Protect Yourself and Business from Identity Theft: Denver, Colorado Resource Guide

Did you realize that 19 people in the United States are the victims of identity theft every minute? And, of course, the problem is also significant right here in the Denver metro area.

I've written this post to help dampen a thief's ability to steal your information. This first post includes simple ways to keep your info secure. Next week, I'll offer advice on what to do if your identity is stolen. - Jim

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Identity Theft Info & Resources from Denver Authorities

Denver Police Department: Identity Theft Prevention

Colorado Secretary of State: Business Identity Theft Resource Guide

Denver District Attorney: Identity Theft Consumer Protection

Tips

1) Keep an eye out for unauthorized activity on your bank and credit cards. Monitor your credit report for activity that raises a red flag.

2) Shred documents, bills, junk mail, and any paper that holds your name, address, social security number, or personal account numbers. Personal, home or office shredders are inexpensive tools to safeguard your valuable identity.

3) Remove mail from your mailbox as soon as possible. Theft from mailboxes to garner identities is a serious problem.

4) Make sure that your online passwords are strong. This typically means including a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers. Never use the same password for more than one account. Also, be sure to change those passwords periodically.

5) Personal and financial documents that are stored on a computer should be protected by a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software. Your browser should always be up to date and security updates from Microsoft, Apple, or other hardware and software providers should be immediately and regularly installed.

6) Don't list your date of birth or birth place on social networks. Obviously, never fall prey to Internet email scams or phone calls that insist on any of your private information.

7) Do not accept "friend" requests on social media sites from individuals you are not familiar with.

And a final word of advice, some homeowners insurance policies include coverage for identity theft. Consult your agent for details.

As a Denver Front Range and Summit county real estate agent, I know first hand how vital responsible credit is for home ownership and so many other things! Identity theft can destroy your credit and cost you a large sum of money and many hours to repair. Across Colorado, your personal information is one of the most important things you possess.

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How Denver Boomers and Seniors Can Remodel Their Homes to Age in Place

As a Denver Realtor, I regularly get a chance to speak with Colorado senior citizens and boomers who are deciding whether or not to sell their current home or remain in it to age in place.

If they choose to remain in their family home, I always advise them to begin a small remodeling process now, while health and finances allow it. The goal is to age in place comfortably and safely by making some minor adjustments to the house.

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Wherever one lives in Denver, Summit County, and the Denver Front Range, these tips will make it easier for a senior to safely navigate a house. - Jim

1) Since many accidents happen in the bathroom, remodel it first. Install grab bars, and slip-free and step-free showers. Do whatever is feasible to make the bathroom larger to allow plenty of space for a wheelchair and a caregiver. Don't forget to widen the doorway for a wheelchair.

2) As time and finances allow, widen all doorways in the home to make room for a wheelchair. Replace doorknobs with handles, an idea that will reduce pain for those with arthritis.


3) Steps leading to the entrance of the home should be replaced, if at all possible. Install ramps and grab bars in convenient spots.

More Suggestions From The National Aging in Place Council

4) If the home has more than one level, plan in advance to bring as much as possible to the first level. This includes a bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room.

5) Remodel the kitchen, installing appliances with easy-to-turn knobs. Many companies specialize in a wide number of features that can make working in the kitchen far easier for a senior citizen. Things like the installation of adjustable counter tops and lowered cabinets and pantries will make life far easier for any elder in the kitchen.

6) If the house is especially large, or if caregivers will be living upstairs, install an intercom for reliable communication.

If you or a loved one will be considering moving from your family home in the future, I hope you'll consider contacting me for a chat. It's my honor to help Denver seniors, boomers, and their families make wise decisions in the moving process and in the sale of a family home. And, I love working with seniors!

Reach me and the team at the Alliance Group at 303-771-7500 or email me here.

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Denver Homes Close to Public Transportation 42% More Valuable

I wanted to share with you some new information that's pretty important if you're considering buying or selling a Denver-area home.

Location, location, location...close to public transportation in Denver may be the new Holy Grail when it comes to higher home prices. That's right: homes close to public transportation are soaring in value!

A study conducted by the National Association of Realtors and the American Public Transportation Association discovered that during the last recession, residential properties near public transportation with plenty of high-volume service saw their values increase 42 percent, on average.

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“When homes are located near public transportation, it is the equivalent of creating housing as desirable as beach front property,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy.

Of course, part of the appeal is that access to jobs is as much as 5 times higher when public transportation effectively borders a neighborhood. Additionally, households taking advantage of public transportation are typically able to save hundreds of dollars monthly in transport costs (gas, parking, etc.)

This is something very important to remember if you're considering placing your Denver Front Range or Summit County home for sale. If you're close to public transportation, your asking price could be higher than you've estimated, especially if the property is effectively marketed with this benefit.

Accordingly, this is a valuable point for Colorado home buyers to keep in mind as you search for a home and view properties: a potential house will hold its' value much better and be solidified against recession if public transportation is close.

As a Denver real estate agent, it's my job to help both buyers and sellers stay abreast of interesting, profitable, and important new trends like this.

If you're considering buying or selling a Denver-area house, please contact me for a free analysis at 303-475-7249 or email me

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