Quick Inspections

[TxArmadillo]

I always announce myself to the homeowner before I start anything. I want no surprises and I'm sure the HO doesn't either.

I tell the HO that we'll be at the home for normally 30 - 45 minutes and that's normally what it takes. Occasionally, on two story homes with weird second floor layout, I've been there over an hour.

It takes what it takes but there is some degree on homeowner expectations. Can an appraiser really "see" a property for what it is in less than 15 - 20 minutes?

Remember that this short site visit is the only thing many homeowners will know or remember about the appraisal process until they get their copy of the appraisal report -- which may not be until closing or loan rejection. You can bet they will remember how long you were on site at their home.

 

[CANative]

Anything less than 30 minutes leaves a property owner with the impression you aren't paying attention and leaves a bad impression... IMO.

What's the hurry?

 

[Michigan CG]

Anything less than 30 minutes leaves a property owner with the impression you aren't paying attention and leaves a bad impression... IMO.

What's the hurry?

Perception is reality.

 

[Digger88]

When I was in Northern VA a typical cookie cutter townhouse on lockbox took 10 minutes max. Knew the room layout and quality of construction of the entire place once you opened the door. I was also younger and hungrier.

In my neck of VT with an extreme variety of housing and very talkative owners, my minimum inspection time is about 30 minutes on the simplest property. Most go about 40-50 minutes. 1100 sqft ranch on Monday took 90 minutes because the owner started talking about his upcoming hunting trip to Labrador.

I know a lot of people don't like to BS with owners/borrowers, but I get a lot of info that way. Listening more and talking less works very well.

same here, still in VA and 10 minutes max. after i open every door, take every pic, BASIC sketch, go through my round of questioning there is nothing left for me to do.

and i NEVER ask the homeowner for recent sales they may know of. youre just asking for a complaint when their value comes in low...

 

[Restrain]

30 minutes minimum, unless empty box. By the time we check utilities, attic, measure, photographs, etc. Can run 2 hours for customs with amenities, etc.

 

[Donna Quixote]

20 minutes usually to 45 if more complex. I get faster for mold or cat pee.

 

[Riick]

On real cookie-cutters 15-20 minutes, unless I see something interesting.
I take pix of everything; Who needs to write when I can see the furnace
is a recent gas forced-air unit - with 90+% efficiency rating.

If the property is occupied, as I leave, I'm likely to say something about
"Painless Dentistry", and mention how long I've been appraising, and, that
Once you've seen a 3 or 4 thousand houses, an inspection it doesn't take as long.
"I've may been in a virtual twin of your house 20 times by now."
.

 

[TEL2002]

It goes quicker if you do not have to take off your shoes. LOL

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I, typically, tell the home owner I will be there about 15 to 20 minutes unless I find something unusual. Like to 'set the table' in the beginning by letting them know I have been appraising "in this market" for a little more than 33 years and after more than 12,000 appraisals I have a pretty good "inspection routine" down. Also, I will be photographing EVERY room including the bath rooms. The VA does not want any people in the pictures. That usually settles them down.

I have a good inspection sheet that we designed over 30 years ago and have modified a couple of times. It's designed for use with a highlighter and I just highlight the appropriate items. On the back side I copy the assessor's sketch with a sketch for each level. Since the mid 1970s the county requires builder to file plans with the assessor and the sketches are, for the most part, quite accurate. I just verify the measurements and off I go. Of course there can be additions that haven't been picked up by the assessor but those are usually quite obvious.

I concur with the statement..."I am not a home inspector". Leave that to the experts. Take lots of pictures, fill out your inspection form, measure or verify the measurements and move on.

Was doing an inspection the other day and the real estate agent was very impressed with how quickly I got the inspection done. She preferred to be present and wasn't happy when an appraiser took two hours to inspect a property. I also had a home owner tell me she was a little nervous when an appraiser took several hours looking at her house. He spent almost an hour inside and a hour outside measuring.

It's all a matter of doing what it takes to get the job done. If you feel you need an hour then take an hour. If you can adequate inspect a property in 10 to 15 do that. Just be sure you cover all the bases.

 

[Mr Rex]

I carry a bag of popcorn and stop and sit on every seat in the Living and Dining Rooms, every bed, every commode etc. Wouldn't want the folks to think I'm in a hurry.:new_popcornsmiley: