How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Denver

by Jim Holmes

It's the time of year when the cold prompts people from Littleton to Aurora to Highlands Ranch to utilize their fireplaces and space heaters.

I thought it was important to remind you of how to properly utilize these tools and protect yourself and house from not only fire, but also carbon monoxide poisoning.

Of course, as it concerns poisoning from carbon monoxide, the most important step is to ensure that you have at least one, functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home or workplace.

Contact Jim Holmes for Info on How to Buy or Sell a House in South Denver

I gathered some information here from the Denver Health Trauma and Injury Prevention Program. My thanks to this community resource for their good work.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness

High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:

Mental confusion
Vomiting
Loss of muscular coordination
Loss of consciousness
Ultimately death

How to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Denver

Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals.

Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.

Avoid using a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.

By Sideroxylon (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Install CO alarms in the every sleeping area of the home.

If you cannot afford to do this, install one in the hallway near every sleeping area or one on each level. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.

Avoid using portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.

Avoid burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.

More Denver Health Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety Tips and Info

Aurora Condominium for Sale: 13991 East Marina Drive Unit: 508, Aurora, CO 80014

RARE ATRIUM 2 BED 2 BA W/BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSE VIEW. 

Review: Clare Bridge Crossing at Clare Bridge Highlands Ranch: Dementia and Alzheimers Care, Denver, Colorado

by Jim Holmes

A vital part of my job as a Certified Senior Housing Professional & Senior Real Estate Specialist along the Denver Front Range is staying abreast of the various senior communities in the area that may be helpful to my clients or their family caregivers when the time comes for an older adult to transition - or right size - to a senior community.

Buying or Selling a Denver Front Range Home? Contact Me for a No-Obligation Consultation

So last week I made it a point to be at the Expansion Open House & Ribbon Cutting for the new Clare Bridge Crossings at Clare Bridge Highlands Ranch, part of the Brookdale Senior Living family of communities. Clare Bridge Crossings is Brookdale’s newest senior living solution designed for those in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Jim Holmes and Britny Otto

I spent some time speaking with Britny Otto, the Executive Director of the community, and discovered that the staff is carefully vetted, selected and trained to manage the challenges associated with dementia. Their approach - called the Clare Bridge Daily Path - provides a gentle structure to each day that targets specific needs of those with Alzheimer's and various types and levels of dementia. It features:

Morning Mental Workout - Daily late morning mental exercises including discussions, brain stimulating games, and reminiscing.

Daily Physical Activity - A variety of exercise opportunities including group exercises, walking programs and dancing.

Daily Life Skills - Individual or group activities that provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging.

Person Centered Life Enrichment Programming - Activities are designed using the resident's own social history information as a foundation.

As I walked about the community, I found that the interior design has been perfectly set to feel like that of a private home and the enclosed walking areas give residents a chance to move around and exercise, while also maintaining a standard of safety.

Clare Bridge of Highlands Ranch Website

The Clare Bridge Dining Program, awarded a top level certification by the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is a nutritional and dining program designed by a team of specialists to help those with Alzheimer's and dementia. It offers dementia-friendly menus, individualized dining assistance, a supportive environment and consistent seating arrangements.

If you're an older adult or the family caregiver of one ready to rightsize, please feel free to contact me for further insights and advice on senior living options across the Denver Front Range and/or for assistance with other senior real estate services.

Evergreen Home for Sale: 284 Skyhill Drive, Evergreen, CO 80439

Custom Mountain Estate on 35.18 acres with incredible grounds, spectacular views of snow capped mountains includes guest house with 834 SF oversized heated garage located in gated community. The English Country home built by Nicholas Custom features finest finishes and millwork and was recently updated and remodeled. Main floor includes formal dining with adjacent butler pantry and wet bar, living room/music room, a gourmet kitchen with a huge center island, slab granite, separate Sub Zero Refrigerator and Freezer, two dishwashers, large country sink and additional prep sink, double ovens, microwave and stove, large walk-in pantry and custom 42 cabinetry. Adjacent to kitchen is a large casual dining room with three-sided fireplace, family room shares fireplace, spectacular sun room/office. Main floor master suite has sitting area, gorgeous master bath with heated spa tub, radiant tiled floors, separate vanities, large steam shower, his and her walk-in closets. Evergreen Schools.

