Round Rio Rancho

This weekend, Tana DuBose, a Buyer Representative on our team took a client to visit a model home built by Vantage Homes. Tana had done some research on the Vantage Homes website regarding homes that were being offered at a local subdivision. She had found a home in her client’s price range which would meet their needs. The price on the Vantage website was $125,990 for a Calais II floorplan in the Northern Meadows area in Rio Rancho. When Tana and her client went to buy one, they were told that the price was $133,990 – a difference of $8000!  They pointed out the price displayed on the web site, but were told that the homes were now “improved” with better insulation, Energy Star fixtures, etc. and they now cost more money. A call to a manager did no good. The comment was made that “the website is way behind”.

Over the years I have found Vantage to be a reputable builder, but I am disappointed that they seem to be unable or unwilling to maintain their company website or to honor the prices displayed there.

If you own a home, are over 65 years of age with moderate income, or if you are disabled, the State of New Mexico may have a gift for you….

Under a state law revised in 2008, if you meet the above criteria you may be able to freeze the property tax valuation on your home at a lower level. Here are the particulars:

You must apply for qualification under this program each year, no later than 30 days after receiving the Notice of Valuation. After the year 2001, the applicant must be 65 or more years old (in the year the application is made). The applicant must be the owner and occupant of the property and it must be their primary residence.
 
If you are applying based upon disability instead of age, you must be blind or permanently disabled and not be expected to improve (medically).
The previous year’s modified gross income must be $32,000 or less (including all income from a spouse and dependents).

Although qualification under this program does not guarantee that your property taxes will not increase (as the mill levy rate can still adjust), the property valuation will stay the same (and that will certainly help keep the taxes down). The application is a simple, one-page form that should take 5 minutes to complete (if you have your tax return handy).