How to Challenge Your Property Tax Assessment in Whatcom County
Andi Dyer • October 7, 2025
(From Someone Who’s Been There — and Won!)
If you opened your property tax notice and felt your heart skip a beat, you’re not alone. Homeowners across Whatcom County, from Bellingham to Birch Bay, are seeing sharp increases in their assessed values.
Here’s the truth: the assessor’s office isn’t walking through your home. They don’t know that your kitchen hasn’t been updated since 1998, that the retaining wall’s leaning a bit, or that your neighborhood’s prices cooled after last year’s spike.
That’s why your friendly neighborhood REALTOR® (hi, that’s me) can help ensure your assessment reflects reality, not guesswork.
YES, YOU CAN APPEAL, AND SOMETIMES YOU SHOULD
A few years ago, I went through the appeal process myself after receiving an inflated valuation, and I won my appeal. It wasn’t intimidating, just detailed. I built a case using market data, home condition notes, and comparable sales.
Here’s what that experience taught me:
- The process is absolutely doable.
- You shouldn’t hesitate to question a valuation that feels off.
WHATCOM COUNTY APPEAL BASICS
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering an appeal:
1. Check the Deadline
You have until
July 1 or 30 days after your Change-of-Value Notice (whichever is later). For 2025, the Whatcom County deadline is
October 27, 2025.
2. Gather Your Evidence
This is where I can help. Useful evidence includes:
- Comparable sales (I can pull these directly from MLS)
- Photos or repair estimates showing true condition
- A detailed market analysis that aligns with your home’s reality
3. File the Appeal
Submit your appeal form to the
Whatcom County Board of Equalization (BOE) along with your supporting documents.
4. Prepare for Your Hearing
I can help you organize your presentation so it’s clear, factual, and persuasive, whether you present it yourself or in writing.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Appealing isn’t about dodging taxes; it’s about fairness. When assessed values miss the mark, it’s worth taking the time to make sure you’re paying your fair share and not a penny more.
If you’d like help determining whether your assessment matches your market value, I offer a complimentary Property Value Review. Together, we’ll compare your county assessment with real Whatcom County market data so you can move forward confidently.
Because the county doesn’t know your home like you do, but I might.
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Andi Dyer, Managing Broker & REALTOR® | RE/MAX Whatcom County
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AndiDyer.com
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🍁 Fall is packed with local favorites from Doctober Film Festival to the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour and Bellingham Exit Arts & Music Festival. Don’t miss Blaine’s Seaside Bash & OysterFest for waterfront fun and local flavor, or get your fright fix at the Bleedingham Horror Film Festival later in the month. Whether you’re into films, food, or fall color drives, there’s something happening every weekend to celebrate our vibrant community.
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Discover how Bellingham’s zoning changes open doors for garages, D-ADUs, and investment growth. Learn how to spot an opportunity. Zoning might sound like a snooze-worthy subject until you realize it could be the difference between your future ADU income stream or a garage gym…and a hard “no” from the City of Bellingham. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, or investing, zoning affects what you can do with your property now and how it grows with you later. Let’s decode the fine print without the headache. What’s Changed in Bellingham Zoning? D-ADUs are in. Many lots can now support Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. “Missing Middle” zoning allows duplexes and triplexes in many residential neighborhoods. Parking requirements have eased, reducing cost and complexity for additions. How to Spot Future Potential Lot size + layout Slope and access Utility hookups Bonus tip: A daylight basement with exterior access? That’s a future rental unit waiting to happen. Tools of the Trade City of Bellingham GIS Portal Permitting Portal Custom zoning cheat sheets I share with clients Want to Know What You Can Do With a Property? I’ll run a full zoning analysis and walk you through what’s possible.
I will be a guest speaker on Friday, October 17, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM . Where: Virtual—watch from the comfort of home or on the go! Hosted by: Aging Well Whatcom, an initiative of the Chuckanut Health Foundation. What to expect: a clear snapshot of senior housing in Whatcom County—what’s working, where the gaps are, and where the opportunities lie—plus a panel discussion on progress and next steps. Click the button to register! Aging Well Whatcom works to ensure our community has the culture, infrastructure, and support for all of us to age well.
Learn how to invest in Bellingham real estate without getting overwhelmed. Discover expert tips on zoning, rentals, and ROI in Whatcom County.
