Brier Property-Tax Assessment Appraisals

What does an assessment appraisal address?

A residential appraisal develops an independent opinion of value for the identified Brier property and effective date defined in the assignment. It may provide market evidence for a challenge to assessed value. The appraisal does not determine the levy rate, calculate the tax bill, direct the Snohomish County Board of Equalization or guarantee that an assessment will change.

Confirm the January 1 value date and filing deadline

Snohomish County explains that assessed values represent market value as of January 1 of the assessment year. A petition generally must be filed by July 1 of that assessment year or within 60 days of the notice mailing date, whichever is later. Read your own Official Notice of Assessed Value and verify the current county instructions before ordering. An appraisal engagement does not extend the filing deadline.

Focus evidence on market value

The Board states that an appellant must provide clear, cogent and convincing evidence that a different value is justified. It may consider market-based information such as relevant sales evidence, repair bids or estimates, and documents involving development restrictions or easements. It cannot decide an appeal from the amount of tax, the percentage increase, personal hardship or another property’s assessment. The useful evidence depends on the property and valuation date.

Is an appraisal always the first step?

No. Review the assessor’s property record and contact the Assessor’s Office about factual questions before commissioning a report; Snohomish County notes that some concerns can be resolved through that discussion. If an independent appraisal is appropriate, define the intended use, intended users, effective date and evidence deadline before engagement. A current-value report may not answer an earlier assessment-date question.

Identify property-record conflicts

Send the parcel number, value notice and any permit or property-record information that differs from what is present. Identify living-area questions, additions, detached structures, condition issues, access, easements or development restrictions. City of Brier permits and Snohomish County records can help document the property, but an assessed value, permit cost or construction cost is not automatically a market-value conclusion.

What should you send for a quote?

Provide the address, parcel number, assessment year, January 1 valuation date, notice mailing date, filing deadline and access contact. Explain the value issue and identify prior Assessor or Board 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.

Snohomish County appraisal guidance · Residential appraisal review guidance · Request an appraisal quote