King County logo

Commercial Glossary of Terms


ACCESSORY IMPROVEMENTS
     Improvements other than the principal buildings.
ACCESSORY IMPROVEMENTS
     Improvements other than the principal buildings.
AD VALOREM
     According to value.
AD VALOREM
     According to value.
AD VALOREM TAX
     A tax levied in proportion to the value of the thing(s) being taxed. Exclusive of exemptions, use-value assessment provisions, and the like, the property tax is an ad valorem tax.
AD VALOREM TAX
     A tax levied in proportion to the value of the thing(s) being taxed. Exclusive of exemptions, use-value assessment provisions, and the like, the property tax is an ad valorem tax.
ADJUSTMENTS
     Modifications in the reported value of a variable, such as sale price. For example, adjustments can be used to estimate market value in the sales comparison approach by modifications for differences between comparable and subject properties.
ADJUSTMENTS
     Modifications in the reported value of a variable, such as sale price. For example, adjustments can be used to estimate market value in the sales comparison approach by modifications for differences between comparable and subject properties.
ANTICIPATION, PRINCIPLE OF
     Value is the present worth of all the anticipated future benefits to be derived from a property. The benefits, in the form of an income stream or amenities, are those benefits anticipated by the market. The assessor should not allow personal opinion to influence the estimation of anticipated future benefits. Prior sales and prior income streams are important only when the parallel the current actions of buyers, thus providing an indication of what may be expected in the future. The principle is related to the principle of change, which can sometimes make the prediction of future benefits difficult.
ANTICIPATION, PRINCIPLE OF
     Value is the present worth of all the anticipated future benefits to be derived from a property. The benefits, in the form of an income stream or amenities, are those benefits anticipated by the market. The assessor should not allow personal opinion to influence the estimation of anticipated future benefits. Prior sales and prior income streams are important only when the parallel the current actions of buyers, thus providing an indication of what may be expected in the future. The principle is related to the principle of change, which can sometimes make the prediction of future benefits difficult.
APPRAISAL RATIO
     (1) The ratio of the appraised value to an indicator of market value. (2) By extension, an estimated fractional relationship between the appraisals and market values of a group of properties.
APPRAISAL RATIO
     (1) The ratio of the appraised value to an indicator of market value. (2) By extension, an estimated fractional relationship between the appraisals and market values of a group of properties.
APPRAISAL RATIO STUDY
     A ratio study using independent appraisals as indicators of market value.
APPRAISAL RATIO STUDY
     A ratio study using independent appraisals as indicators of market value.
APPRAISAL STANDARDS BOARD
     The division of the APPRAISAL FOUNDATION that develops, publishes, interprets, and amends the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice on behalf of appraisers and users of appraisal services.
APPRAISAL STANDARDS BOARD
     The division of the APPRAISAL FOUNDATION that develops, publishes, interprets, and amends the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice on behalf of appraisers and users of appraisal services.
APPRAISAL-SALE PRICE RATIO
     The ratio of the appraised value to the sale price (or adjusted sale price) of a property; a simple indication of appraisal accuracy.
APPRAISAL-SALE PRICE RATIO
     The ratio of the appraised value to the sale price (or adjusted sale price) of a property; a simple indication of appraisal accuracy.
ASSESSMENT
     (verb) The official act of discovering, listing, and appraising property. (noun) The value placed on property in the course of such act.
ASSESSMENT
     (verb) The official act of discovering, listing, and appraising property. (noun) The value placed on property in the course of such act.
ASSESSMENT EQUITY
     The degree to which assessments bear a consistent relationship to market value.
ASSESSMENT EQUITY
     The degree to which assessments bear a consistent relationship to market value.
ASSESSMENT LEVEL
     The common or overall ratio of assessed values to market values.
ASSESSMENT LEVEL
     The common or overall ratio of assessed values to market values.
ASSESSMENT RATIO
     (1) The fractional relationship an assessed value bears to the market value of the property in question. (2) By extension, the fractional relationship the total of the assessment roll bears to the total market value of all taxable property in a jurisdiction. See level of assessment.
ASSESSMENT RATIO
     (1) The fractional relationship an assessed value bears to the market value of the property in question. (2) By extension, the fractional relationship the total of the assessment roll bears to the total market value of all taxable property in a jurisdiction. See level of assessment.
ASSESSMENT-SALE PRICE RATIO
     The ratio of the assessed value to the sale price (or adjusted sale price) of a property.
