Blog
Tips For Lowering Property Taxes
May 31, 2015
Property taxes can be a pretty big chunk of change each year, and as of 2013 in Grand Junction, Colorado, the median cost of property taxes for those who have a mortgage is $1,117. If you want to lower your property taxes, you're not only going to have to take precautions, but practice due diligence as well. The following are some of the top tips for lowering property taxes if you own real estate in Grand Junction.
Check for discrepancies on the card
If you don't already have your property tax card, ask for it, then check to make sure all the information is correct. For example, check that the square footage and number of rooms is correct. You could end up walking away with a lower total for your property taxes if any of the information is exaggerated.
Know what credits you're eligible for
There are quite a few people who are likely eligible for discounts on their property taxes and don't even realize it. For example, those who are veterans, disabled, and/or considered a senior citizen should look into how to lower their property taxes based on their situation.
Don't make any drastic property changes
Whether you put in a pool or construct a deck, anything you do to build on your home can increase its value, and therefore, up the amount of your property taxes. Before you do anything, you can actually call the Grand Junction tax office and ask them about how much your property taxes would go up so you know ahead of time if you can afford the change, not only in the short run, but the long term.
Point out negatives to the tax assessor
While walking around your piece of Grand Junction real estate, your tax assessor is going to keep an eye out for all the nice, fancy things about the property, but what you should be doing is pointing out the good AND the bad. For example, when you're walking through the kitchen, you can say, “Yes, the appliances are new, but the floor is a disaster and the tile is cracked.”
Review the assessor's findings
Don't just accept the assessor's findings for what they are without going over them. Let's say his comparables were way off, and he looked at much larger and nicer homes a mile away rather than ones that are in your neighborhood and valued them the same. This is where it becomes a problem for you and your property tax value. Give the assessor reasons to think your property is far worse than those other properties are, and make sure he took note of that in his report.
Challenge any discrepancies on time
If there are any discrepancies regarding the property taxes for your piece of Grand Junction real estate, you don't have an endless amount of time to appeal the decision. Check here for the more on the appeal process in Mesa County.
If you own a piece of Grand Junction real estate, know that you have options when it comes to lowering your property taxes, and it doesn't just start before the process begins, but also after if you don't agree with the results. Stay informed of your rights and be vigilant and you could end up with a lower amount than you expected.
Check for discrepancies on the card
If you don't already have your property tax card, ask for it, then check to make sure all the information is correct. For example, check that the square footage and number of rooms is correct. You could end up walking away with a lower total for your property taxes if any of the information is exaggerated.
Know what credits you're eligible for
There are quite a few people who are likely eligible for discounts on their property taxes and don't even realize it. For example, those who are veterans, disabled, and/or considered a senior citizen should look into how to lower their property taxes based on their situation.
Don't make any drastic property changes
Whether you put in a pool or construct a deck, anything you do to build on your home can increase its value, and therefore, up the amount of your property taxes. Before you do anything, you can actually call the Grand Junction tax office and ask them about how much your property taxes would go up so you know ahead of time if you can afford the change, not only in the short run, but the long term.
Point out negatives to the tax assessor
While walking around your piece of Grand Junction real estate, your tax assessor is going to keep an eye out for all the nice, fancy things about the property, but what you should be doing is pointing out the good AND the bad. For example, when you're walking through the kitchen, you can say, “Yes, the appliances are new, but the floor is a disaster and the tile is cracked.”
Review the assessor's findings
Don't just accept the assessor's findings for what they are without going over them. Let's say his comparables were way off, and he looked at much larger and nicer homes a mile away rather than ones that are in your neighborhood and valued them the same. This is where it becomes a problem for you and your property tax value. Give the assessor reasons to think your property is far worse than those other properties are, and make sure he took note of that in his report.
Challenge any discrepancies on time
If there are any discrepancies regarding the property taxes for your piece of Grand Junction real estate, you don't have an endless amount of time to appeal the decision. Check here for the more on the appeal process in Mesa County.
If you own a piece of Grand Junction real estate, know that you have options when it comes to lowering your property taxes, and it doesn't just start before the process begins, but also after if you don't agree with the results. Stay informed of your rights and be vigilant and you could end up with a lower amount than you expected.
