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1. Am I notified when my property is going to be appraised?

Postcards will be mailed to you a few weeks before the appraiser plans on working in your area. An appointment can be made with your appraiser during normal workday hours. Appraisers will try to accommodate your schedule where possible. The appraisal walk-through will take 10 to 15 minutes and the appraiser will try to answer any questions that you may have.

2. How often must the appraiser review my property?

Under Minnesota Statute 273.08, the appraiser is required to physically review each property at least once every five years. The appraiser may visit your property at shorter intervals for any of the following reasons:

• To review new construction as a result of a permit. The appraiser may stop by each year until all of the work is completed
• To complete a review appraisal for an appeal, such as the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization or a tax petition
• To review the property at the property owner's request
• To review the property at any time the assessor feels that the property information may be in error and/or an incorrect value may have been placed on the property

3. What happens if I do not let the appraiser in my home?

In order to obtain a fair and equitable assessment, it is best for the appraiser to review the interior of your home. If an appraiser is unable to review the interior of your property he or she will make a value estimate. Any changes to a value that was estimated will require an interior inspection.

4. Why must the appraiser view the inside of the property?

It is necessary for the appraiser to view the interior of the property to document the amenities and determine the quality and condition of each property. This information is then entered into a computerized valuation system and a property value is calculated. This valuation system is based on sales information extracted from the Washington County real estate market.

5. Will the appraiser be able to tell me what the value of my property is at the conclusion of my appointment?

No, values are not calculated until January of each year. This allows staff the opportunity to use the most current sales information available in determining market values. You will receive your value notice in March of the following year.