some random stranger. As things are now, I plan to stay here for a long time.

Lately I’ve been gathering the phone numbers of the callers, and I plan to hand it over to the people at the Do Not Call Registry. I’ve been told there is a stiff financial penalty for violating this service. — Lisa E., Camden, New Jersey

Lisa, 31 days after you register with the Do Not Call Registry you can file a claim in small claims court. It will cost you money and legwork, but you can sue a company that repeatedly violates your privacy and time. The fine to the company or telemarketer varies from state to state.

The Federal Trade Commission pursues violators. You can also go to complaints.donotcall.gov or call (888) 382-1222 for additional advice and information. — Heloise

FAST FACT

Leaving a phone message for someone? Please remember …

— Speak a little slower.

— Be sure to leave your full name and phone number.

— Keep your message as brief as possible.

— Don’t mumble or hold the phone too close to your mouth.

— If at all possible, don’t talk on the phone while driving.

SALT vs SALT

Dear Heloise: What is the difference between kosher salt and regular table salt? — Ava T., Hanover, New Hampshire

Ava, regular salt is granulated and usually has a free-flowing agent added. Kosher salt is a coarse flake without a free-flowing agent added. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.