Centennial, Colorado House for Sale: 3891 E Long Court, Centennial, CO, 80122: Littleton School District

Spend the holidays in your new house!

Please join me at this home on for an Open House on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 4:30-7p with drinks & Hors D'Oeuvres.

3891 E Long Court, Centennial, CO, 80122

Have to sell your home before you buy? This home is a perfect match! Seller would consider a contingency contract.

Exterior Features: Just under .25 Acre, corner lot, sits on cul-de-sac. Large deck in backyard with mature trees. 

Easy access to Denver Tech Center, South Suburban Golf Course, and Linksview Park.

Move In Ready, Cozy Two Story Home: professionally remodeled offering separate Formal Living/Dining Rooms with Bay Windows; New Flooring throughout;  Kitchen Cabinets/Granite Countertops; New Baths; New Wrought Iron Rails; Finished Basement with Family Room and additional Bedroom. 

This Corner lot sits within a Cul De Sac and offers just under .25/Acre;  large deck off the kitchen; mature trees. It's within walking distance to the South Suburban Golf Course and the close to the Denver Tech Center. 

Popular Highlands 460 Neighborhood within the Littleton School District - Highland Elementary, Powell Middle, and Arapahoe High. This home is ready to create new memories for its next family.

Join me, Jim Holmes, at the Open House on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 and contact me here for more information.

Seniors Visiting Seniors in South Denver

I've recently launched an initiative throughout South Denver called "Seniors Visiting Seniors," a Senior ambassador program designed to help brighten the lives of Seniors in retirement and assisted living facilities.

It’s a fairly simple concept based on giving Seniors an easy way to connect with other Seniors through requested visits within a Senior Community.

The pilot program was launched at Someren Glen Retirement Community, which is part of Christian Living Communities in Centennial, Co.

Contact Me for Help in Selling or Buying a Home in South Denver

The idea is based on the exact opposite message we have all seen hung on hotel room doors boldly stating 'DO NOT DISTURB.'

Instead, the same style of door hanger stating 'I WOULD LIKE A VISIT' is given to all residents should they ever want to request a visit for any reason. They may be lonely and just need someone to listen. They may have been dealing with something difficult and just not know anyone well enough to reach out for support of any kind.

Here are a few ways I intend for this program to be beneficial to all concerned: 

1) Staff at the communities can be alerted to any potential physical or emotional problems their residents are experiencing.

2) The residents themselves benefit from knowing that someone cares and by the emotional boost they receive from the Ambassador visits.

3) Senior Ambassador volunteers from within the community have an opportunity to support their peers, stay active and truly enjoy getting to know their neighbors better often by sharing stories and discovering common interests.

4) This will encourage socialization and connections among the residents of the community themselves, with those who are being visited inspired to get out of their apartments or rooms and become members of the program themselves, visiting others and actively participating in "Seniors Visiting Seniors."

5) During the summer months, we plan to recruit school-age kids to take part in the program as well, bringing a sense of youthful exuberance to the visits. 

With the help of my assistant, Christine Watson, and the support of Someren Glen's Life Enrichment Director, we have begun the process of recruiting and training Ambassadors, with an initial 26 visits already placed.

Feedback from the Ambassadors has been quite positive. It’s been a pleasure for them, while making a great difference for all the folks they visit.

My vision is that this program be primarily resident-driven, placing no additional burden on community staff.

