Why I Use MLS Photos

[Peter LeQuire]

This topic continues to come up. A random thought:

-if you can't get into a gated community or up a posted driveway to photograph a comp, how can you sign the GSE appraisal form that includes a scope of work, #3 of which is the affirmative statement that you AT A MINIMUM inspected the comparables from at least the streeet?

 

[J Grant]

This topic continues to come up. A random thought:

-if you can't get into a gated community or up a posted driveway to photograph a comp, how can you sign the GSE appraisal form that includes a scope of work, #3 of which is the affirmative statement that you AT A MINIMUM inspected the comparables from at least the streeet?

You disclose on the report why you could not drive by the comps. Lenders accept this on a regular basis. Take a picture of the security gate that shows the effort to comply, and put it in report (I also put in MLS photos if they exist to show the house as well as the gate photo)

 

[Delta85]

Delta85's answer to the poll question:

"I forgot my camera and neither the Realtor or homeowner would supply a camera in case I forgot mine like I warned them to. I am not going back to my office for the camera without being paid for the added time and an additional trip fee." :icon_rolleyes:

When have I ever said anything close to that? And you never answered my questions from the other thread. Do YOU turn on utilities from the main source for FHA inspections? Also, do you get down on your hands and knees to look under beds and desks, etc.? If not, why? Are you just doing the bare minimum?

 

[Delta85]

My first supervisor (rotten apple) used a teenager to drive the comps and get photos so original photos do not mean a thing in terms of proving the appraiser was there and/or that the report is credible.

 

[NorthTexValuation]

This topic continues to come up. A random thought:

-if you can't get into a gated community or up a posted driveway to photograph a comp, how can you sign the GSE appraisal form that includes a scope of work, #3 of which is the affirmative statement that you AT A MINIMUM inspected the comparables from at least the streeet?

If an appraiser cannot get into a gated community to inspect the comparables, that appraiser is either lazy or not very resourceful.

It's easy to get gate codes from a realtor friend or MLS. If there is a security guard, just show your business card and you will get in, assuming you drive a decent vehicle and are dressed and act like a professional.

 

[Smokey Bear]

If an appraiser cannot get into a gated community to inspect the comparables, that appraiser is either lazy or not very resourceful.

There you go again, making ASSumptions about how things are done in the rest of the country.

I got turned down for entrance in a guard gated community recently, and it's not unusual. There are high end communities in Florida that not only won't let you for comp photos, but if you're appraising in the community, you have to agree to go to the subject and leave, no detours and certainly no photos of anything else. And they threaten to have you arrested and take your camera if you do. So how you gonna get around that one, Tex?

 

[Delta85]

If an appraiser cannot get into a gated community to inspect the comparables, that appraiser is either lazy or not very resourceful.

It's easy to get gate codes from a realtor friend or MLS. If there is a security guard, just show your business card and you will get in, assuming you drive a decent vehicle and are dressed and act like a professional.

This was covered in a recent thread. We are not required to schmooze our way into gated communities. Most guards won't accept an appraisers license as automatic entry passed the gate. We have no authority and our licenses carry no weight. You have to be an invited guest or a resident.

Realtors are handing out codes to appraisers working on unrelated reports to get into gated communities? Maybe in your neck of the woods. I can barely get 50% of realtors to call me back to confirm comp details let alone convince them to give me the gate code. And my MLS does not indicate codes.

 

[NorthTexValuation]

I got turned down for entrance in a guard gated community recently, and it's not unusual. There are high end communities in Florida that not only won't let you for comp photos, but if you're appraising in the community, you have to agree to go to the subject and leave, no detours and certainly no photos of anything else. And they threaten to have you arrested and take your camera if you do. So how you gonna get around that one, Tex?

If you cannot "inspect the comparables from at least the street" you are not complying with the Statement of Work.

The assignment should have been declined.

 

[Smokey Bear]

If you cannot "inspect the comparables from at least the street" you are not complying with the Statement of Work.

The assignment should have been declined.

If you can't defend your statement, change the subject?

 

[NorthTexValuation]

Realtors are handing out codes to appraisers working on unrelated reports to get into gated communities? Maybe in your neck of the woods. I can barely get 50% of realtors to call me back to confirm comp details let alone convince them to give me the gate code. And my MLS does not indicate codes.

"Resourceful" was the key word in my statement.

I know between 30-40 realtors personally in the area and at least one or two do business in every gated neighborhood I appraise so gate codes are never a problem to get.

These same realtors either are or are good friends with an HOA board member in all the gated communities with security guards, so they will give Barney Fife a heads up to let Mr. Appraiserman in the gate.

Network with the dreaded realtors and use them to your advantage.