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How to Prepare an Appeal

Listing comparable sales

You may obtain comparable sales information from records at the Assessor's Office or through the Assessor's Website, from realtors, or title companies.

The best sales comparisons are sales of your own property provided it was within the previous two years and was a true "open market" sale. The best comparables are sales of similar properties located in your area or neighborhood, with similar land and improvement features, that sold close to the valuation date at issue (January 1, of the current year). Comparable properties do not have to exactly match your property. Look for sales that are most similar, note their differences, and identify superior and inferior property features. This comparison process should enable you to determine whether your property would sell for more than or less than the price paid for each selected sale, leading you to a market value estimate. Be prepared to present and defend this analysis at the hearing.

Other successful forms of evidence include contractor estimates of costs to repair building or land defects; letter or documents from government agencies and/or experts regarding development limitations; deeds describing easements that impact value; independent appraisals; photographs of features or conditions that you believe diminish your property's market value; and maps showing proximity to high traffic areas or access limitations.


For your convenience a "Comparable Sales Worksheet", is available and can be accessed through the Board of Equalization website at "Forms" and by clicking "forms" under "Content Indexes".


For each comparable sale you use, be sure to include the parcel or account number, the address of the property, the date of sale, and the sale price. Also include comparable characteristics of the property. Comparable characteristics to consider are land, improvements and other supporting evidence.

Land
  • Location (Sales in the same subdivision or neighborhood are the best evidence).
  • Unit of Comparison (Lot size, acreage, square feet, front feet).
  • Zoning.
  • Desirable features such as view or waterfront.
  • Undesirable features.
  • Wetlands.
  • Water systems.
  • Sewer/Septic systems.

Improvements
  • Type of construction (wood frame, brick, other).
  • Square footage of total finished living area.
  • Year built.
  • Number of stories.
  • Improvement type and grade.
  • Building condition.
  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Fireplace.
  • Garage/carport.
  • Basement (finished/unfinished).

Other supporting evidence
  • Fee Appraisal (complete copy required)
  • Real Estate Market Analysis (a letter from a Real Estate Agent is not sufficient).
  • A map showing the location of your property and the comparable sales properties.
  • Appraisals prepared by others (complete copy required).
  • Documentation by others concerning problems.
  • Written estimates of the cost to repair problems.
  • Photographs.
  • Cost data.
  • Income data.


Mailing address for appeals:

Board of Equalization
Klickitat County
205 S. Columbus, MS-CH-04
Goldendale, WA 98620

Date of Source Material: 6/1/2011
Source: Klickitat County Board of Equalization
Link to Source:
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Contact:
Crystal McEwen
Board Clerk


Lee Snell
Assistant Board Clerk
LeeS@co.klickitat.wa.us


205 S Columbus, ms-ch-04
Room 103
Goldendale, WA 98620
Fax: 509 773-6779
Phone: 509 773-4612
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