Vancouver, WA – Recent work by the County Assessor’s Office shows home prices rising and difficulties among owners decreasing in 2014. Those trends are reflected in annual Notice of Value statements set for mailing this week. The notices report market values as of Jan. 1, 2015, as required by state law. Values for 2015 will be one factor in calculating property taxes for 2016. “Hard work and dedication to professionalism is helping my team get these notices to property owners on time once again,” said Assessor Peter Van Nortwick. “If you don’t receive your notice by June 4, please call us at (360) 397-2391.” Property values may be appealed to the Board of Equalization within 60 days of the date on the notices. Forms and details are available at www.clark.wa.gov/board-of-equalization/documents.html. Van Nortwick said home values increased between 5 and 10 percent last year, on average. However, changes on some properties may be more or less than average. Meanwhile, equity has increased for many owners. Distress sales were 7 percent of all home sales in 2014, down from 18 percent in 2013 and 27 percent in 2012, Van Nortwick said. “The real estate recovery is continuing and the market is very dynamic,” he said. “Be sure to examine your notice to ensure your understanding and record is up to date.”