Pros and Condos It's a good time to own a condominium -- the housing market in general has stayed strong through both upturns and downturns in the recent economy, and not only have sales of condos been on the rise, but their value has been appreciating at a comparable rate to that of single-family homes. These facts make it a good time to sell a condo, too, and not just economically, but historically: with America's most numerous generation, the baby boomers, entering retirement age, the demand for lower-maintenance housing is growing, and condos are custom-made for that preference. Even with all these advantages, though, you can't count on a condo to sell itself -- it will need help from your skill and your judgment. Here are a few things to bear in mind: * “Curb appeal” may have to come indoors -- exterior conditions are decided by your condo association, so while you'll want to influence that as much as possible, you have full control over preparing your own property's interior to impress. * Doing this involves one of the standard rules for selling any home: reduce clutter, knick-knacks and even furniture so the potential buyer gets a feeling of roominess and can picture their own belongings being at home here. * Space is more at a premium in condos than in houses, so aid the sense of spaciousness with generous lighting, airy window treatments, light paint colors, and maybe more mirrors. * Above all, be reasonable -- the rising resale value of condos makes them an attractive investment for first-time homebuyers, so don't price yourself out of this readymade market. A real estate professional can advise you on what prices work most profitably and realistically for your area.

No income taxes. Less government regulation. A 24-hour lifestyle.

But in Southern Nevada at least, one comparison isn't sitting well with some homeowners: skyrocketing land values and corresponding increases in property tax bills.

Nevada may not look exactly like California in 1978, when Proposition 13 was on the ballot in the Golden State, but some state and local officials say the comparison is growing uncomfortably closer all the time.

"We could see a 100 percent increase in land values in one year," said Clark County Assessor Mark Schofield. "I've seen home values increase $100,000 in six months. Homeowners will see those increases in the 2005-06 tax year.

"We're at a dangerous crossroads. This urgently needs attention right now. If we don't do something, there will be a revolution."

Schofield and others say the increasing property tax rates are a concern because of their effect on young families and the elderly, people who may not be able to pay the big tax increases looming on the horizon.

Assemblywoman Sharron Angle's answer to the problem is an initiative petition that mirrors Proposition 13.

If she can collect more than 52,000 signatures by June 15, voters will decide on her plan in November. If approved, it would have to be voted on again in 2006 and would take effect in 2007.

It would amend the state constitution to limit property taxes to 1 percent of taxable value and roll property tax rates back to the 2001-02 fiscal year allowing for small annual increases. The limit does not apply to property taxes being used to pay off bonds for growth-related projects.

Once a home was sold, it would be reappraised at its sale value, and the limited annual increases would take effect at the new level.