May Newsletter 2024
Did AI Write This Newsletter?
Spoiler alert. No, it didn’t.
We haven’t found an AI as quirky or quite as weird as we are, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
We have written here in the past about AI and its benefits (and dangers) and we still aren’t sure about just how far we want to go with its use.
How exactly would one tell if they had received an AI-generated correspondence? We found a very informative piece that covers the best ways to tell if content you are reading was AI-generated and it can be found here.
We remain fascinated by this concept and are constantly exploring ways that we can utilize AI to become more efficient (like charting cancellations, and other metrics that might give us better ways to operate).
Thankfully, AI hasn’t learned how to clean a home yet, and that is still what we are best at.
On the other hand, Elon Musk recently said that “jobs will be optional for humans” in a benign future where robots and AI handle all human jobs currently in existence. Heady stuff for sure, where today’s jobs become “hobbies” for humans.
Robot cleaners? Certainly possible, luckily this is as close as we have today, and it doesn’t come close to what our obsessive crews can do in your home.
For a great review of the best ways to use AI in today’s world, check out this article here.
Meanwhile, we will keep showing up and cleaning your homes the old-fashioned way, and we will continue to provide our newsletter the same way!
So thanks for reading our very “human-written” newsletter for May 2024.
Read on for some great estate planning tips, a guest writer and Denver’s very expensive plan for revitalization. Enjoy!
Estate Planning Tips
Our Mom said that it’s never too early to start planning. Of course, we were (and still are) classic procrastinators, so we know she was right.
So, when we ran across this article from Edward Jones on common mistakes people make while estate planning, we figured we should dive in.
No one likes to think about their death, but having things clear and in order for those left behind is a great gift indeed.
From the article on Edward Jones, “Estate planning is about more than documenting your intentions for distribution purposes. Sharing your plan and the rationale behind it is a powerful way to pass on your values, purpose and vision for your legacy with your children and future generations.”
It’s essential to communicate the roles and responsibilities to those you have named in a fiduciary capacity in your documents (such as an executor, trustee or agent under power of attorney). Those individuals should be comfortable with and prepared for the duties you’re asking them to perform.”
Excellent advice from 30,000 feet, but how does that translate into what we need to do?
We are glad you asked.
The most common theme we found when researching this? Only 33% of adults in the U.S have created estate planning documents. Yikes, that’s a big number of folks that don’t.
Also, 60% of people without a will reported not taking any action to create a will and also haven’t made a living trust or any other estate planning document.
That was enough for us to get started, and we hope it motivates you as well.
For those of you that like to do stuff yourself, there is also a cool company called Everplans, that will walk you through the process.
We don’t want you to end up like Prince, who had no will and his estate took six years to settle.
Here’s to having a plan!
Denver’s $500M Revitalization
In the face of all the other things going on around town, you may have missed Mayor Mike Johnston’s announcement referencing the above project.
On May 9, our mayor held the news conference pictured above to announce his pledge to make Denver “the most vibrant city center” in the country.
From the news conference, “I think cities across America are facing a shared crisis as offices and downtowns have struggled to recover post-pandemic,” he said. “Many are wondering: Will our downtowns ever recover again? Should we just give up on them as some relic from a bygone era?”
“We know we cannot have a thriving Denver without a thriving downtown,” he said. “We can’t have a thriving Colorado without a thriving Denver. We can’t have a Rocky Mountain West that thrives without a thriving Colorado, which means the economic recovery of 10 states starts in this neighborhood.”
The proposal actually includes a website where people can offer suggestions about ways to revitalize our city.
From KDVR, “The investment will go toward more housing options, more child care options and more accessible and welcoming public spaces, ultimately retaining and attracting more world-class businesses where people will want to shop and work, according to the release.”
Interesting and exciting news for Denver, and the timeline would have the project launching by 2025 when funding could be approved at the earliest.
The proposed timeline is below:
- Spring/summer 2024: Outreach and engagement with stakeholders, property owner interest portal open
- Summer 2024: Downtown Area Plan kicks off with downtown residents, businesses, and organizations; City Council refers ballot measure
- Fall 2024: Vibrant Denver citywide outreach; district special election; City Council actions to update and expand DDA
- Winter 2024/2025: Property owner petition process formally begins, informed by 2024 outreach, city releases application for funding downtown revitalization projects
- 2025: Anticipated availability of DDA funding for approved projects
Home Renovation Primer
Your home may be in dire need of a pick-me-up or perhaps you desire something bigger and better. Home renovations present an excellent opportunity to upgrade and rejuvenate your living space. Today, Denver Concierge will go over the fundamentals of home renovations and give you pointers on how to bring your project to life.
