Next Week Colorado Homeowners Will Receive Updated Property Valuations From Their County Assessors
During the first week of May in every odd numbered year, Colorado’s county assessors are required to notify every property owner of the full valuation which the assessor has assigned to their property. Unless revised downward through the statemandated appeal process, that valuation will be the basis of the property tax charged for that year and the following year.
The system actually depends on your participation in correcting the assessor’s valuation which was the result of a computer-driven “mass appraisal” system, because there’s no way that the assessor’s staff of human appraisers could create a valuation for every home in the county. Those appraisers will, however, read or listen to your appeal of the valuation which their system generated for your home.
in Jefferson County, on the assessor’s website, http://assessor.jeffco.us, first find your home by clicking on this green bar:
of each year because of, for instance, it was burned to the ground or had an addition in place on January 1st.
This Ad Will Appear Bi-Weekly Instead of Weekly, Starting This Week
That will take you to the page where you can click on “Address” at left and enter your home’s address. (The address number and street name should suffice.) Click on your home when it appears, which will take you to the page where you can click on “View Notice.” Then click on the tab “Sales” and scroll down to see all the “qualified sales” that you can cite in your appeal. Note that you can click on any column heading for it to sort on that column, which can make it easier to find suitable comps for your appeal.
If you’re not in Jefferson County, Google your own county assessor’s website.
Note: If, by chance, you bought your home on or close to June 30, 2024, don’t assume that your purchase price will be the assessor’s valuation of your home, because, regardless of what you paid for your home on June 30, 2024, its valuation is based on what eligible comps indicate it should have sold for.
Using the procedure described above, it’s possible that your home was valued correctly, but if it was overvalued, you need to appeal using a form that is page two on the file you saw when you clicked on “View Notice.”
Bottom line, therefore, is that you owe it to yourself and to the county to help the assessor come up with the proper valuation for your home.
So how do you do that? For commercial properties, which pay roughly four times the property tax per $100,000, a whole industry has arisen to help property owners (for a fee) get their valuations reduced. Residential taxes are so much lower that those professionals don’t solicit residential property owners to assist them in arguing for lower valuations.
County assessors are expected to make it easy for property owners to determine whether the assessor correctly estimated their home’s value on June 30th of last year. Here
Only homes that sold during the 24 months prior to June 30, 2024, can be cited in your protest, and they have to be “time adjusted” to reflect what they would have sold for on June 30, 2024. However, the Jeffco assessor told me that property values increased by only 2% during the 24 months from which qualified comps are drawn, so you needn’t bother.
Remember above all, the intention is to determine what your home was worth on June 30, 2024, not what it is worth today! Your taxes for both 2025 and 2026 will only be based on what your home was worth back then! The only adjustment would be if your home is physically different on January 1st
Celebrate Earth Day With Free Film Screenings This Saturday
The Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF), which I wrote about and co-sponsored in February, returns to the Green Center on the Colorado School of Mines campus this Saturday, April 26th, 1 to 3 pm, for a screening of two environmental films. Admission is free, although a contribution of $12 or more is encouraged.
The first film is Peaks to Prairie and is described as follows: “In Boulder County, an ambitious initiative harnesses the power of nature to combat climate challenges in the peaks and prairie ecosystem. As megafires rage across the Western U.S., millions of acres of nearby agricultural prairies remain degraded, stripped of the nutrients vital for a thriving landscape. To address these challenges, three ecological partners—Boulder Watershed Collective, Grama Grass & Livestock, and Boulder Mushroom—have come together in a pioneering effort to restore the land.”
The second film is Common Ground (43 minutes). It’s described as follows: “From the creators of Kiss the Ground (CEFF’s 2021 Best of the Fest), this eye-opening film explores the regenerative farming movement and its potential to heal the soil, reverse climate change, and restore human health. Featuring passionate farmers, activists, and thought leaders, Common Ground offers a hopeful vision for the future of our planet— and the role we all play in shaping it.”
This nicely updated and well-maintained condo at 10259 W. 55th Drive is in the Skyline Estates subdivision east of Kipling between the campus of Red Rocks Community College’s Arvada campus and the athletic fields on 58th Avenue. When you look out the bedroom window or from the enclosed patio between mature evergreen trees, all you see in greenbelt, a children’s playground and those athletic fields. No traffic noise, just the sounds of birds enjoying our spring weather! This condo is in great condition, as you’ll see when you come to my open
this
The screenings are followed by an audience chat “to dive deeper into the stories, themes, and action steps from each film.”
The Green Center is located at 924 16th Street in downtown Golden. Street and lot parking is free on weekends. I put a link for ordering tickets for as little as $0 on our blog, http://RealEstateToday.substack.com. There are trailers you can click on for each film.
Lennar to Build 1,500 Denver Area Homes Using Geothermal Energy
Lennar, one of the nation’s biggest home builders, announced recently that it is going to build 1,500 homes in the Denver area using geothermal energy to heat and cool them. It’s likely that these will be all-electric homes, although that was not mentioned, since gas will not be needed for space or water heating.
Dandelion Energy is the builder’s partner in the project, using heat pumps to extract heat from the ground in the winter and to extract heat from the homes in the summer. Each home will have its own individually drilled geothermal wells, which surprised me. If the homes are close together, a community geothermal system might make more economic sense.
The goal is to complete the 1,500 homes by the end of 2026, making it the largest residential deployment using geothermal so far.
Your form is due in the assessor’s office by June 8, 2025, so you’ll want to mail it by June 1st if you can’t deliver it in person to the assessor’s office on the 2nd floor of the “Taj Mahal.” My recommendation is always to request an in-person meeting with the assessor’s office. You can make an appointment or just show up and wait in line.
