As always, consult a Tax Expert for answers to questions specific to your situation!

In Mesa County, property taxes paid in 2011 (we pay property taxes in arrears, so property taxes for 2010 are paid in the Spring of 2011) were assessed during the recent peak in real estate values – January 2007 through June 2008.  According to Bret Goff, Mesa County’s Deputy Assessor, the Grand Valley was among the top ten accelerating real estate markets for 2007.  What does that mean regarding today’s tax bill?  Property is assessed at a higher value than for what most property owners could sell their property today.

Property in Mesa County is assessed every two years with the last assessment period ending in June 2010.  The new valuations will be available later this Spring.  The assessment is made-up of an evaluation of comparable properties that sold in the 18-month “look back” or collection time period.  

Those who don’t agree with the valuation of their property can appeal the valuation, but be prepared to provide a recent appraisal or the list price if currently/recently listed and if the property sold.

Paying Uncle Sam – Real Estate Taxes are deductible if itemized.  There may be different tax implications for investment properties; if a homeowner is considering making their primary home into an investment property (renting it out) be sure to visit a tax professional to learn the specifics of capital gains taxes on primary residences and the taxes payable on rentals.

This info was obtained through The Daily Sentinel’s Real Estate Weekly, dated March 13, 2011, “Ask the Experts: Tax Season Questions about Real Estate”.  To review the full article, see http://grandjunctiondailysentinel.co.ussrv15.newsmemory.com/default.php?pSetup=grandjunctiondailysentinel_realestate 

Again, visit with a tax professional to fully understand the tax implications to which you may be subject.  In the meantime, feel free to contact Heath & Company Realtors for your buying and selling needs!  970.243.3376 or www.HeathRealtors.com

Why Use a Realtor?  Here is another of a dozen reasons:

Your realtor has many resources available to assist you in your home search.  With the technology available today, buyers and sellers can research property to find ones of interest for their own purchase or to evaluate how their home stacks up in the market.  However, realtors have quick access to many details about homes that are not always instantly available through general internet searches.  Let your realtor help find the information most important to you to assist you in your evaluation of homes.

Find out how Heath and Company Realtors can assist you in your buying and/or selling needs!  970.243.3376 / www.HeathRealtors.com

Of course, we all like to see a return on our investments . . . hopefully a healthy return!  Your home, haven, haus, casa . . . more than just an investment.  People have the right to own a house they LIKE.  A House that FEELS GOOD.  A HOME! 

Chances are, if you like your home, others will too; something to keep in mind if you’re trying to sell your home.  What do you like the best about your home?  When listing your home, try to accentuate those comfy, homey aspects that you enjoy.  Is your home welcoming to those visiting - those potential buyers?

Looking for a home?  How do you FEEL about the home when you enter the front door?  Is it comfortable?  Something to keep in mind for re-sale – if you like your home, chances are others will too. 

Find out how Heath and Company Realtors can assist you in your buying and/or selling needs!  970.243.3376 / www.HeathRealtors.com

Real Estate transactions are one of the largest financial investments in which people participate in their lifetime – transactions usually exceed $100,000!  Using an experienced professional, a Realtor (R)  is a sound decision in helping you through the process of buying or selling, or just evaluating the market and your options.  Only licensed real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) can be called “Realtor.”  Realtors are committed to treat all parties in the transaction honestly and they adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, requring a higher level of knowledge in the real estate buying and selling processes. 

Why Use a Realtor?  Here is one of a dozen reasons:

A Realtor can help you determine your buying power.  What are your financial reserves?  What is your buying capacity?  By providing some basic information to your Realtor, like your current income and debt and available monies (savings), your Realtor can refer you to a lender (bank or mortgage company) who is qualified to assist you in your home buying process.

Find out how Heath and Company Realtors can assist you in your buying and/or selling needs!  970.243.3376 / www.HeathRealtors.com

Check back here frequently for the latest information on the Grand Junction real estate market and the entire Heath and Co. team!