Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  Information is brought to you by Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Protecting Kids From Identity Theft Protecting children is a constant responsibility for parents and guardians alike, and many are unaware that they also need to be protected from identity theft. Identity thieves often apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, and apply for a loan in the name of the victim, even a child. They often do this long before the child is old enough to open a credit card themselves, destroying a child’s credit history. If your child is getting mail such as bills for products they didn’t receive, an IRS notice that income taxes haven’t been paid, or you or your child are turned down for government benefits because the benefits are being paid to another account linked to your child’s Social Security Number, then they may be the victim of identity theft. To protect them, make sure you’re not carrying around their birth certificate or Soci

Information is brought to you by Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties Signs That Your House Might Have an Electrical Problem A problem with the electrical wiring, an outlet, or the circuit breaker or fuse box in your home needs to be taken seriously. An unaddressed electrical issue could spark a fire that could engulf your entire house and put your family’s lives in danger. Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box Trips Repeatedly A circuit breaker or fuse box is designed to stop the flow of electricity to the house to prevent the circuit from overloading and causing a fire. If the unit trips frequently, especially when you use a particular outlet, the circuit may be overloaded. Call an electrician. Lights Dim or Flicker Light fixtures use less electricity than other appliances. If lights dim or flicker, it’s probably because a major appliance is using so much energy that the circuit cannot handle both it and the lights. Ask an electrician to wire the lights to another