As a south Denver real estate agent who specializes in helping seniors or their caregiver families negotiate the complexities of a late-in-life move, I love the opportunity to be able to give back to our community and enrich the lives of all involved in this project. The more communities and people we can get involved in this initiative, the better!

If you'd like more information on including the "Seniors Visiting Seniors" program at your community along the Denver Front Range, or if you're involved with a group of youths who may like to be involved as Ambassadors in the summer months, please contact me here for more information.

Evergreen House for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439

How the Government Shutdown Affects Home Loans and Mortgages in Denver

Here's what buyers and sellers of homes in the south Denver area can expect as a result of the shutdown of the U.S. government.

Many U.S. agencies involved in the federal approval of loans for houses in Colorado - in addition to agencies you may need customer service from as part of the home sale process - are not open for business.

Here's a rundown of their status and what you can expect in terms of non-service and delays. This information is via The National Association of Realtors. - Jim Holmes

Please feel free to contact me here for ANY of your real estate needs.

What a Government Shutdown Means for Real Estate Transactions

(As of October 1, 2013)

Congress has failed to approve a Continuing Resolution (CR) providing funding for most government operations. Therefore, spending authority for most of the government expired at midnight on September 30, 2013. Until legislation providing for funding is signed into law, many offices and programs of the federal government are now shut down. This means many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires each agency to have contingency plans in place. The information below is based on NAR staff review of agency agency contingency plans for the current shutdown and past experience with previous shutdowns and near-shutdowns.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS is closed and has suspended the processing of all forms, including tax return transcripts (Form 4506T). These transcripts are required for many kinds of loans, including FHA and VA, so delays can be expected if the shutdown is protracted.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

The Social Security Administration is closed and has suspended most customer service functions. According to the SSA Contingency Plan, verifying Social Security numbers through the Consent Based SSN Verification Service will also be suspended during the shutdown, a further complication for mortgage processing.

Federal Housing Administration

HUD’s Contingency Plan states that FHA will endorse new loans in the Single Family Mortgage Loan Program, but it will not make new commitments in the Multi-family Program during the shutdown. FHA will maintain operational activities including paying claims and collecting premiums. Management & Marketing (M&M) Contractors managing the REO portfolio can continue to operate. You can expect some delays with FHA processing.

VA Loan Guaranty Program

Lenders will continue to process and guaranty mortgages through the Loan Guaranty program in the event of a government shutdown. Expect some delays during the shutdown.

Flood Insurance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will not be impacted by a government shutdown, since NFIP is funded by premiums and not tax dollars. Changes to the flood insurance program scheduled to take effect on October 1 will be implemented as scheduled.

Rural Housing Programs

For the U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, essential personnel working during a shutdown do not include field office staff who typically issue conditional commitments, loan note guarantees, and modification approvals. Thus, lenders will not receive approvals during the shutdown. If the lender has already received a conditional commitment from the Rural Development office, then the lender may proceed to close those loans during the shutdown. A conditional commitment, which is good for 90 days, is given to a lender once a USDA Underwriter approves the loan. If a commitment was already issued, the funds were already set aside and the lender may close the loan at its leisure. If Rural Development has not issued a conditional commitment, the lender must wait until funding legislation is enacted before closing a loan.

It is important to note that the traditional definition of “rural” for qualifying communities for assistance will be continued in effect during the shutdown. We expect that language to continue the current definition will be included in whatever funding measure is eventually enacted.

Denver House for Sale: 1201 Eudora Street, Denver, CO 80220

Attention Investors*Fix & Flip! Prime Denver Neighborhood! Ranch style w/ 3 beds on main flr* 3 ba*

A Poem for Senior Citizen Family Caregivers

I recently discovered a poem that I know speaks with emotion to anyone who is a caregiver of a senior citizen. If you know of a family caregiver who works passionately to meet the needs of their loved one, please feel free to share this with them.