ASSESSMENT-SALE PRICE RATIO
     The ratio of the assessed value to the sale price (or adjusted sale price) of a property.
AVERAGE DEVIATION
     The arithmetic mean of the absolute deviations of a set of numbers from a measure of central tendency, such as the median. Taking absolute values is generally understood without being stated. The average deviation of the numbers 4,6, and 10 about the median (6) is (2 +0+4)/3 =2. The average deviation is used in computing the coefficient of dispersion. (COD).
AVERAGE DEVIATION
     The arithmetic mean of the absolute deviations of a set of numbers from a measure of central tendency, such as the median. Taking absolute values is generally understood without being stated. The average deviation of the numbers 4,6, and 10 about the median (6) is (2 +0+4)/3 =2. The average deviation is used in computing the coefficient of dispersion. (COD).
CAPITALIZATION
     Capitalization is the process of converting a series of anticipated future payments (income) into present value. Capitalization transforms net operating income produced by a property into the property value.
CAPITALIZATION
     Capitalization is the process of converting a series of anticipated future payments (income) into present value. Capitalization transforms net operating income produced by a property into the property value.
CAPITALIZATION RATE
     A composite rate used for converting property income into property value.
CAPITALIZATION RATE
     A composite rate used for converting property income into property value.
CENTRAL TENDENCY
     (1) The tendency of most kinds of data to cluster around some typical or central value, such as the mean, median, or mode. (2) By extension, any or all such statistics. Some kinds of data, however, such as the weights of cars and trucks, may cluster about two or more values, and in such circumstances, the meaning of central tendency becomes unclear. This may happen in ratio studies when two or more classes of property are combined.
CENTRAL TENDENCY
     (1) The tendency of most kinds of data to cluster around some typical or central value, such as the mean, median, or mode. (2) By extension, any or all such statistics. Some kinds of data, however, such as the weights of cars and trucks, may cluster about two or more values, and in such circumstances, the meaning of central tendency becomes unclear. This may happen in ratio studies when two or more classes of property are combined.
COEFFICIENT OF DISPERSION
     The average deviation of a group of numbers from the median expressed as a percentage of the median. In ratio studies, the average percentage deviation from the median ratio.
COEFFICIENT OF DISPERSION
     The average deviation of a group of numbers from the median expressed as a percentage of the median. In ratio studies, the average percentage deviation from the median ratio.
COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION (COV)
     A standard statistical measure of the relative dispersion of the sample data about the mean of the data; the standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean.
COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION (COV)
     A standard statistical measure of the relative dispersion of the sample data about the mean of the data; the standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean.
COLLECTION LOSS
     The loss resulting from the failure of tenants to pay the rent.
COLLECTION LOSS
     The loss resulting from the failure of tenants to pay the rent.
COST APPROACH
     One of the three approaches to value, the cost approach is based on the principle of substitution - that a rational, informed purchaser would pay no more for a property than the cost of building an acceptable substitute with utility. The cost approach seeks to determine the replacement cost new of an improvement less depreciation plus land value.
COST APPROACH
     One of the three approaches to value, the cost approach is based on the principle of substitution - that a rational, informed purchaser would pay no more for a property than the cost of building an acceptable substitute with utility. The cost approach seeks to determine the replacement cost new of an improvement less depreciation plus land value.
DATA
     Information expressed in any of a number of ways. "Data" is the general term for masses of numbers, codes, and symbols generally, and "information" is the term for meaningful data. "Data" is the plural of datum, one element of data.
DATA
     Information expressed in any of a number of ways. "Data" is the general term for masses of numbers, codes, and symbols generally, and "information" is the term for meaningful data. "Data" is the plural of datum, one element of data.
DIRECT CAPITALIZATION
     Direct capitalization is the method used to convert net income from the property into an indication of property value using an overall rate developed from the market. The method does not consider the land separate from the building as do the land and building residual techniques.
DIRECT CAPITALIZATION
     Direct capitalization is the method used to convert net income from the property into an indication of property value using an overall rate developed from the market. The method does not consider the land separate from the building as do the land and building residual techniques.
