Stacey's Blog

So, have you heard about criminals "shaving"??

Stacey Alyk (Metro Brokers, Son And SEA Realty) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:57:06 -0500

This one was new to me... We've all heard about high tech online and email scams that are used by criminals to trick consumers out of their money. But now, some scammers are relying on good old low-tech skills to steal money from consumers... sometimes without being detected for months!

Authorities are reporting increased "credit card shaving" activity. Credit card shaving--or resurfacing--occurs when a criminal essentially creates a duplicate credit card using numbers from other cards.

Here's how it works...

Criminals obtain valid credit card numbers (either by purchasing a list of numbers from a black market dealer or by stealing numbers from other sources, such as financial paperwork). Then, criminals use a razor blade to shave the raised numbers off of expired credit cards or gift cards. Once the numbers are off, criminals re-arrange those numbers into the order of a valid credit card number and glue them back onto a clean-shaven card. Finally, the criminals use a knife or a pen to scratch the magnetic strip on the back of the newly created card, so that store clerks have to enter the number manually rather than swipe the card.

It's all very low-tech, but very effective! Especially, when you consider that the victims have no idea they're even being robbed. And why should they? Their actual credit cards haven't been stolen... they're safe and sound in a wallet or purse.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

First, spread the word about this type of crime. That means telling your friends, family members, and even your local merchants. Experts agree that the best line of defense is at the store register. After all, these card numbers need to be entered manually by a store clerk. If the clerk is perceptive and takes a minute to inspect cards for evidence of mismatched and crooked numbers or even traces of glue, many of these types of crimes could be stopped before they begin.

Second, monitor your accounts. All too often, people file their credit card bills or check card statements without really inspecting them. To help protect yourself, make sure you take a few minutes to examine what charges are listed. If anything looks remotely suspicious, look into it. You can start by checking it against your recent purchases, and if anything looks suspect, get in touch with your credit card company and the merchant for help in tracking down the issue.

It really is a great time to buy real estate!

Stacey Alyk (Metro Brokers, Son And SEA Realty) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:51:58 -0500

Hi there friends, I just wanted to pass along some encouragement to anyone you know that may be thinking about buying a new home, but are concerned about the market, and all the activity going on. I know a lot of people are scared, worried, or confused about the market, buying a home, and what the consequences would be. I would LOVE to talk to anyone you know that may be thinking of buying a home.

It is actually a very good time to buy right now!!! REALLY! Prices are low, there are a lot of homes to choose from, rates are actually pretty low and there ARE still some assistance programs out there for buyers! There is even a $7500 tax credit (loan) for buyers that have not owned a home in the last 3 years. For people who want to sell, and move up, this really is the time to look at that option. Selling at a "lower" time also means buying at a "lower" time, and I would be happy to show you how it could actually be better than in an "upper" market. Really.

There is so much more I could say, but to keep this short... what I want you to know is that I am really committed to educating anyone that is thinking of buying a home. If you know of anyone that I can serve, please let me know. I'm honored to help.

Hope you are well! And remember, if there is anything I can do for you, please... do not hesitate to give me a call!

New Price! Great Opportunity!

Stacey Alyk (Metro Brokers, Son And SEA Realty) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:02:03 -0500

Stacey Alyk | Son And Sea Realty, LLC | stacey@sonandsearealty.com | 303-667-6639

3295 Blake Street, #303, Denver, CO

Priced to Sell! Great Location! City Views!

1BR/1.5BA Condo

offered at $230,000

Year Built	2001
Sq Footage	813
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Covered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$138 per month

DESCRIPTION

A sleek & contemporary loft in LoDo, just blocks from Coors Field. 815 square feet of elegance! Bamboo floors greet you at the front door and continue throughout the main floor. The great room is light & bright and open the stunning kitchen. Eye-catching granite counter-tops, Cherry cabinets, and black appliances make this room beautiful as well as functional! A half-bath completes the main floor. Upstairs you find the master suite, with a custom walk-in closet and a full bath. The balcony offers a great view of the Denver skyline. The garage is gated, has an opener, and you have your own parking space and storage unit. You will love the convenience of this location and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful loft!
Additional details at 888-208-2638 ext 2003

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Granite countertop	Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Covered parking

Storage space(s)

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Denver Skyline View

Bamboo Floors

Cherry Cabinets

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Stacey Alyk

Son And Sea Realty, LLC

stacey@sonandsearealty.com

303-667-6639

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 26, 2008, 12:53pm PDT

I welcome a kick in the teeth!

Stacey Alyk (Metro Brokers, Son And SEA Realty) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:14:04 -0500

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life has strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” Walt Disney (1901-1966) I really think this one of my favorite quotes of all time! It just recently struck me as a great quote for this market of real estate we are in as well as personal life experiences. The real estate market has really seen some interesting activity with the “down payment assistance” programs over the last few years. Now that most of them are being eliminated, I hear many people say, “oh, now it’s really bad”, or just have a doomsday attitude about it all around. My thought is… we needed this kick in the teeth! And now, we have a chance to learn and grow from it! My opinion is that the market is not bad… we are just learning from yet one more lesson needed to be learned! There are still people who need to sell, people who need to buy, and real estate professionals who can help it happen!

Spring is here!! Play Ball!!

Stacey Alyk (Metro Brokers, Son And SEA Realty) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:27:55 -0500

I'm sure as most of you would agree, I'm SO ready for Spring!! Long days, sunshine, blue skies, green grass, flowers blooming, and a sure sign of spring................... Rockies Home Opener! The Rocks play against the Arizona Diamondbacks today at Coors Field. Game time is 2:05! Let's see if the Rocks can pull it out this season and win the World Series!! They came SO very close last year... (like spring time flowers), we could all smell it!!

In case YOU are a die-hard baseball fan, or know someone who is, check out the loft for sale just blocks from Coors Field, at 3295 Blake St #303!! 815 square feet, 2 baths, extra storage, granite countertops and bamboo floors, this loft built in 2001 even has covered and secure parking!! Check it out on the right!! Or click here

Happy SPRING!!

Stacey Alyk

Stacey@SonAndSeaRealty.com