As a Denver Front Range REALTOR who specializes in helping elders and their caregivers through the sale of a family house, I'm regularly fortunate to meet dedicated folks from Colorado who daily face the obstacles spoken of in the poetry below. - Jim Holmes

Contact Me for No-Obligation Advice on Buying or Selling a Denver Front Range House

"Caregiver"

By Sue Green

"The surreal world I live in

Thrust there over night

It was a stroke that hit him 

Since then just nothing’s right

The frustration of it all.

The many hats I wear

The tasks that never end

The new roles that I bear

I wake up in the morning

Wishing for the past

Stick to his routines

And never move too fast

There’s someone living in my house

I know there’s someone here

Why do I feel so all alone

Even when he’s near?

Some days he comes to visit

And talks of things we share

‘tho conversation’s brief

And oft’ too short to bear.

I try to see it his way.

I try to help him out.

I know he faces struggles

For him, no easy bout.

A different world he lives in

His own pace that he sets

I try to make him understand

He sometimes tries, and yet

Can I know the effort that it takes

To put together words to talk?

Can I feel his inner struggle 

When he tries to walk?

I can only be there

Let him know I’m here

I can sit beside him

And try to ease his fear.

It’s a surreal world we both live in

Just ‘one day at a time.’

With some days still a struggle

When all is not sublime."

Evergreen Home for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439

{Infographic} Fannie Mae Home Sales Outlook and Mortgage Rates for Denver Through 2014

Fannie Mae recently released their anticipated housing forecast for Denver, Colorado and the entire U.S. This 12-month forecast ranges from August of 2013 through August of 2014 and shows a robust home sales outlook over the next year. It also includes a look at the previous 12 months of action, back to the third quarter of 2012.

The number of homes sold will increase nicely and the average price of those homes will also rise. However, mortgage rates will also jump significantly.

Contact Me for Advice on Buying or Selling a Denver Front Range House

So if you've been considering selling your Colorado house, now would clearly be the time to begin heavily investigating the possibility of such and finding the right REALTOR for your needs.

At the same time, if you've been considering buying a Denver-area house, now is the time to do so before the mortgage rates move even higher.

Whether you're a buyer or seller, I stand ready to help. Contact me for a no-obligation discussion of your situation. I'll provide a free market analysis and happily offer advice!

Denver House for Sale: 1201 Eudora Street, Denver, CO 80220

Honoring Colorado Senior Citizens and World War Two Veterans: Rocky Mountain Honor Flight

You've probably heard of the Honor Flight Network, a national initiative that began in 2006 with the goal of flying every able and willing World War II veteran to Washington D.C. to visit "their" World War II Memorial. The trip is completely free of charge to these heroes.

Our local chapter of this excellent program is Rocky Mountain Honor Flight, a Denver Colorado based non-profit organization formed in 2007.

I was inspired to provide more information about Rocky Mountain Honor Flight when I happened across news that Dick Raiter, a veteran and resident of the Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial, would be treated to an Honor Flight to D.C. on September 12 of this year. Here's a photo of Mr. Raiter with his daughters Debbie Colussy (L) and Marty Frampton (R).

This is such a fantastic program that honors our veterans and offers them a 3-Day, free trip to D.C. where not only are they honored, but they receive the opportunity to honor and remember their friends and lost colleagues.

Need Help Buying or Selling a Denver Front Range Home? Contact Me for a No-Obligation Chat

All Honor Flight programs operate exclusively on donations from patriotic individuals and businesses. I hope you'll take a few minutes to learn more about our Rocky Mountain Honor Flight and consider a donation or perhaps even volunteering opportunities with the group. They do heartfelt work.

From Evergreen to Englewood to Lone Tree to Aurora to Centennial to Denver to Highlands Ranch and everywhere in the area, if you know of a veteran who should make the trip (and that includes terminally ill Korea or Vietnam veterans) please pass along the info to them and encourage them to fill out an application to be added to the list. - Jim Holmes

Donate to Rocky Mountain Honor Flight via PayPal

Photos courtesy of Stephen R. Brown Photography

Download Veterans and Volunteer Applications

Evergreen, Colorado House for Sale: 203 Sioux Trail, Evergreen, CO 80439

Information on the Denver Walk to End Alzheimers 2013

I've always enjoyed taking part in the Denver Walk to End Alzheimers, just one way we all can work to help destroy this horrible disease.

This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2013. Of course, both individuals and teams take part in this vital fundraiser for the Alzheimers Association.

Folks from Evergreen to Aurora to Englewood to Centennial are finding sponsors, organizing teams, and getting ready to hit the path.

There's nothing like popping on that purple t-shirt and going for an invigorating walk: one that'll keep you healthy, raise money to help others, and to help researchers figure out a way to stop this disease before it affects our kids and grandkids along the Denver Front Range.

The link below will take you to where you need to go to register as a participant, team, volunteer, or donor. Plus learn more about helping to eradicate Alzheimers. - Jim Holmes 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Register or Get More Information

Alzheimer's Association: Colorado Chapter on Facebook

Considering Buying or Selling a House in South Denver? Contact Jim Holmes for a No-Obligation Analysis

Evergreen Home for Sale: 203 Sioux Trail, Evergreen, CO 80439

Video

Why Do You Walk to End Alzheimers?

South Denver Senior Citizen Discounts

No matter our age, we all love a discount, right? Of course, as we reach baby boomer status at 50 or 55 and then senior citizen status at 65, restaurants and businesses of all sorts across South Denver and the country begin to offer us special discounts based on our age.

Regardless of whether or not we "need" the discount economically, it's still fun to receive it.

So, I thought I'd scan the Internet and come up with a list of businesses that provide boomer or senior citizen discounts to their customers. From Englewood to Aurora to Evergreen to Denver, get ready to save some dollars! - Jim

Disclaimer: I culled most of these from the Internet and businesses regularly change their perks, so be sure to ask about and confirm the discount when you place your order.

Considering Buying or Selling a Home in South Denver? Contact Jim Holmes for a No-Obligation Analysis

Restaurant Discounts

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)

Arby’s: 10% off (55+)

Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)

Bennigan’s: discount varies by location (60+)

Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)

Boston Market: 10% off (65+)

Burger King: 10% off (60+)

Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)

Chili’s: 10% off (55+)

CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)

Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)

Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)

Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)

Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)

Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)

Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)

IHOP: 10% off (55+)

Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)

KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)

Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)

Long John Silver’s: various discounts at locations (55+)

McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)

Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)

Shoney’s: 10% off

Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)

Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)

Subway: 10% off (60+)

Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)

Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)

TCBY: 10% off (55+)

Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)

Village Inn: 10% off (60+)

Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)

Wendy’s: 10% off (55+) White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail and Apparel

Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)

Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)

Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)

Big Lots: 10% off

Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)

C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)

Clarks: 10% off (62+)

Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)

Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)

Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)

Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)

Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off

Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions

Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)

The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)

Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

Evergreen Home for Sale: 126 Mountain Sage Path, Evergreen, CO 80439

Aurora, Colorado: Villas at Cherry Creek Neighborhood Wine Tasting Event and Open House

This Wednesday, July 24, 2013 please feel free to attend (and invite any friends to) my Neighborhood Wine Tasting and Open House from 4:30 to 7pm at the Villas at Cherry Creek in Aurora.

This great neighborhood with many amenities is a perfect, gated community and within just a few steps of Cherry Creek State Park.

The wine tasting event will take place at a home we are featuring for sale at  5031 S. Auckland Court.

See Photos & Take a Video Tour Here of 5031 S. Auckland Court Aurora, CO 80015

This low maintenance, ranch style home has a finished, garden level basement and:

• Large Master Suite
• 2 Large Bedrooms on Lower Level with Full Bath
• Exquisite Finishing Touches
• Lots of Storage
• 3,670 Finished Square Feet

When arriving at the gated community, simply enter “Rider” as the resident gate code for access.

