Do you compliment house to homeowner?

[ZZGAMAZZ]

It's harder for me to do multitasking talking with homeowner and looking at the house.
When someone's in the kitchen cooking, I say to myself I'll come back later when they leave kitchen.
Before I remembered but now I tend to forget to take it.
Best policy is to ask person to move and take photo before I forget.

I tell em up front that I love to talk but if I talk I will forget the photos, or the sketch, or something. Worst case scenario is when they come running out the front door to greet me and I forget the front photo.

 

[Fernando]

I tell em up front that I love to talk but if I talk I will forget the photos, or the sketch, or something.

I don't like to do that. Many times right after I leave house, I do final check with photos I'd taken and I reviewed them and if I forget, I go back and ring doorbell.
Also an excuse to go back and see house one more time.

Worst case scenario is when they come running out the front door to greet me and I forget the front photo.

 

[nachocheesefries]

I compliment people on everything...their truck, tractor, outbuilding, dog, cat, big TV...occasionally something I like about the house...but, I don't typically care about houses enough to think anything is cool. They all annoy me at this point.

Building some sort of connection with a Borrower or Seller helps ease their mind, especially when the appraisal comes in short. When I was blowing and going making no conversation because I was afraid of Borrowers twisting my words...I got WAY more lender complaints from Borrowers/Sellers. I treat them all like a friend now, until they given me a reason not to.

 

[sputnam]

I tell em up front that I love to talk but if I talk I will forget the photos, or the sketch, or something. Worst case scenario is when they come running out the front door to greet me and I forget the front photo.

I do that too. I tell them I'll be happy to talk with them after my inspection.. and may have a few questions to ask them.

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

I do that too. I tell them I'll be happy to talk with them after my inspection.. and may have a few questions to ask them.

It's interesting IMO that this thread has evolved into a very meaningful topic, there being a thin line between improving Public Trust by communicating openly in a friendly manner, and exposing oneself to claims of bias, impartiality. I also advise the owner before we chat that anything they tell me can be included in the report, with attribution to the source. That usually shuts em up!!!!

As a funny aside, I recently appraised a 5-acre residential compound (with multiple improvements including a Koi pond of about 8000 sf). I introduced myself to the owner, who stared back and said "You don't want to know who I am."

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

I compliment people on everything...their truck, tractor, outbuilding, dog, cat, big TV...occasionally something I like about the house...but, I don't typically care about houses enough to think anything is cool. They all annoy me at this point.

Building some sort of connection with a Borrower or Seller helps ease their mind, especially when the appraisal comes in short. When I was blowing and going making no conversation because I was afraid of Borrowers twisting my words...I got WAY more lender complaints from Borrowers/Sellers. I treat them all like a friend now, until they given me a reason not to.

I gots a feeling that this is the way you communicate with all others on a routine daily basis. IMO it's a wonderful way to lead ones life. Attaboy!!!!

 

[Bobby Bucks]

Another time I complimented a woman on the cool looking chess set she had. Apparently the dick husband overheard our conversation.

Gotta watch what you say out there.

For a moment I thought you said chest set and I thought "No damned wonder the husband was upset.

 

[Vermonter]

I compliment people on everything...their truck, tractor, outbuilding, dog, cat, big TV...occasionally something I like about the house...but, I don't typically care about houses enough to think anything is cool. They all annoy me at this point.

This is my view. I've seen so many that nothing is really impressive anymore. Usually I notice interesting, quirky or exceptional craftsmanship in older houses, but really wouldn't call it a compliment.

Hunting mounts, tractors, old cars and yes even an impressive garden will get me talking to the point of forgetting what I'm doing tho.

 

[Fernando]

I compliment people on everything...their truck, tractor, outbuilding, dog, cat, big TV...occasionally something I like about the house...but, I don't typically care about houses enough to think anything is cool. They all annoy me at this point.

Building some sort of connection with a Borrower or Seller helps ease their mind, especially when the appraisal comes in short. When I was blowing and going making no conversation because I was afraid of Borrowers twisting my words...I got WAY more lender complaints from Borrowers/Sellers. I treat them all like a friend now, until they given me a reason not to.

I guess that's why I converse with the homeowner to put them at ease and they tell me more than I need to know about their home and lives.
I get complaints from homeowner that other appraiser came in and didn't say a word. Personally, I don't see a problem with that but some homeowners don't like that.
Some appraisers are not good in business especially interacting with people.

 

[Fernando]

It's interesting IMO that this thread has evolved into a very meaningful topic, there being a thin line between improving Public Trust by communicating openly in a friendly manner, and exposing oneself to claims of bias, impartiality. I also advise the owner before we chat that anything they tell me can be included in the report, with attribution to the source. That usually shuts em up!!!!

I think I should do that do giving them a "warning" that what they say may be used against them......yet I like to know all the info good and bad.

As a funny aside, I recently appraised a 5-acre residential compound (with multiple improvements including a Koi pond of about 8000 sf). I introduced myself to the owner, who stared back and said "You don't want to know who I am."

Was he joking? Or is he a mobster?