DISCOUNT RATE
     The rate of return on a real estate investment. The discount rate reflects the compensation necessary to attract investors to give up liquidity, defer compensation, and assume the risks of investing. It is the rate of return required on total property investment to meet investment requirements. The discount rate is the weighted average of the mortgage interest rate and the equity yield rate, weighted by the proportions of total investment represented by mortgage(s) and equity, and is often called the property's interest rate.
DISCOUNT RATE
     The rate of return on a real estate investment. The discount rate reflects the compensation necessary to attract investors to give up liquidity, defer compensation, and assume the risks of investing. It is the rate of return required on total property investment to meet investment requirements. The discount rate is the weighted average of the mortgage interest rate and the equity yield rate, weighted by the proportions of total investment represented by mortgage(s) and equity, and is often called the property's interest rate.
DISPERSION
     The degree to which data are distributed either tightly or loosely around a measure of central tendency. Measures of dispersion include the average deviation, coefficient of dispersion, coefficient of variation, range, and standard deviation.
DISPERSION
     The degree to which data are distributed either tightly or loosely around a measure of central tendency. Measures of dispersion include the average deviation, coefficient of dispersion, coefficient of variation, range, and standard deviation.
ECONOMIC LIFE
     The period during which a given tangible asset, building, or other improvement to property is expected to contribute (positively) to the value of the total property. This period is typically shorter than the period during which the improvement could be left on the property, that is, its physical life.
ECONOMIC LIFE
     The period during which a given tangible asset, building, or other improvement to property is expected to contribute (positively) to the value of the total property. This period is typically shorter than the period during which the improvement could be left on the property, that is, its physical life.
EFFECTIVE GROSS INCOME (EGI)
     Effective gross income is Potential Gross Income less vacancy and collection loss, plus appropriate miscellaneous income.
EFFECTIVE GROSS INCOME (EGI)
     Effective gross income is Potential Gross Income less vacancy and collection loss, plus appropriate miscellaneous income.
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
     The rate expressing the ratio between the property value and the current tax bill; the official tax rate of the taxing jurisdiction multiplied by the assessment ratio.
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
     The rate expressing the ratio between the property value and the current tax bill; the official tax rate of the taxing jurisdiction multiplied by the assessment ratio.
EQUITY DIVIDEND RATE
     The direct relationship between annual equity income and equity capital; often referred to as the "cash on cash" rate.
EQUITY DIVIDEND RATE
     The direct relationship between annual equity income and equity capital; often referred to as the "cash on cash" rate.
EQUITY YIELD RATE
     The total rate of return on equity capital; used in reference to return on equity investments as opposed to interest on mortgage loans.
EQUITY YIELD RATE
     The total rate of return on equity capital; used in reference to return on equity investments as opposed to interest on mortgage loans.
GRADE
     Classification by construction quality, which refers to the types of materials used and, the quality of workmanship. Buildings of better quality (higher grade) cost more to build per unit of measure and command higher value.
GRADE
     Classification by construction quality, which refers to the types of materials used and, the quality of workmanship. Buildings of better quality (higher grade) cost more to build per unit of measure and command higher value.
GROSS INCOME MULTIPLIER(GIM)
     A capitalization technique that uses the ratio between the sale price of a property and its potential gross income or its effective gross income. Once calculated for several similar assets, a GIM may be multiplied against the income of a property to obtain an estimate of value.
GROSS INCOME MULTIPLIER(GIM)
     A capitalization technique that uses the ratio between the sale price of a property and its potential gross income or its effective gross income. Once calculated for several similar assets, a GIM may be multiplied against the income of a property to obtain an estimate of value.
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
     That use which will generate the highest net return to the property over a reasonable period of time. According to the United States Supreme Court (1894) :"The value of property results from the use to which it is put and varies with the profitableness of that use, present and prospective, actual and anticipated. There is no pecuniary value outside of that which results from such use." (Cleveland, C. C. and St. Louis Ry., Co v Backus 154 U.S. 445 (1894)