I'll look forward to seeing you there for a great glass of wine, conversation, and tour of a beautiful home. - Jim

South Denver 2013 Fireworks and Fourth of July Fun Page

While many cities and suburbs in the South Denver area have cancelled or are postponing fireworks this 4th of July, there are still plenty of events to enjoy in our communities. I wanted to give you a short overview of those and also supply you with some additional ideas for party fun on the Fourth along the Denver Front Range. Have a great time and be safe! - Jim

Ready to Buy or Sell a House in South Denver? I Can Help!

There's a crazy amount of fun taking place at the July 4th Parade, Run, & Celebration at Town Center in Highlands Ranch. Just a sampling of the activities include a 5k run, hot dog eating contest, skateboard demos, and plenty more.

By the way, fireworks have been tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, September 21 during Oktoberfest.

July 4th Activities in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Englewood 4th of July Festival and Fireworks

Updated List of 2013 Fireworks Shows Across Colorado

4th of July Recipe and Party Ideas

Get some tips on grilling, BBQ, desserts, holiday drinks and picnic salads

Intriguing 4th of July Fact

Three U.S. presidents have died on July 4th. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the singing of the Declaration of Independence. Five years later, James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.

Fourth of July Party and Decoration Ideas

Share with the Kids: How Fireworks Work

From Nova on PBS

10 Unique 4th of July Outfit Ideas 

Highlands Ranch Home for Sale: 2234 Cactus Bluff Avenue, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129

Costs and Contracts: Financial Questions to Ask Assisted Living Facilities in Denver, Colorado

by Jim Holmes

It can be stressful enough when a senior citizen or a caregiver decides that a move to assisted living may be the best option for that elder. Along with a ton of organizational and emotional issues, the financial implications are important points that must be pondered and acted upon.

For Help in Buying or Selling a Home in South Denver: Contact Me Here

As a Realtor in south Denver, it's part of my job to help transition senior clients to the assisted living facilities in the Denver Front Range that may be the best options for their care. One of the ways in which I act in service to seniors is by doing more than just helping to sell their home: I want to make sure that the entire transition in this phase of your/their life is as seamless and hassle-free as possible.

As such, I want to provide some basic financial and legal questions that a caregiver or senior citizen should ask any community they are considering moving to.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a lawyer and this should NOT be interpreted as legal advice. It's important that you talk with an attorney before signing any contracts.

Questions for Assisted Living Facilities

1) What is the basic fee?

2) What services are included with that fee?

3) What are the additional prices for ala carte services or products?

4) What initial (or down) payment is required? Is any portion of that refundable?

5) If my loved one is not at the facility for an extended period of time (such as due to a hospital or nursing home stay) what fees are still applicable?

6) Is renters insurance mandatory?

7) When, why, and how often are fees likely to be changed?

8) How much advance warning is provided in the event of fee changes and who is notified?

9) Is financial assistance available now or at any juncture?

10) Who is responsible for cleaning or repair in the event of a significant spill or other accident?

11) What's the refund policy in case of closure, ownership change, transfers, or similar events?

12) What are the behaviors or circumstances that may result in termination of services or eviction?

13) What are the rights of residents?

14) What are the grievance procedures and alternatives in case of dissatisfaction with that process?

If you have other questions concerning a move to an assisted living facility, or if you'd like to discuss with me the possible sale of your family home, please feel free to contact me anytime here.

Denver Home for Sale: 2234 Cactus Bluff Avenue, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129

Holly Creek Retirement Community Summer Open House

I absolutely love it when I see a senior living community in the Denver area that provides a unique arrangement of activities and events for their residents. And when those events include participation from the public and local citizens, it's all the better!

