What are Property Tax Rates in Sequim? (Lynnwood: for sale, real estate)

[binkie99]

My husband and I recently returned home from looking at homes for sale in Sequim. We would like to retire there. The realtor that showed us homes was quite vague about property taxes are calculated, and we came home scratching our heads about how to figure this out.

We sure would appreciate it if someone can explain how to figure the property tax rate.

Thanks so much!!

[scirocco22]

Generally in Clallam county, it's $12.50 per $1,000 of assessed value but each jurisdiction within the county can add assessments for special levies, bonds, etc. that have been voter approved:

Clallam County Property Taxes

edit: I just noticed on their website that there are three reasons for differences in property tax calculation.

Their FAQ page should answer most of your quesitons.

[eponabri]

If the real estate agent was that vague, I'd look for a different agent. That information should be available just for asking. What is this agent hiding?

I don't know what we pay, I'd have to ask my husband as he is the one that takes care of it. Our house is on two lots and I'm pretty sure we pay less than we did when we lived in Lynnwood on just one lot. We now own two houses... on in town and the one we live in which is not within the city limits. We've been retired since 2000 and have lived in Sequim since 2001.

[binkie99]

Scirocco22 Thanks for the link! It answers some of my questions.

Eponabri - Thanks for your suggestion. I agree. We will be looking for a different real estate agent on our next visit to Sequim.

I apologize for my ignorance but I truly want to understand this. We have a friend who is now forced to sell her home because she can no longer afford the taxes. As a retired couple I do not want that to happen to us down the road. My husband says I worry too much. I still wonder exactly how the assessed value is arrived at. It seems somewhat subjective or perhaps I'm just not getting it. If we pay $400,000 for a house I understand that the tax is $12.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. If the surrounding homes are valued higher than $400,000 does that mean that the assessed value of the house we paid $400,000 for will be assessed higher?

Thanks again!!

[nwcountrygal]

Example... My property tax in Pierce county is $4,000 a year My property tax in Thurston county proble closer to Squiem a year $2000 a year. Both are a 1700 square foot home. Use the links he gave you to figure out. And yes that will happen on accessed value from country. How my home went up taxes went up only 200 when value fell over $50,000 in last year I don't understand ..... next year get a break?

[binkie99]

Thanks for replying, nwcountrygal.

[eponabri]

You also have to watch your bills, because there can be errors on them. Our house is nearly 3,000 sq ft and assessed for $600,000 (thankfully that's not what we paid for it), and we were overtaxed two years ago.

Also it's not just taxes you have to watch out for. Our house in town in is a gated community and the CC&R's were totally overpriced.

[binkie99]

Thanks for the information, eponabri! We talked to one gentlemen in Sequim while we were there and he told us that his taxes nearly doubled since taxes are reviewed every 4 years.

We absolutely love the area and want to make it our retirement home but I worry about putting ourselves in a financial bind a few years down the road.

Thank you so much again!!!

[Ultrarunner]

I really love everything about Western Wa including the weather... the only exception is the Out-of-Control Property Tax Increases...

I bought my Thurston County home for almost the same price as the assessed value... 18 months later was the start of yearly double digit tax increases... makes no sense to me how my home's assessed value can increase 80% in 3 years... Property Taxes are close to $1100 month now compared to $740... No improvements or additions done and I did experience a lot of Storm Damage one winter...

I see two problems... first is the Assessor Opinion of Value rules and is the only one that seems to count on Residential Property and second... tax appeals need to filed every year there is disagreement.

Fighting over my property tax is not the way I want to spend my retirement...

I did loads of research before buying and at the time WA had I 747 that was passed by the voters to limit tax increases... well, the WA Supreme Court threw it out and the tax increases keep a comin...

Elderly neighbors of 50 years are thinking of selling... they have a very modest home and were recently hit with huge increases...

No Income Tax is a great thing for those with lots of Income... Ever Increasing Property Tax really hits those on fixed income and Retired...

Just something to think about...

[binkie99]

Ultrarunner, thanks so much for your input. I have been thinking of little else lately. My husband thinks we should just make the move but I do fear the property tax increases, which is the only thing stopping us. The area has every to offer that we enjoy so very much.

Again, I thank you for your response!!