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

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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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Jim Holmes and The Alliance Group Receive Denver Real Estate Award

FOR MORE INFORMATION                                                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Douglas E. Lierle                                                                        April 27, 2013
Lierle Public Relations on behalf of:
South Metro Denver Realtor Association
303-792-0507
Email: lierlepr@comcast.net

Jim Holmes and The Alliance Group Garners Prestigious Sales Production Award for 2012 from

South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association

Realtor Group Holds First Annual Diamond Circle Awards Celebration

April 26th at Marriott Denver South

DENVER, Colo. – April 27, 2013 – Jim Holmes, a leading real estate professional with The Alliance Group of Englewood, has been recognized by the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association (SMDRA) as a 2012 Diamond Circle Club Member. SMDRA held its first annual Diamond Circle Awards celebration on Friday, April 26, 2013 at the Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows.

Diamond Circle Club recipients for 2012 must meet the minimum requirement of $3 million in total sales volume or 20 real estate transactions to qualify for the prestigious 2012 Diamond Club Member recognition.  SMDRA is a non-profit trade association that provides real estate professionals with the resources they need to help them grow and prosper in the highly competitive real estate business.

“We are pleased to recognize Jim as a Diamond Circle Club Member for 2012,” said Jo Pellegrino-Ellis, 2013 President of SMDRA.  “He has demonstrated a sincere dedication to the real estate business, old-fashioned hard work, and superior customer service to achieve success regardless of market conditions.  We are proud to have Jim as a member of our association.”

Master of Ceremonies for the Diamond Circle Awards was Sam Adams, a Denver area comedian and past winner of the Great American Comedy Festival.  Adams has headlined in premier venues around the country, in addition to Red Rocks Amphitheater and the Paramount Theater.  Clever, clean and hilarious, he has appeared on ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS, and the NFL Network.  Adams was also the recipient of Colorado’s Print Journalist of the Year award in 2003.

Denver Assisted Living: Christian Living Communities

My friends at Christian Living Communities put on another splendid evening on April 25 at their Holly Creek Community in Centennial. I'm always happy to take part in their events and this one - the 8th Annual Aged to Perfection mixer - was a nice way to spend the night, networking and mingling with others, while lending a hand to a very worthwhile organization in our area. Nearly 350 folks enjoyed wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

Proceeds support their mission of providing services for seniors in a manner that reflects Christian love, respect and compassion and that sets the highest of standards for service and care of our elders.

Find Information About Buying or Selling a Denver-Area Home

As a Denver Realtor, I regularly come across senior citizens and their caregiver families who are selling the family home and require a great spot for Mom or Dad to downsize to and receive assisted living care. I'm very grateful that all of us in this area can count on Christian Living Communities across south Denver to provide this sort of service on a non-profit basis.

Visit Their Website to Learn More About Christian Living Communities

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.

Contact Me to Buy or Sell a Denver House

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.

Considering Buying or Selling a Denver Area Home? Contact Jim Holmes for a Free Analysis

“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

Highlands Ranch Home for Sale: 6783 Amherst Court, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130