A Note of Thanks

[Richard Carlsen]

I sent the following email to a couple of co-listing Realtors this morning:

Good Morning;

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for the exceptionally fine use of photos in WW 251758. You cannot imagine how useful good photos of a property can be to us appraisers when we us a sale as a comparable in an appraisal. We are able to see the property, inside and out, nearly exactly as the Buyer saw it and made their buying decision. It helps our appraisal reports be more credible with a more accurate opinion of value.

Please continue this fine work. It is greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards

Richard Carlsen
State Licensed Appraiser

*******************

I'm doing an ERC on a HUD Code mfg house and this listing is located only about 1 mile away with a similar large barn/garage. The listing agents put 19 quality photos in the MLS. It was like walking through the house myself. Better than a virtual tour any day.

I figured it was time that those who do such a fine job be thanked for it. Besides, as my Grandma used to say: You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

 

[Lawrence R.]

My grandma used to say the sun even shines on a dog's behind every now and then...

LOL

 

[Mike Boyd]

I agree with you Richard.....................AND Lawrence. LOL

 

[Doug Trites]

Hope you do not get the phone call telling you the photo's are copy righted or property of the MLS and you are not allowed to use them and have violated MLS rules. Some of the MLS are now putting these rules in place.

 

[Vermonter]

^So you can't even look at the pics to determine condition? You have a strict MLS.

 

[Roscoeman]

Some appraisers in our local community who are trying to better the relationships with realtors, last month put an article in our MLS newsletter thanking them for their help.

My understanding is the realtor's response was good.

 

[Esox]

Good interior photos in MLS are priceless, and your thank you idea is a good one I'm going to outright steal.

Lately, I've made it a habit to call agents that put seller concessions in MLS and thank them for doing so. Whether I speak to them personally or leave a message, I let them know how much easier it makes an appraiser's job. I encourage them to tell their colleagues to do the same. They seem to appreciate it, and they will then talk about the market in general, what buyers and sellers are thinking and saying, etc. There's lots of good information in those types of conversations. I'm a big believer in using kindness to get them to make my life easier.

I think more and more agents are realizing, for maybe the first time in my 20 years in this business, how important it is for appraisers to have good information whether it is photos, concessions, or a little insight into a buyer's or seller's motivation.

Or maybe I'm imagining things.

Kevin

 

[Mountain Man]

I love MLS photos.

I also can't believe this is a POSITIVE thread for using MLS photos on THIS forum!!!

 

[TJSum]

Yes, all the available interior photos on the comps are excellent for appraisers, except for Skippy, he will have to find a new "wildcard" adjustment instead of condition to goose up values.

 

[TC]

I love MLS photos.

I also can't believe this is a POSITIVE thread for using MLS photos on THIS forum!!!

OK, too much positive.

How do you know they didn't "shop" the photos? Should we assume that those agents that don't take interior photos are hiding something and we should make a negative adjustment for condition?