Montrose, CO

Did you know that there is a senior tax exemption in the State of Colorado?

It is availableto senior citizens and the surviving spouses of senior citizens. The State reimburses the local governments for the loss in revenue. For those who qualify 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of the applicant's primary residence is exempted. The applicant may apply for the exemption on only one property. No more than one exemption per tax year shall be allowed.

Qualifying Senior Citizen

1. The applicant is at least 65 years old on Jan 1 of the year in which they apply.

2. The applicant is the property owner of record and has owned the property for at least 10 consecutive years prior to Jan 1.

3. The applicant occupies the property as their primary residence, and has done so for 10 consecutive years prior to Jan 1.

If you you would like further information please contact me brownbrit@aol.com 970-209-8436

In this climate of falling property values you do have the right to protest the tax valuation on your property if you think it is to high.

In the state of Colorado you mat present oral or written objections to the assessor. Appeals for real property must be postmarked or delivered to the assessor on or before June 1st.

The Assessor must make a decision on your appeal and mail a Notice of Determination to you by the last regular working day in June. Effective Jan 1 2006 any county in Colorado may elect to alter their real property appeal period by expanding the assessor's time to answer appeals from the last working day in June to the last working day in August.

If vyo uare dissatisfied with the assessor's decision you can appeal to the county board of equalization (County Commissioners by July 15. There are forms of appeal if you still think the valuation is unfair. If you would like more information feel free in contacting me 970-209-8436 brownbrit@aol.com

You can now search property for sale in 28 countries from your iphone or Blackberry at www.ColdwellBnaker.com

People looking for a home will be able to search a city, state and price. You can search by bedrooms baths. view all of the specifications for that home and be able to contact an agent directly.

You don't have to download any special software you will be able to view the information right on your phone.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Montrose Colorado or surrounding area you can contact me at 970-209-8436 or by e mail brownbrit@aol.com

The old School House/Grange building in Colona Colorado Is raising funds to restore this old historic building.

Built in 1915 and served as aschool until 1948. Purcahsed by the Grange in 1963. In 2000 it was designated a Ouray County Historic Site and a Colorado State Historic Site. In 2006 it was included on the most endangered places list by Colorado preservation Inc.

The Grange members are trying to retore the building and were awarded a grant of $250,000 from the Colorado Historical Society, but in order to obtain this grant the members must raise $85,000 as a matching contribution.

For more information contact Wanda Miller 970-249-5024.

brownbrit@aol.com Alan Brown 970-209-8436

The first week of the New Year has started off with a definite pick up in the calls and showings our office has been receiving. This is encouraging news if you are looking to sell your home, whether it is on the market currently or you are thinking of putting your home up for sale in the near future.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, interest rates remain at 37 year lows so if you are thinking of buying a home in the near future this is a good time. The average price of a home in Montrose continues to creep up despite the overall economic conditions being slow.

Please contact me with any questions on how you can take advantage of this market.

brownbrit@aol.com 970-209-8436....