The assessor values real property using one or more of the following appraisal methods: Market or sales comparison value is determined or estimated based on multiple sales of similar properties.  Most residential property is valued using this method.  Cost approach value is determined based on the cost of replacing an existing structure with a similar one that serves the same purpose.  This method is used to value new construction.  Income value is determined based on the income producing potential of the property. This method is used primarily to value business property.

The primary duty of the Assessor's Office is to assess all taxable real and personal property for property tax purposes in Snohomish County.

Records and preserves documents accurately for current and historical research.   Call or visit the website for information on available records.

Records legal documents such as Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Liens and Surveys. All recorded documents except certain military records are public record and are available for viewing and copying. The recording index is on-line for public access (document types that contain sensitive information such as social security numbers are not available online). Documents recorded before 1984 must be searched in the Auditor's office.

Provides an interactive mapping tool with integrated property search and report functions. Users can search by address or parcel number or navigate within the map and click on parcels to retrieve information.   Search results for each parcel include links to property and district reports for properties in King County.

Records and provides access to over 350 types of documents, including:    Real estate documents (deeds, mortgage documents, Torrens documents, real estate tax affidavits, etc. ) - Survey, condominium and plat maps -  Liens -  Marriage applications and certificates -  Miscellaneous documents (powers of attorney, wills, community property agreements, military discharge papers, and other documents submitted for public record. )   The method of recording these documents has evolved from a system of manual transcription in ledger books to digitally scanning and indexing the documents presented for recording. All documents that have not been imaged (which includes most documents recorded prior to August 1, 1991) can only be acquired at the King County Archives.