Home Remodeling Pros and Cons
Undertaking a home renovation can evoke a cocktail of emotions – from exhilaration to apprehension. While it offers a chance to breathe life into your decor vision and create a living space that truly feels like home, it can also be an arduous and resource-intensive undertaking. A major remodel demands careful consideration of the many pros (such as significant property value appreciation) as well as the inevitable cons (such as the commotion and upheaval of disrupting daily routines).
Choosing Your Renovation
In today’s world where remote work has become the norm, adding a home office or multipurpose room is a highly sought-after home renovation project. Moreover, you can also consider popular options such as upgrading your kitchens or bathrooms, installing energy-efficient windows or doors to save on bills, or giving your flooring surfaces a modern makeover. For those who love the outdoors, adding an elegant deck or patio will be a perfect way to transform your backyard into a relaxing haven.
Organize Your Documents
These days, it seems like we’re always surrounded by documents – and that only intensifies when you’re planning a major project! You can make things easier on yourself by digitizing your documents, though. Simply convert them to PDFs, then merge the files and save them on your devices. You won’t have to worry about losing anything. There are free tools you can use to simplify the process, as well; check it out.
Defining What You Want to Achieve
Before beginning your renovation project, it is crucial to establish a clear vision for your desired outcome to ensure success. Defining renovation goals, whether a sleek modern kitchen or a cozy outdoor living space, is a necessary first step. It is equally important to create a realistic budget that includes unexpected expenses and necessary permit fees. By taking these proactive measures, you will lay the foundation for a successful renovation experience.
Applying For Home Renovation Financing
If you’re short on cash for your renovations, don’t hesitate to apply for a home improvement loan from your local bank or credit union. However, keep in mind that lenders typically require proof of employment and income history to approve your loan, so make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to go. It’s important to note that interest rates can differ between financial institutions, so it’s essential to explore all your options before making any decisions on loans.
Linking Up With Trustworthy Contractors
To ensure the successful completion of your renovation project, it is crucial to connect with reputable contractors in your area who specialize in the type of renovation you are undertaking. Utilize online review sites that provide detailed information about contractors including their expertise level and customer feedback ratings to guide your decision-making process. By doing so, you can maximize satisfaction levels for everyone involved while minimizing disruptions throughout the completion times.
Adding Brighter Colors
To create a positive and energizing atmosphere in your renovated space, always incorporate brighter colors whenever possible. These hues can help enhance the overall mood of the room and create a space where people feel happier and more content. Additionally, utilizing vibrant tones can provide visual stimulation without overwhelming visitors, leaving them with something enjoyable to look at.
Renovating your home can feel like an overwhelmingly challenging endeavor, but with the right mindset, approach, and resources anyone can transform their living space to reflect their style and preferences. From adding smart home features to creating a home office, there is a wide spectrum of possibilities to make the most of your renovation project. By investing in your home, you’ll also find that it adds both value and comfort to your life, making your efforts all the more rewarding.
At Denver Concierge, our professional maid service teams provide many services to suit your needs and to keep your house in tip-top shape. Visit our website to learn more!
New State Bills Passed Into Law
It’s that time of year again, as the 2024 Colorado legislative session ended on May 8.
What new bills passed, and what changes are coming in our fine state?
In 2024 there were 705 bills presented, compared to 617 in 2023.
Those included land-use bills, a bill to reintroduce wolverines, various oil and gas measures, and some gun bills.
All in all, a very interesting session in what is being called the “year of transit”.
Lots of changes to be aware of, especially for any of you that concealed carry or have a firearm in your vehicle.
For those of you wondering what might have been vetoed, Polis vetoed six bills and those are covered in this article from CPR.
Monthly Award Winners
Our monthly award winners for April were Guadalupe Caloca, Maria Zapata, Silvia Anguiano, Fidelia Bautista, and Nimia Espinoza.
In the Team Leader ranks, it was Mayra Sota and Socorro Ibarra.
We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.
We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.
Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of April.
Queen Bee Corner
by Angela
Happy International Hug Your Cat Day!
Although Denver is often referred to as Dogver, due to its intense fondness for dogs, cats surely hold their own in the Mile High City.
Around 100,000 feral cats are living in Denver. This is very close to the number of feral cats living on the streets of Budapest, where cats are treated with Godlike reverence, fed, pampered, entertained, and welcomed inside most public places.
Many of our clients who have cats have multiple cats, hence the proliferation of signs posted on doors and gates throughout the properties: Do Not Let the Cats Out!!
So far we haven’t.
The feral cats of Denver are no less loved than their indoor cousins. Much like those in Budapest, there are volunteer groups who tend to these cat colonies regularly.
They trap them to get them immunized, neutered, and treated for infections. They build shelters. They provide safe food and water. They care for them.
So it may be Dogver, but only because cats are silent, nonchalant creatures, going about their business with little or no disruption to the rhythm of the city.
But they are there. Watching.
Bee