Common Queries: 

- “What is a LID assessment in Washington State?”

- “How to resolve unexpected LID assessments in Tri-Cities”

- “Why wasn’t the LID assessment disclosed during the title search?”

- “How to appeal a Local Improvement District assessment”

- “Title company missed LID assessment, what to do?”

Step 1: Understand the LID Assessment

The first step in tackling this issue is understanding exactly what a Local Improvement District (LID) assessment is and why it wasn’t flagged during the initial title review. LIDs are created by local governments to fund public infrastructure improvements, and the costs are passed on to property owners within the district. In many cases, these assessments aren’t included in standard title searches unless explicitly requested. 

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s likely that the title search didn’t account for the LID, leaving you unaware of the financial burden until it was too late. This is where working with a highly experienced Title and Escrow Company, like Cascade Title Company, could have made a difference. Their thorough understanding of the local market and the specific challenges in Benton and Franklin Counties ensures that such critical details are identified upfront. 

Step 2: Review the Assessment and Consult with Experts

Once you’ve identified the LID assessment, the next step is to gather all the relevant details. Contact the local county assessor’s office or the city’s public works department for documentation on the assessment. With this information in hand, consult with Cascade Title Company. Their experienced team can help you understand why the assessment was not disclosed and whether any remedy is available through your title insurance policy.

Step 3: Explore Financing and Appeal Options

If the LID assessment is valid, you may need to adjust your project’s budget or explore financing options to cover the cost. Cascade Title Company can guide you through this process, helping you understand the payment terms and options for spreading the cost over time. In some cases, you may have grounds to appeal the assessment. Cascade Title Company’s connections with local legal professionals can be invaluable here, providing you with the resources to challenge or reduce the assessment.

Step 4: Prevent Future Issues

To avoid similar surprises in the future, ensure that your Title and Escrow Company conducts comprehensive title searches that explicitly include LID assessments. Cascade Title Company, with over 28 years of experience in the Tri-Cities area, is committed to helping developers like you navigate the complexities of the local real estate market. Their expertise can save you time, money, and frustration by identifying potential issues before they become costly problems.

By following these steps and partnering with a knowledgeable Title and Escrow Company, you can manage unexpected LID assessments and keep your development projects on track.