In this approach, the taxpayer calculated that the cost to construct a new building (say, $300 per square foot at 2,000 square feet, totaling $600,000) should be allocated to building and the remaining balance of the acquisition should be allocated to land.Rule of thumb method: Some taxpayers use a predetermined percentage (such as 80/20 percent, 70/30 percent, etc.) for improvements and land.

It had similar square footage in property size, similar square footage in lot size, was built 8 years apart, and was renovated. 

That said, the assessor probably has at least a diagram of the home that they used to calculate the square footage and that would tell you the footprint of the house they have in their records. 

Couple houses same square feet were sold around 925 to 950 K range without a pool.

We live in the greater Seattle area, WA, and just got pre-approved for a loan.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

I am a licensed GC in WA state and I am required to maintain a $30,000 bond which is for instances just like this.

In this case, other condos in my complex with the exact same floor plan & square footage but in much less desirable condition and without views (I have an amazing view) are selling for 15% more than my appraisal.

Now they're at 525 to 550 a square foot for new construction.