Washington law requires the Assessor to take cognizance of highest and best use in the establishment of true and fair value.

"Unless specifically provided otherwise by statute, all property shall be valued on the basis of its highest and best use for assessment purposes. Highest and best use is the most profitable, likely use to which a property can be put. It is the use, which will yield the highest return on the owner's investment. Any reasonable use to which the property may be put may be taken into consideration and if it is peculiarly adapted to some particular use, that fact may be taken into consideration. Uses that are within the realm of possibility, but not reasonably probable of occurrence, shall not be considered in valuing property at its highest and best use." WAC 458-07-30 (3)
HIGHEST AND BEST USE
     That use which will generate the highest net return to the property over a reasonable period of time. According to the United States Supreme Court (1894) :"The value of property results from the use to which it is put and varies with the profitableness of that use, present and prospective, actual and anticipated. There is no pecuniary value outside of that which results from such use." (Cleveland, C. C. and St. Louis Ry., Co v Backus 154 U.S. 445 (1894)

Washington law requires the Assessor to take cognizance of highest and best use in the establishment of true and fair value.

"Unless specifically provided otherwise by statute, all property shall be valued on the basis of its highest and best use for assessment purposes. Highest and best use is the most profitable, likely use to which a property can be put. It is the use, which will yield the highest return on the owner's investment. Any reasonable use to which the property may be put may be taken into consideration and if it is peculiarly adapted to some particular use, that fact may be taken into consideration. Uses that are within the realm of possibility, but not reasonably probable of occurrence, shall not be considered in valuing property at its highest and best use." WAC 458-07-30 (3)
IMPROVEMENT
     Anything done to raw land with the intention of increasing its value. A structure erected on the property constitutes one very common type of improvement, although other actions, such as those taken to improve drainage, are also improvements.
IMPROVEMENT
     Anything done to raw land with the intention of increasing its value. A structure erected on the property constitutes one very common type of improvement, although other actions, such as those taken to improve drainage, are also improvements.
IMPROVEMENTS
     Buildings, other structures, and attachments or annexations to land that are intended to remain so attached or annexed, such as sidewalks, trees, drives, tunnels, drains and sewers.
IMPROVEMENTS
     Buildings, other structures, and attachments or annexations to land that are intended to remain so attached or annexed, such as sidewalks, trees, drives, tunnels, drains and sewers.
INCOME APPROACH
     The income approach defines value as the present worth of future benefits arising from the ownership of a property. This definition reflects the principle of anticipation. Income-producing property typically is purchased for the right to receive the future income stream of the property. The assessor analyzes this income stream in terms of quantity, quality, and duration and then converts it by means of an appropriate capitalization rate into an indication of market value. The basic formula is: Value equals income divided by rate.
INCOME APPROACH
     The income approach defines value as the present worth of future benefits arising from the ownership of a property. This definition reflects the principle of anticipation. Income-producing property typically is purchased for the right to receive the future income stream of the property. The assessor analyzes this income stream in terms of quantity, quality, and duration and then converts it by means of an appropriate capitalization rate into an indication of market value. The basic formula is: Value equals income divided by rate.
LEVEL OF ASSESSMENT; ASSESSMENT RATIO
     The common or overall ratio of assessed values to market values.
LEVEL OF ASSESSMENT; ASSESSMENT RATIO
     The common or overall ratio of assessed values to market values.
MASS APPRAISAL
     The process of valuing a group of properties as of a given date, using standard methods, employing common data, and allowing for statistical testing.
MASS APPRAISAL
     The process of valuing a group of properties as of a given date, using standard methods, employing common data, and allowing for statistical testing.
MASS APPRAISAL MODEL
     A mathematical expression of how supply and demand factors interact in a market.
MASS APPRAISAL MODEL
     A mathematical expression of how supply and demand factors interact in a market.
MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
     Income from sources other than actual rent (parking, laundry facilities vending machines and so on).
MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
     Income from sources other than actual rent (parking, laundry facilities vending machines and so on).
MODEL
