Burien Property-Tax Assessment Appraisals

What does a property-tax assessment appraisal address?

A residential appraisal develops an independent value opinion for the property and effective date defined in the assignment. It can provide market evidence when a Burien owner challenges an assessed value. The appraisal does not determine the tax rate, direct the Board of Equalization or guarantee that an assessment or tax bill will change.

Check the valuation date before ordering

Assessment disputes are date-specific. The evidence should address the assessor's applicable valuation date, not simply the home's value today. Review the Official Property Value Notice and confirm the year being challenged. A later inspection may help document current characteristics, but it does not by itself establish the property's earlier condition.

Confirm the current King County filing deadline

King County's residential guidance states that a petition is due by July 1 of the assessment year or within 60 days of the mailing date shown on the Official Property Value Notice, whichever is later. Verify the current instructions and the date on your own notice before ordering. An appraisal engagement does not extend the filing deadline.

What evidence should you gather?

Provide the value notice, parcel number, property address, relevant valuation date and any materials already submitted to the assessor. Identify factual differences involving living area, condition, permits, views, site characteristics or other property data. Include dated photographs, repair records and permits if condition at an earlier date matters. The useful evidence depends on the specific valuation issue.

Is an appraisal always the first step?

No. Review the assessor's property record and King County's evidence requirements first. A factual correction, assessor discussion or other market evidence may address the issue without a new appraisal. If an appraisal is appropriate, define the intended use, intended users and effective date before engagement. Do not assume the assessed value or a prior appraisal automatically answers the current question.

What should you include with a quote request?

Send the address, parcel number, assessment year, valuation date, notice mailing date, filing deadline and access contact. Explain the value issue and identify any prior assessor communication. Residential appraisals start at $695; final fees and availability depend on the property, effective date and agreed scope. Alpha Appraisal serves King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties.

Call 425-753-1971 or email dustin.labrasseur@gmail.com.

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