No more MLS Photos

[Calvin the Airedale]

I'll tell this little vignette because I think its fairly humorous.

About four years back I had an appraisal on Cleveland's near east side, two blocks south of St. Clair around E 64th. I had trouble setting a time when the owner was in so I agreed to look at it at about 5 pm.

Since I was out that way earlier anyways, I took the exterior photos, measured the house and drove the comps at 9 that morning.

Now this was just before Thanksgiving so we had my son home for the holidays and my wife's cousin in from San Diego. Joey, the cousin's husband is a special agent for Customs and is always packing. Matt, as some of you know, is a career Seal.

Joey and Matt wanted to do some shopping that evening at Legacy Village so they tagged along with me till my inspection was done then we'd head east to the Apple Store.

They couldn't believe Cleveland's near east side. Matt said some of the bombed out parts of Fallujah looked nicer. When we pulled up to the house, I parked on the street and explained I'd be back out in about 15 to 20 minutes.

"Hey wait a minute," Matt said, "how about you leave the keys in the ignition and I'll get in the driver's seat just in case." Joey suggested I break out my CC 226 and leave it on the center console of my Suburban.

"Guys," I said, "half the houses are missing from this street. This car looks like DEA. Nobody's gonna mess with a car full of crackers."

When we got back that night, you should have heard them talk about the neighborhood and their harrowing experience.

 

[Delta85]

To quote the great Chuck Noll: "Whatever it takes."

Delta--take that extra "e" you keep using in judgement (sic) and put it on the end of hypocrite. Just thought you'd like to know.

Thanks for the tip Professor. Now can you actually reply to the question I asked you?

Are you saying you ALWAYS get the comp photo no matter what? You are saying there has NEVER been a time when you simply could not get the photo due to visibility issues or due to people in the photo or due to safety concerns?

Never one time?

Can you answer that question instead of analyzing and grading my spelling?

 

[Delta85]

I give up. You keep on keeping on and I will keep on getting those difficult to get comp photographs.

Don't give up. I'm honestly trying to understand your process in this area.

So assuming you find out a head of time that a comp is in a gated community or up a long driveway you always arrange with the realtor for that sale permission to go onto the property and inspect and take a picture? And this happens every time? The realtor is willing and able to coordinate with the new owners permission for you to arrive on their property or to let you in the gate?

And the times permission is not granted do you not use the comp since you could not see it for yourself? Even if it might be the best comp available based on everything you know? Even if your subject is in a different gated community or has a similar long driveway and would be perfect?

 

[Delta85]

I'll tell this little vignette because I think its fairly humorous.

About four years back I had an appraisal on Cleveland's near east side, two blocks south of St. Clair around E 64th. I had trouble setting a time when the owner was in so I agreed to look at it at about 5 pm.

Since I was out that way earlier anyways, I took the exterior photos, measured the house and drove the comps at 9 that morning.

Now this was just before Thanksgiving so we had my son home for the holidays and my wife's cousin in from San Diego. Joey, the cousin's husband is a special agent for Customs and is always packing. Matt, as some of you know, is a career Seal.

Joey and Matt wanted to do some shopping that evening at Legacy Village so they tagged along with me till my inspection was done then we'd head east to the Apple Store.

They couldn't believe Cleveland's near east side. Matt said some of the bombed out parts of Fallujah looked nicer. When we pulled up to the house, I parked on the street and explained I'd be back out in about 15 to 20 minutes.

"Hey wait a minute," Matt said, "how about you leave the keys in the ignition and I'll get in the driver's seat just in case." Joey suggested I break out my CC 226 and leave it on the center console of my Suburban.

"Guys," I said, "half the houses are missing from this street. This car looks like DEA. Nobody's gonna mess with a car full of crackers."

When we got back that night, you should have heard them talk about the neighborhood and their harrowing experience.

A year or two ago a friend of mine blew a tire in an area I appraise in often and is considered a high crime area. He did not have a cell phone on him and got out of his car to walk to the nearest public area or retail place to call for help and did not get farther than a block when he was sucker punched and robbed.

Just sayin.

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

Thanks for the tip Professor. Now can you actually reply to the question I asked you?

Are you saying you ALWAYS get the comp photo no matter what? You are saying there has NEVER been a time when you simply could not get the photo due to visibility issues or due to people in the photo or due to safety concerns?

Never one time?

Can you answer that question instead of analyzing and grading my spelling?

To quote Justin Bieber--"never say never." I make every effort to get necessary photos. If visibility is bad, I'll go back when visibility is better. If people in the photo, wait until they move or inform them of what I am doing and get the photo after they move. Never missed one for "safety" concerns--perhaps I'm just fearless.

Didn't analyze or grade--merely pointed out words you consistently misspell. I would want to know but that's just me. If I were to grade I'd give you a "B"--above average for this site but certainly not at the top of the class.

 

[Calvin the Airedale]

A year or two ago a friend of mine blew a tire in an area I appraise in often and is considered a high crime area. He did not have a cell phone on him and got out of his car to walk to the nearest public area or retail place to call for help and did not get farther than a block when he was sucker punched and robbed.

Just sayin.

You should tell him that the next time he sees Girl Scouts coming his way he should cross the street!

 

[Delta85]

To quote Justin Bieber--"never say never." I make every effort to get necessary photos. If visibility is bad, I'll go back when visibility is better. If people in the photo, wait until they move or inform them of what I am doing and get the photo after they move. Never missed one for "safety" concerns--perhaps I'm just fearless.

Didn't analyze or grade--merely pointed out words you consistently misspell. I would want to know but that's just me. If I were to grade I'd give you a "B"--above average for this site but certainly not at the top of the class.

My personal opinion is I do not believe you. I think it's internet bravado. But assuming you are telling the truth that's great, good for you. But are we required to do the things you claim you do and is it reasonable?

You casually say if people are in the photo you wait for them to move. Wait how long? On a beautiful summer day how long can kids play in the front yard? All day? Or you stop and ask them to move and this permission is granted every time? And you do this in high crime areas every time?. I simply do not believe this.

When I say visibility I don't mean heavy rain or something like that I am talking about a home located up a long winding driveway or one that is simply hidden behind trees or in a gated community. How do you handle those situations? Do you break the law to get the photo or do you get permission each and every time?

As for the spelling grade I understand you enjoy picking apart peoples posts for errors and get some kind of sense of satisfaction out of it. I could care less if I flub a word on a chat site and can assure you my reports and other professional communications are much, much better. I equate chat sites to casual chatter in a sports bar. People use slang and foul language in a sports bar chatting with people over beers and then clean up their act when speaking with clients during business hours. I suggested letting your hair down and concentrating on the conversation.

 

[Delta85]

You should tell him that the next time he sees Girl Scouts coming his way he should cross the street!

I'm glad you find that funny. That's a typical cliche cold hearted chat site responce.

My friend was injured and traumatized by the incident.

We were all just glad all he got was a cracked tooth, fat lip, and loss of a few bucks. It could have been much worse.

I feel bad for you my friend. You obviously don't understand the dangers some areas have when it comes to strangers stepping out of a car.

I do not wish you harm but someday your casual bravery is gonna get you into a situation you wish you never stepped into. I just hope all you get is a cracked tooth and a fat lip.

 

[Mark K]

Jeez. Isn't there a moderator that can put this ****ing battle out of its misery?

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

You don't believe me--that's your prerogative.

Unless the driveway is posted, I'd drive up and take a photo. Never had to appraise in a gated community--very rare around here. Perhaps an indication of a fearless community?!

You might want to look into the proper use of the apostrophe, especially with posessives.

Can't let my hair down--I shave my head.