     (1) A representation of how something works. (2) For purposes of appraisal, a representation (in words or an equation) that explains the relationship between values or estimated sale price and variables representing factors of supply and demand.
MODEL
     (1) A representation of how something works. (2) For purposes of appraisal, a representation (in words or an equation) that explains the relationship between values or estimated sale price and variables representing factors of supply and demand.
NET OPERATING INCOME (NOI)
     Net operating income is the income remaining after subtracting operating expenses from effective potential gross income.
NET OPERATING INCOME (NOI)
     Net operating income is the income remaining after subtracting operating expenses from effective potential gross income.
OVERALL RATE
     The direct relationship between annual net operating income and sale price or value; includes the proper provision of discount and recapture.
OVERALL RATE
     The direct relationship between annual net operating income and sale price or value; includes the proper provision of discount and recapture.
PHYSICAL INSPECTION
     At a minimum, an exterior observation of the property to determine whether there have been any changes in the physical characteristics that affect value. The property improvement record must be appropriately dcoumented in accordance with the findings of the physical inspection. (Defined in WAC 458-07-015)
PHYSICAL INSPECTION
     At a minimum, an exterior observation of the property to determine whether there have been any changes in the physical characteristics that affect value. The property improvement record must be appropriately dcoumented in accordance with the findings of the physical inspection. (Defined in WAC 458-07-015)
POTENTIAL GROSS INCOME (PGI)
     Potential gross income is annual economic rent for the property at 100 percent occupancy.
POTENTIAL GROSS INCOME (PGI)
     Potential gross income is annual economic rent for the property at 100 percent occupancy.
RATIO STUDY
     A study of the relationship between appraised or assessed values and market values. Indicators of market values may be either sales or independent "expert" appraisals. Of common interest in ratio studies are the level and uniformity of the appraisals or assessments. See also level of appraisal and level of assessment.
RATIO STUDY
     A study of the relationship between appraised or assessed values and market values. Indicators of market values may be either sales or independent "expert" appraisals. Of common interest in ratio studies are the level and uniformity of the appraisals or assessments. See also level of appraisal and level of assessment.
RECAPTURE RATE
     The rate of return of a real estate investment; the annual dollar requirement for returning to the investor a sum equal to the property value (improvements only) at the end of a given period of time. Recapture is the provision for returning to the investor a sum of money equal to the improvement value at the end of a given period of time. The recapture rate may be selected by two methods: 1) Economic-life method - requires a judgment as to the number of years the building will produce income and add value to the land. 2) Market comparison method - obtains recapture rate by dividing net operating income after discount and taxes by the building value.
RECAPTURE RATE
     The rate of return of a real estate investment; the annual dollar requirement for returning to the investor a sum equal to the property value (improvements only) at the end of a given period of time. Recapture is the provision for returning to the investor a sum of money equal to the improvement value at the end of a given period of time. The recapture rate may be selected by two methods: 1) Economic-life method - requires a judgment as to the number of years the building will produce income and add value to the land. 2) Market comparison method - obtains recapture rate by dividing net operating income after discount and taxes by the building value.
REPLACEMENT COST NEW LESS DEPRECATION (RCNLD)
     In the cost approach, replacement cost new less physical incurable depreciation.
REPLACEMENT COST NEW LESS DEPRECATION (RCNLD)
     In the cost approach, replacement cost new less physical incurable depreciation.
REPLACEMENT COST; REPLACEMENT COST NEW
     The cost, including material, labor, and overhead, that would be incurred in constructing an improvement having the same utility to its owner as a subject improvement, without necessarily reproducing exactly any particular chacteristics of the subject. The replacement cost concept implicitly eliminates all functional obsolescence from the value given; thus only physical depreciation and economic obsolescence need to be subtracted to obtain replacement cost new less depreciation (RCNLD).
REPLACEMENT COST; REPLACEMENT COST NEW
     The cost, including material, labor, and overhead, that would be incurred in constructing an improvement having the same utility to its owner as a subject improvement, without necessarily reproducing exactly any particular chacteristics of the subject. The replacement cost concept implicitly eliminates all functional obsolescence from the value given; thus only physical depreciation and economic obsolescence need to be subtracted to obtain replacement cost new less depreciation (RCNLD).
REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE
     A sample of observations from a larger population of observations, such that statistics calculated from the sample can be expected to represent the characteristics of the population being studied.
REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE
     A sample of observations from a larger population of observations, such that statistics calculated from the sample can be expected to represent the characteristics of the population being studied.
SALES COMPARISON APPROACH
     Based on the concept of value in exchange, the sales comparison approach compares the property being appraised with similar properties sold in the recent past. The characteristics of the sold properties are analyzed for their similarity to those of the subject of appraisal. Because no two parcels are exactly alike, the prices of the sold properties must be adjusted for any differences between the properties and the subject property. Value indications derived from the sales comparison approach are usually considered particularly significant because they express the reactions of buyers and sellers in the real estate market. The sales comparison can be used to value any property, whether improved or vacant, as long as that type of property is being exchanged periodically in the market.
SALES COMPARISON APPROACH
     Based on the concept of value in exchange, the sales comparison approach compares the property being appraised with similar properties sold in the recent past. The characteristics of the sold properties are analyzed for their similarity to those of the subject of appraisal. Because no two parcels are exactly alike, the prices of the sold properties must be adjusted for any differences between the properties and the subject property. Value indications derived from the sales comparison approach are usually considered particularly significant because they express the reactions of buyers and sellers in the real estate market. The sales comparison can be used to value any property, whether improved or vacant, as long as that type of property is being exchanged periodically in the market.
SINKING-FUND METHOD
     A way of calculating the recapture rate in the income approach. It assumes that an investor will deposit recapture income in an interest-bearing account and will thus, in effect, accelerate recapture. To use it, an appraiser goes to a compound interest table to locate the interest rate the investor would probably get and looks down the column of sinking-fund factors to the number of years equal to the remaining economic life of the improvements. Adding that sinking-fund factor to the discount rate gives the recapture rate.
SINKING-FUND METHOD
     A way of calculating the recapture rate in the income approach. It assumes that an investor will deposit recapture income in an interest-bearing account and will thus, in effect, accelerate recapture. To use it, an appraiser goes to a compound interest table to locate the interest rate the investor would probably get and looks down the column of sinking-fund factors to the number of years equal to the remaining economic life of the improvements. Adding that sinking-fund factor to the discount rate gives the recapture rate.
TAX YEAR
     Properties are assessed as of January 1 of any given year for taxes paid the following year. For example, properties assessed in 2015 will pay taxes in 2016.
UNIFORM STANDARDS OF APPRAISAL PRACTICE (USPAP)
     Annual publication of the Appraisal Standard Board of The Appraisal Foundation: "These Standards deal with the procedures to be followed in performing an appraisal, review or consulting service and the manner in which an appraisal, review or consulting service is communicated..STANDARD 6 sets forth criteria for the development and reporting of mass appraisals for ad valorem tax purposes or any other universe of properties."
UNIFORM STANDARDS OF APPRAISAL PRACTICE (USPAP)
     Annual publication of the Appraisal Standard Board of The Appraisal Foundation: "These Standards deal with the procedures to be followed in performing an appraisal, review or consulting service and the manner in which an appraisal, review or consulting service is communicated..STANDARD 6 sets forth criteria for the development and reporting of mass appraisals for ad valorem tax purposes or any other universe of properties."
UNIFORMITY
     The equality of the burden of taxation in the method of assessment.
UNIFORMITY
     The equality of the burden of taxation in the method of assessment.
VACANCY AND COLLECTION LOSS
     Vacancy loss is a necessary deduction from gross income because property will not remain fully rented for entire period of life.
VACANCY AND COLLECTION LOSS
     Vacancy loss is a necessary deduction from gross income because property will not remain fully rented for entire period of life.
VARIABLE
     An item of observation that can assume various values, for example, square feet, sales prices, or sales ratios. Variables are commonly described using measures of central tendency and dispersion.union
VARIABLE
     An item of observation that can assume various values, for example, square feet, sales prices, or sales ratios. Variables are commonly described using measures of central tendency and dispersion.union

