Taking voice notes during inspection?

[cashcatz]

Think you're on to something here because adding photos in Total mobile is less than ideal.

Problem is now we have two apps to switch between which is not much better than using Total and a regular camera app? Or are you talking about creating an entire inspection app?

Yeah, an app that basically works like a camera + voice recorder (no annoying nested menu or forced workflow) where you walk around and dictate inspection details (optional) and snap photos that you need. Then on-device ML (iPhone 16+) does an initial attempt at classifying/describing the photo as well as transcribing voice notes, and putting on a timeline as well as grouping photos by room/space. Then you can quickly change the notes (condition, quality, add additional details) per photo if needed after the fact. That all gets outputted to some format that can work with your report software where it prefills the relevant fields (vs having to do it by hand). If anything, I think it could make for a very solid inspection workfile as you would get images with details, audio recording and transcription with all of it geotagged and organized by space. I've got a very basic concept brewing, will upload screenshots sometime this weekend.

 

[Zoe]

One of the lawyers that rented an office from the appraiser I worked with was this lawyer a/k/a the Monkey trial:

Scopes trial - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I visited with him several times. He was intriguing person. The secretary set right outside his office and I was visiting her all the time.

The boss was like you know who that is don't you? I said no.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Our goal is not a lightning-fast inspection

There are X many loans. X many assignments. And most appraisers have time to develop an appraisal at a measured pace. There is rarely a need to rush around in desperation. So, the fact a residential appraiser CAN do 5-10 a week does not mean there is that many assignments available every week. In fact, a lot of appraisers would jump with joy to get 200 assignments in a year.

 

[Mike Ault]

I would like something that's quick and easy. I don't want to have to chisel notes into a stone tablet. So far, I haven't found anything that's easier or quicker than a inspection sheet where I circle the pertinent entries in Microsoft OneNote on my windows tablet to be input into alamode back at the office. I tried the alamode app many years ago but after about 6 weeks I decided it was slowing me down and that was during a busy time for me. I spent quite a while perfecting my inspection procedures and I'm not even remotely enthused about having to start over again.

 

[cashcatz]

One of the lawyers that rented an office from the appraiser I worked with was this lawyer a/k/a the Monkey trial:

Scopes trial - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I visited with him several times. He was intriguing person. The secretary set right outside his office and I was visiting her all the time.

The boss was like you know who that is don't you? I said no.

Can you please start a new thread for whatever it is that you are going on about?

 

[Surf Cat]

When inspecting, how many of y'all take voice notes (dictating the inspection details)? If so, what are you using to do that and how do you go about getting you note details out of it and into your report? If not, are you against the idea or just haven't found a good way to go about it? Gracias, kicking around some ideas.

I haven't read any of the comments however, I used to walk around the perimeter of the dwelling with my cell phone video camera on making verbal notes. Same with the interior, especially in larger estate type dwellings.

Example: "Upon entering the subject, you enter into a double door foyer with travertine flooring and dual staircases with high cathedral ceilings... there appears to be a water stain by the Skylight in the foyer, possibly from a leak. Making a left places you in the family room, continuing down the hall there's two bedrooms with ensuite baths and a laundry room at the end"..... etc etc.

I don't really do this that much anymore due to the lack of compensation. I just take a lot of photos and jot down quick notes. The GSE's don't want this level of details anyways. I mean..... why would they be sending out a junior realtor to do the inspection instead of the appraiser? Why do they want you to complete the 3.6 on an iPad in your car with just checkboxes? Why are they doing more and more waivers?

 

[J Grant]

I am fairly quick in most inspections unless there is a reason to spend extra time or the property is large /complex. I don't rush but move about efficiently - with a simple write on paper of notes and hop on photos and measure with a laser or tape - our county has floor plans on our public records, which help vet measurements against as well.

If tech makes some appraisals faster or it is a more straightforward process, go for it - but if not, stick with what works for an individual.

 

[cashcatz]

our county has floor plans on our public records, which help vet measurements against as well.

That's really nice, do you find them pretty accurate?

 

[Zoe]

Can you please start a new thread for whatever it is that you are going on about?

I think voice recording is fine. I am not shy. You get back to your office and you listen to your recording and move on.

I am not shy. I don't do it. I take many notes on my clipboard.

Many pictures. My Iphone can take more pictures than you can imagine in a heartbeat. Video too.

 

[Zoe]

Don't jerk an attitude with me. Get you a voice recorder.

I already know I am on video on many houses I appraise.

I have to make sure my hair looks okay. LOL