A couple months ago, I reported that I had traded in my Tesla Model Y (which I loved) for the Ford Mustang Mach E after testdriving multiple other brands, including Chevrolet, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan. Now that I’ve put 1,000 miles on my Mustang, and knowing that many readers may be thinking of trading in their Teslas, I thought it time to play automotive critic and write a review of the Mustang.
A few years ago, I spent 2 weeks driving an F-150 Lightning, which I liked, so I knew I would like the Mustang. Its “BlueCruise” hands-free driving, which only works on divided highways, is quite nice, but not worth (to me) the $50/month subscription fee after my three months’ free trial. It’s nowhere near as nice as Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” which I reviewed favorably in my Nov. 21, 2024, column and which costs twice times as much ($99 per month or $8,000 purchase).
Without “BlueCruise,” there is lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control which can be used on city streets and arterials. The lanekeeping is not as effective as in the Tesla, wandering to the very edges of lanes instead of keeping strictly to the center, and it gives out on sharper curves, which Tesla is great at. But what I prefer about Ford’s lane-keeping is that it’s automatic. When I break the lanekeeping to change lanes, it locks into the new lane without me having to set it again.
The adaptive cruise control is much better than Tesla’s, because when the posted speed limit changes, it automatically resets the set speed. Since I set it for 10 mph over the speed
Writing the articles for this full-page “advertorial” has been my privilege and passion for over two decades, but I have decided to give myself a break and publish every other week instead of weekly so I can devote more time to my thriving real estate practice and family life. All 26 newspapers in which it appears have graciously allowed me to make this change, and I look forward to having next week “off”! Look for me to return every other week starting now. On those “off” weeks, including May 1st, I’ll be publishing half-page ads on related topics. In next week’s ad, I start a series on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Look for it on this page.
Spend some time surfing around the assessor’s website to learn about the appeal process, including further appeals if the assessor’s office doesn’t respond favorably to your appeal.
limit, when it resets, it sets the new speed control accordingly. Not true on the Tesla.
My favorite feature is the “1-Pedal” setting for driving. This uses regenerative braking to slow down the car at a good rate when you release the accelerator pedal. And when it comes to a stop, it holds the car whether on an incline or not. The best thing about it is that once I have set it to “1-Pedal” driving, it is already set every time I drive. (It’s not the factory default setting, which is with minimal regenerative braking and unwanted “creep” as if you were driving a conventional car.)
The “frunk” is not as big as in any Tesla, but it’s bigger than other brands of EV, some of which have no front storage at all.
Like the newer Teslas, there is no need for a key fob (although they give you two), because your phone is your key. Instead of door handles, you touch a button above each door, which pops the door open enough to pull on it. There’s a smartphone app. It’s useful, but not as complete as Tesla’s.
There’s an EV round-up happening in the Arvada United Methodist Church’s lot at 68th and Carr St. this Sunday, April 27, from 9 to noon. I’ll have my car there if you’d like to get a closer look. Also, I wrote more about it at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
Charities Which Used Our Free Box Truck Miss It. Our GoFundMe Campaign Is Off to a Good Start.
Back in February, I announced that our truck needed a new engine and other repairs and that we decided to retire it instead. This was a big loss to such non-profits as Operation Feed the Troops, Family Promise, BGoldN, Christian Action Guild, Buffalo Bill Days, and the International Rescue Committee, among others, which used the truck more often than our clients!
The truck is off the road but still available to be repaired. So far, we’ve received over $2,000 in donations. If you’d like to contribute, visit www.BringItBack.info. Thanks!
Review: My Mustang EV Is a Fine Replacement for My Tesla
Planned Pethood International (PPI) joined forces with IMHS in 2023. PPI has plans to build a new modern, pet friendly facility at their location at Conifer Crossing to replace the former shelter at the Old Log Building in Pine Junction. We are excited to continue helping homeless pets in the community. While the proceeds from the future sale will help, we are looking for donations to get the ball rolling sooner. Please donate at: https://gofund.me/7e349bfb
MARKETPLACE
Careers
Help Wanted
LABOR HELP WANTED for concrete work. Laborer for concrete patios, garage floors, etc. Ready to work immediately. Concrete experience preferred. Contact Hugh @ 303-888-0699.
&
Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details!
1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!
50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $119.00! Shipped discreetly to your home. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 800-709-3080
Miscellaneous
We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-8775833
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951
Wesley Financial Group, LLC
Timeshare Cancellation Experts
Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare!
Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877-305-1535
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-5439189
Become a published author
We want to read your book!
Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ ads
Miscellaneous
Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-9554930
!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-4338277
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM
DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value!
Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code of service location ready when you call!
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866859-0405
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a lim-ited time, waving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 6/30/25. 1-844-5013208
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundation, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate $250 off ANY project with code GET250 Call
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris -blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936
Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
Pets
Dogs
Doodle Puppies
Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised
Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available
Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com Wanted
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today!
Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
2007 ford f350 dually lariat $12,500.00 obo. phone 303-8838615 for more info
Boats
and Water Sports
Inflatable boat, only 3 times in water: $200; 3036968603.
Parts
Tires and Wheels for Sale
Bridgestone Dueler LX 235/70 R16
Set of 4 tires and wheels, $600 Briefly used on 2012 Ford Escape Contact 303-883-5332
Solid Fold Trifold truck bed cover by Extang on a 2019 Toyota Tacoma long bed (73.7 inches). Dimensions are 60” wide by 75.5” long. Asking $500-good condition. I replaced it with a Leer cap. I’m the the original owner. Call or text 907.394.4445
