Washington Appraisal Standards and Credentials: A Customer Guide
State credentials, professional standards and voluntary memberships serve different purposes. Verify the individual appraiser and agree on the assignment scope.
Check state licensing separately
Washington’s Department of Licensing administers real-estate appraiser credentials. Review the individual’s current category and status using official records, then discuss property competence. Association membership and a company name do not establish a state credential.
Understand what USPAP does
Washington DOL identifies USPAP as its standards of practice for licensed and certified real-estate appraisers. These standards govern development, reporting and professional conduct. A standards reference does not guarantee a value, court acceptance or suitability for every possible use.
Specify users and confidentiality needs
Before engagement, identify the client, intended users, effective date and report purpose. Discuss communication and permitted disclosure in that context. Do not assume a report is available to every payer or that confidentiality prohibits all legally required disclosures.
Confirm the residential assignment
Alpha’s routine residential service area is King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties. The property, intended use, effective date and users guide the scope. Commercial properties, personal possessions and business valuations are not included by a broad home-appraisal description.
Use the report within its stated limits
Read the property description, analysis, assumptions and effective date. A value opinion does not promise a sale, settlement, assessment reduction or lender acceptance. If the purpose changes, ask whether new work is needed rather than automatically reusing the original report.
What should accompany a quote request?
Send the property address, purpose, requested effective date, intended users, deadline and access contact. Describe the residence type, relevant records and requested deliverable. Mention acreage, accessory units, multiple parcels or unusual features so scope, fee and availability can be confirmed.
Official reference: Property or assignment reference.
Meet the appraiser · Mortgage and pre-listing guidance · Residential appraisal review · Request an appraisal quote
Call 425-753-1971 or email dustin.labrasseur@gmail.com.
Revised October 8, 2026.
