Appraiser Season

Starting now through the next 5 months, appraisers will be out knocking on doors looking at anything new that was built this past year. From new single family dwellings, to additions, remodels, out buildings, and more.

By Statute, the assessor’s office is responsible for valuing all property inside Polk County at 100% of real market value.

Our Assessment date is always January 1st of each year. If your project is not 100% complete, then the value on the tax roll will reflect the level of completeness as of January 1st and the property will be tagged for a follow-up visit the next year.

As we enter this season of work, it might be helpful to know how to recognize an appraiser, what exactly they are doing, and some of our policies.

We have 4 appraisers that are assigned areas of responsibility. Appraisers will ALWAYS wear a bright yellow vest that clearly identifies them as a Polk County employee, wear identification, and drive vehicles with the Polk County emblem on the driver and passenger doors.

You might be wondering what they are doing? If you have done a remodel, finished a previously unfinished space, or built something new, the appraiser may need to measure the structure and take a picture. Depending on the nature of the visit, the appraiser will ask to look inside, however you do not have to let them in. That is your choice. If you are not comfortable with the appraiser coming inside, then the appraiser will ask some clarifying questions about the structure to assist them in their valuation.

If you have a closed gate, we will not open the gate and enter. However if there is no gate, appraisers will continue on to your property and knock on your door

If minor children are home alone, it is our policy to never enter a home without an adult present. If no one is home, the appraiser will leave a door hanger asking for the property owner to respond with a phone call or email.

Just as you are concerned about your safety and the security of your property, we too are concerned about the individual safety of our appraisers. We understand that they are on your property, unannounced and that can be concerning for both parties. It isn’t logistically feasible to make appointments for everyone; there are just too many properties to visit. However if you have concerns about this particular policy, please reach out to either Sara Bischel, Chief Appraiser or Valerie Patoine, Assessor at 503-623-8391 and we will come up with a solution for you.