  

Terms of Use

In our continuing effort to provide timely, useful, and accurate information, we are pleased to offer online data associated with the property tax account/parcel number.

Please read these terms carefully before using this Web site. By using this Web site, you agree to these terms of use. If you do not agree to these terms of use, please do not use this Web site.

General

This Web site is owned and operated by the Assessor's Office at King County. King County reserves the right to change or discontinue any aspect or feature of the Web site, temporarily or permanently, with or without notice to you. King County provides this Web site as a public service. This Web site is used to provide many types of information related to the Assessor's Office. By using this Web site, you agree that King County will not be liable to you for any modification, suspension or discontinuance of this Web site.

Restrictions on use

The content of this Web site, including all text, graphics, compilations, data, and other documentation, is the property of King County and may be protected by copyright law. By using this Web site, you agree to these terms of use and agree to abide by all applicable laws in connection with our property rights. You may not publish, display, distribute or commercially exploit any of the Web content or the Web site without the prior written permission of King County.

Disclaimer of warranty; limitation of liability

King County attempts to provide the best service available, but situations will occur that disrupt service or cause inaccurate information to be posted. The material presented on this Web site is not guaranteed as to accuracy, completeness, reliability, usefulness, or timeliness. The provision of the Web site depends on a number of items, including Internet availability, communications networks, and computer equipment which are beyond the control of King County and difficult to predict. The information on this Web site is not intended to constitute advice nor is it to be used as a substitute for specific advice from a professional. You should not act (or refrain from acting) based upon the information on this Web site without independently verifying the information and, as necessary, obtaining professional advice regarding your particular facts and circumstances. Those relying on information presented on this Web site do so at their own risk. You assume the risk that the information provided may be incorrect, as well as the risk that any information or material downloaded by you may cause loss of data or damage to your computer systems and neither King County, nor any of its officials, employees or agents shall be liable for either the accuracy of this information or any actions taken based on the information. King County does not represent that the use of any information will not infringe privately owned rights.

All information on this Web site is provided "as is", "with all faults" and "as available" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, or non-infringement nor shall the distribution of this information constitute any warranty. King County assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the information or software or other documents which are referenced by or linked to this Web site. Under no circumstances, including, but not limited to, negligence, shall King County, its officials and employees, or any contributor to this Web site be liable for any direct or indirect damages, even if both parties are aware of the possibility of such damages, including without limitation loss of profits or for any other incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, however caused, whether based upon contract, negligence, strict liability in tort, warranty, or any other legal theory, arising out of or related to your use of, or the inability to use, this Web site or its content. King County is not responsible for or liable for any damage, including damage caused by viruses, to your computer, computer system, or other property, during or on account of access or use of this Web site or any sites to which this Web site provides links. We welcome feedback on the Web site at assessor.info@kingcounty.gov, but provide no guarantee that feedback will result in site changes. If you are dissatisfied in any way with any of these terms of use, your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue use of this Web site.

Third party content

King County provides links to Internet sites and data maintained by third parties. Because we do not operate or control any of these sites, we cannot be responsible for their content or availability. Moreover, in no way should an external link be considered any form of endorsement by King County.

Changed terms

King County has the right at any time to change or modify the terms and conditions applicable to use of the site or to impose new conditions. Any use of the Web site indicates that you accept the terms and conditions as posted at the time of use.

Right to Privacy

King County, as a government entity, conducts public business and its records related to the business of King County are generally available for public review. King County is committed, to the extent allowable by law, to protect and secure personal information contained in King County records. This privacy commitment must be balanced with the rights of public access under chapter 42.56 RCW, Washington Public Records Act, consistent with chapter 2.14 of the King County Code and any other applicable federal, state, and local statute or regulation.

The County's Privacy Notice is here https://www.kingcounty.gov/about/website/privacy.aspx

Commercial Uses

By using this Web Site, you also acknowledge and agree that Washington State law, RCW 42.56.070.(9) prohibits the use of lists of individuals for "commercial purposes". The use of "commercial purposes" of said records may also violate the rights of the individual(s) named therein and may subject you to liability for such commercial use. You agree and understand that "commercial purposes" means that the person requesting the record intends that the list will be used for general business purposes, including but not limited to communicating with the individual(s) named in the record for the purpose of facilitating profit expecting activity.

Miscellaneous

These terms of use constitute the entire agreement between you and King County with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all previous written or oral agreements, if any, between you and King County with respect to such subject matter. These terms of use shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington as well as with all federal law and regulations, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions. You consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in King County, Washington in all disputes arising out of or related to these terms of use and the use of this Web site. The invalidity of any term or provision of these terms will not affect the validity of any other term or provision. Waiver by King County of strict performances of any provision of these terms will not be a waiver of or prejudice King County's right to require strict performance of the same provision in the future or of any other provision of these terms. No waiver by either party of any breach or default hereunder shall be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach or default. The section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not be given any legal import. Comments or questions about this Web site or the terms of use should be directed to assessor.info@kingcounty.gov.