AI enhanced photos

[Terrel L. Shields]

I am assuming that they are talking about interior photos to determine a condition rating.

Our MLS requires they state same -

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

MLS photos are used by realtors to help sell a property for the highest price possible. That is not deception. That is their job. To make a determination on condition rating, I put much more emphasis on the comments with secondary emphasis on WHAT I see in the photos.

"Well maintained", "modern" are good comments but before I go with a C3 instead of a C4, I want to see, "new kitchen/bath", "heating system updated last year" and other comments that "show receipts". A kitchen may be well maintained and good shiny photos but if those photos show appliances and cabinets that are obviously 10+ years old, it is getting a C4. Same with baths. You can tell the approximate age of baths by the design, something a flashy photo can't hide.

My SCA addendum indicates that [In addition to my ext photos from the front streets] the Condition adjustments are based primarily upon the comparables' respective MLS marketing comments, although a comment will be included if the corresponding MLS interior photos tell a different story, {because I am unaware of whether clients have MLS access to review photos}.

 

[Tom4value]

I see no one mentioned a source that has been around since I was an itty bitty appraiser; getting on the phone and calling the listing broker. If you see a photo that might be outta whack or you have other questions about the condition, give them a call! It’s a comparable SALE, which means it has already closed and their commission has been paid. They have no reason to lie or not be frank about the condition.

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

I see no one mentioned a source that has been around since I was an itty bitty appraiser; getting on the phone and calling the listing broker. If you see a photo that might be outta whack or you have other questions about the condition, give them a call! It’s a comparable SALE, which means it has already closed and their commission has been paid. They have no reason to lie or not be frank about the condition.

I cant remember the reason or the source, nor do I do it, but "somewhere" a requirement exists for the listing agent of Every comp to be contacted to confirm terms of Every sale. [At least I think so...]

 

[Surf Cat]

It’s a comparable SALE, which means it has already closed and their commission has been paid. They have no reason to lie or not be frank about the condition.

I don't know....." hi Ms realtor, say.... did you enhance those photos on that listing of yours with AI while it was active?" I pretty much think you'd get hung up on, LOL.

Now, if I drove the comparables and found the sale to be completely different than what was depicted in the MLS exterior photos shortly after the sale, I'd definitely call it out in my report.

 

[Airstream]

I don't know....." hi Ms realtor, say.... did you enhance those photos on that listing of yours with AI while it was active?" I pretty much think you'd get hung up on, LOL.

Now, if I drove the comparables and found the sale to be completely different than what was depicted in the MLS exterior photos shortly after the sale, I'd definitely call it out in my report.

Is the home in good condition? I don’t know how many times I have read “well maintained, ready to move into.” Then I enter the house….and it looks tired. I can’t get straight answers on GLA. Where did you get your data for GLA? Silence…….then assessor data. Really? Silence…..we’ll get back to you…..2 days later. GLA was 1000sf off (too high). They NEVER CHECKED with the assessor. Just today the comps I used didn’t square with assessor GLA. And I know agents don’t measure. Then one said it was built in 1960. I knew that was BS. I looked up the assessor data, and it was built in 1920. What is really irritating is that I use the data source from Alamode when other appraisers use that comparable. I can’t tell you now many times appraisers are using wrong data!!! Skippy reigns. It really is embarrassing. Appraisers will call a house a C3 and it has NO UPDATES. I guess they believed the “well-maintained” statement in the MLS.

And good luck getting in touch with and/or trying to call agents. Waiting……2 days later.

And then when you point out their errors they get mad at you.

 

[Tom4value]

I don't know....." hi Ms realtor, say.... did you enhance those photos on that listing of yours with AI while it was active?" I pretty much think you'd get hung up on, LOL.

Now, if I drove the comparables and found the sale to be completely different than what was depicted in the MLS exterior photos shortly after the sale, I'd definitely call it out in my report.

No, no! Don't even mention the photos. You won't need them. