Lazy appraiser did not measure

[JTip]

The measuring involved, be it a Disto, wheel or triangulation method with arm outstreched and pointed finger, is in direct relation to the size of the fee.

New construction I always measure. No telling if they shaved off a foot from the master bedroom or not. Only takes a few minutes.

 

[RSW]

I always measure. I take pride in doing a complex sketch. I seem to always learn something new when I measure one like that.

 

[Alan Simmons]

I have long joked that my goal is to walk around (read measure) every house in the county at least one.

That having been said there are house in my area that defy measuring. Last month I measured a house I seriously doubt anyone else would. It is a LARGE contemporary sitting on a steep slope (fall you die) where the front yard is the only area not knee-deep in snake (amongst other things) infested ivy and thorn bushes.

I was able to get some measurements from inside and did get tortured measurements completely around the outside. I think I am close but who knows. I am defiantly the first person to walk completely around that house in a decade. Although I do measure, in these situations I usually play “what would the typical buyer do.”

 

[redfish]

If you your report does not accuratley describe the subject (the truly only verifiable information) what else is report your lacking.

Plainly said, if your not right about the subject what else are you getting wrong

 

[masmia]

It's obvious from the OP that this was an exception to the rule as he states that the house was fairly odd shaped and that was the reason for using the plans.

I think it is entirely acceptable in certain circumstances to go by the plans; If I can get my hands on a survey even better. Also, what do you "holier than thou" appraisers do for odd shaped high-rise condominiums. I've had some that are close to impossible to measure accuratley and I am certain that in these cases it is more reliable to use floor plans than try and measure for yourself.

Isn't that what it's all about, reliability?

 

[Jon Green]

Measuring

I always measure even to my own detriment. Two weeks ago I had a complex property with multiple angles. The homeowner helped design it. I had to measure the property three times and appeared incompetent. The homeowner was not happy with the delays, but I was having trouble getting the arches to match up and wanted to do it correctly.

 

[The Warrior Monk]

Simply do what you say and say what you do.

There are plenty of instances where it is very difficult, or not possible, to measure with any degree of accuracy. Common examples include extremely large residences, or commercial structures. Plans and/or surveys may be the better, and more credible alternatives to measuring.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Final inspections would cost much more if the appraiser actually measured the property as part of the final. Not normal course of business...IN MY MARKET. I think the appraiser is covered by saying the appraisal was "from plans and specs".

 

[McPheeters]

I'd like more details.

If it's a contemporary style dwelling and the ho offers plans/specs, I would probably go with that.




Everybody knows that "ho's" are great at "offering"

Thanks TC, that made my morning!

 

[PropertyEconomics]

Nobody has to deal with supplemental standards anymore, just client requirements for a given type of appraisal.

Reports the client requires meet Fannie guidelines don't require the appraiser measure, but they do require the appraiser to calculate the GLA and show the calculations: XI, 204.01: Appraisals Based on Interior and Exterior Property Inspections (11/01/05). There is a specific exception made for condominiums, but not complicated houses.

I would disagree that assuming a data sources used are reliable, is an "extraordinary assumption." That is an assumption used in every report.I witnessed it when the place in which I was living in Kissimmee sold. I felt sorry for the buyer, but since I was renting the property at the time, I was not involved in the transaction. I tried casually to get the name of the appraiser, but could not do so. They were in and out too fast.

Thats ok Couch ... no matter what the rules say they are still supplemental to me ... as are specific and special assumptions (now extraordinary) its hard to make an old dog use new terminology ... but the thoughts are the same. :new_smile-l:

And I can assure you that if I used someone elses measurements or GLA size ... that would be extraordinary.