The distribution method in property appraisal relies primarily on which document?

The distribution method in property appraisal is fundamentally reliant on the property tax bill. This document provides crucial information about property values as assessed for tax purposes and frequently reflects the market's valuation of the property. Appraisers often use tax bills to establish a baseline for property values, as they indicate how the local government assesses the property, which can help in determining market trends and values in the neighborhood.

Additionally, property tax information can reveal important trends regarding the distribution of property values within an area, helping appraisers understand how other properties in proximity are valued. This can provide essential context when assessing the subject property and making comparisons to determine its value accurately.

In contrast, other options, such as the sales agreement and the appraisal report, are valuable documents, but they serve different purposes in the appraisal process. The sales agreement provides insight into the terms agreed upon by buyers and sellers, while the appraisal report is the final product of the appraisal process that reflects the appraiser's conclusions and reasoning. Similarly, the zoning declaration defines permissible property uses but does not directly inform the distribution of property values like the property tax bill does. Thus, the property tax bill remains the primary document in the distribution method of property appraisal.