If you’ve been refreshing rate trackers over your morning Woods Coffee, good news: Whatcom County mortgage rates just slid to a new 2025 low after a softer-than-expected U.S. jobs report. Translation? The bond market is betting the Federal Reserve will trim short-term rates multiple times, and that’s putting downward pressure on home loan costs here in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and Birch Bay. Why rates dropped this week (in plain English) When the monthly jobs report comes in weak, investors get cautious and shift money into safer assets like U.S. Treasurys. That pushes Treasury yields down—and mortgage rates often follow. You may hear chatter about “basis points” and “Fed cuts.” Don’t stress the jargon: the big picture is that borrowing just got a bit cheaper. Jobs report → bond yields → mortgage rates Slower hiring = lower expectations for inflation and growth Lower expectations = lower bond yields Lower bond yields = more favorable mortgage rates for homebuyers What lower rates mean in Bellingham, Ferndale & beyond Buyers: more purchasing power (but move fast) A small rate dip can boost your budget by tens of thousands over a 30-year loan. In neighborhoods like Barkley, Lettered Streets, and Cordata—where updated homes under $700K still draw weekend traffic—expect renewed competition. Get pre-approved and rate-locked so you can tour on Saturday and write on Sunday. Sellers: more showings, smarter pricing Falling rates wake up sidelined buyers. That can mean stronger open house turnout in Ferndale’s newer plats and quicker activity on well-prepped listings near Lake Whatcom and Meridian. Price with the market (not last spring’s wish list), and lean on fresh staging and pro photos to ride the momentum. Should you refinance now or wait? Have a rate starting with 7 or 8? Run the numbers now. Even a 0.5% drop can pay for itself quickly. Locked recently in the mid-6s? Keep an eye on the next Fed meeting. If the trend continues, a “float-down” with your lender could be your friend. Jumbo or VA/FHA loans? Program-specific pricing moves differently—let’s audit your scenario before you jump. Local lens: Whatcom County micro-trends we’re seeing Bellingham real estate market: Nicely updated, move-in-ready homes under the county median still draw multiple offers when priced right. Lynden: Tight inventory for single-level homes; rate drops amplify demand from downsizers. Birch Bay/Blaine: Waterfront and view condos perk up quickly when rates ease—watch HOA dues and special assessments in your math. Ferndale: Newer construction with energy-efficient features is benefiting as monthly payments dip. Action plan: 3 quick steps to capitalize Get a same-day pre-approval refresh. Rates shift. Make sure your letter and payment estimates reflect today’s pricing. Request a “payment-first” search. Tell me your ideal monthly payment; I’ll reverse-engineer neighborhoods and property types that fit. Plan your lock strategy. Consider a lock-and-shop or float-down option, especially if you’re 30–45 days from closing. FAQ Will lower mortgage rates drop home prices in Bellingham? Not automatically. Lower rates often increase demand, which can support or nudge up prices—especially for well-located, move-in-ready homes. Is it better to buy now or wait for more Fed cuts? If the right home shows up and the payment works, waiting can cost you in competition. We can structure contingencies and a lock strategy to manage risk. What about first-time buyers in Whatcom County? Here’s the bonus: I’m a certified Washington State Housing Finance Commission instructor , which means I can connect you with programs that unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance . If you’re starting out, this can be a serious game-changer. Call me today to start a conversation, Andi Dyer, 360.734.6479
Bellingham SeaFeast: Save the Dates! SeaFeast is back on the waterfront Saturday–Sunday, Sept 27–28 , 10 am–5 pm at Squalicum Harbor, and general admission is free . It’s a two-day celebration of our working harbor, maritime heritage, and (of course) incredible local seafood. What to expect Local seafood vendors (yes, the food court is your oyster), a beer/wine/cider garden, and Lummi Nation’s traditional salmon barbecue. Hands-on maritime fun: kids boat-building, “meet your fisherfolk,” a Coast Guard rescue demo, a family parade, and a waterfront 5K, Live music, arts vendors, education booths with a prize “passport,” and more. Plus, you can level-up your day with ticketed experiences like San Juan Cruises harbor rides, an All American Marine tour, a VIP Lounge with raw oyster bar, and crafty workshops. Plan your visit : Explore the overview and reserve ticketed add-ons in advance so you can spend less time in line and more time on the docks with your favorite fisherfolk.
21 Projects That Will Actually Hurt Your Home Value
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:00 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:00 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:00 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:00 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