And things are hopping this month at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial as their Summer Open House celebrations are well underway with a variety of activities including an Art Walk, speakers on Heart Healthy Nutrition and Cooking, and a discussion on an embattled Mideast culture, all designed to enlighten, entertain, and engage. I hope you'll stop by and join in the fun! - Jim Holmes

Contact Me for Help in Buying or Selling a Denver Front Range Home

Things got underway with a kickoff breakfast on May 31 and June 1, and the residents and staff were also awesome enough to quickly put together a benefit bake sale on June 4, with all proceeds designed to help the Oklahoma tornado victims.

Active Minds: Kurds

June 10

3pm

Holly Creek residents and guests (anyone from the community is welcome to attend) will explore the complicated dynamic of 30 million people Kurdish people in the Middle East and seek to understand the Kurdish people and their struggle. The Kurds are an ethnic group of approximately 30 million with origins in a part of the Middle East that has been surrounded by the historic powers of the region. Today, the traditional lands of the Kurds are divided into parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. As a minority in each of these countries, the Kurds have long sought their own sovereign nation or at least more autonomy, with mixed results.

Visit the Holly Creek Website

Heart Healthy Nutrition with the Cooking Cardiologist 

June 13

1:30pm

The engagement and enlightenment at Holly Creek continues! Join Dr. Richard Collins, "The Cooking Cardiologist" with South Denver Cardiology Associates, and Susan Buckley, RD, as they explore the relationship between heart disease and nutrition. Dr. Collins is a nationally known speaker and practicing cardiologist who will provide you with information on how diet improves cardiovascular health and how making changes at any age will make a huge difference!

Art Walk and Reception 

Thursday, June 20th

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

Join Holly Creek's first Art Walk & Reception in the town center that will feature a group of local Colorado artists and some of the Holly Creek resident artists as well. Each artist will be displaying their art work for viewing and some pieces will be available for purchase. Come on down and enjoy the varied and beautiful art work while munching on some delicious appetizers and wine.

RSVP to 720.266.5610 or to dnelson@clcmail.org

Again, these folks  events are open to the public and part of the Holly Creek Summer Open House season. Come by and enjoy.

Contact Jim Holmes to Buy or Sell a Denver Front Range Home

How to Repair Identity Theft and Credit Damage in Denver

In an earlier blog post, I supplied tips on how how to protect yourself from a significant problem in Colorado: identity theft.

In this piece, I report on how to REPAIR the problem IF your identity is stolen. Thieves are becoming ever more sophisticated at their crime than ever before. As a Denver Front Range realtor, I know EXACTLY how heartbreaking it is for clients when identity theft or otherwise damaged credit hinders them in buying a new house. Here's what you can do if you're affected. Best of luck! - Jim Holmes

Ready to Buy or Sell a Home Along the Denver Front Range? Contact Me for Advice

How to Repair Identity Theft

1) Quickly Place a Fraud Alert with the Credit Reporting Companies.

The first company will then supply the info to the others. There is no cost for the fraud alert, but you must offer proof of identity. This report lasts for 90 days then must be renewed. Be sure and provide the company with your current contact info.

2) Get Copies of Your Credit Report

This is vital in determining how much damage you've suffered. The first report is free of charge. Then immediately reach out to the businesses that have been affected by the theft and begin a dialogue with their fraud department.

3) Create an Identity Theft Report

This will ultimately initiate an extended fraud alert on your credit report. Write all of the details of the identity theft in the report. This then becomes your identity theft affidavit. Provide this report to your local police and file a complaint with them. Keep a copy of the police report and submit your Identity Theft Affidavit and the police report to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission here.

U.S. Federal Trade Commission: Steps to Repair Identity Theft

Colorado Attorney General: Identity Theft Repair Kit

Monitor the Process Closely

Resolving identity theft can be quite cumbersome. Stay organized and build a system to track all of your correspondence, documentation, and phone calls. Keep everything and document everything!

The advice here encompasses only the first steps to undergo when attempting to repair identity theft in Denver, Colorado. Be sure and read through the websites linked here for further information and steps.

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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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