MLS Comp Photos WTF!

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Can't make chicken soup out of chicken poop!

 

[Joyce Potts]

You gotta love the 10,000+ reads on this thread. lol

 

[LindaSL]

This was actually a good question. Especially when your comps are 20-30 minutes apart for rural/mountain properties. Most of the time, the driveway will say "no trespassing" and you cannot take a photo or risk getting shot at. Then I use MLS photos and, if possible, take the photo of the "no trespassing" sign to show I made an effort. I also agree with the statement about fees driven so low with shortcuts. Bottom line, while not a practice, I have used MLS photos on many occasions - but state they are MLS photos.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

our profession needs forward visionaries .

Definition please?

 

[Howard Bouchard]

Forward Visionary

our profession needs forward visionaries .

Definition please?

Someone who is very forward and pushy, especially in heavy traffic. Whereas a backward visionary is someone who drives below the speed limit, is always looking in the rear view mirror and tends to cause heavy traffic.

 

[Mr Rex]

Some folks calls it myopic, I call it cyclopic.

 

[Functional Obs]

No sympathy .... inspect your comps from the street like you certify that you do.

 

[LindaSL]

Hey! Just noticed I went from Newbie to Aspiring! hehehe
Not that that has anything to do with MLS photos....but I'm glad this forum is here. I've gained contributory insight into the field of appraising. Tx!

 

[CANative]

Sale Comp #4 - 47 Sea Meadow Dr. This is a relatively recent sale. The appraiser did not initially consider it and did not inspect it from the street at the time of the subject's property inspection. The appraiser has driven by this property on previous assignments. The photo is from the California Coastal Records Project. Excellent white water views from a low vantage point across the common area footpath along the bluff. Good quality residence with good design (featured in the Sept 2007 edition of Architectural Digest.)

 

[Lobo Fan]

If you had driven by previously do you have your own photo? Driving by at 75 MPH does not really constitute an inspection from the street. I am starting to get testy about how many of my competitors use MLS photos. I could do 4-5 more per week and save a lot of wear and tear on my car if I did not drive comps. I spent 9 hours on the road today, maybe 6 of that was driving comps. I am starting to see more reviews lately and I am shocked at how many use MLS photos. I have started including the MLS photos in my review so the client can make their own determination. Not driving comps may be the single best way to cheat.

It is an unfair advantage and should be a reason for sanctions. Or otherwise just allow the practice.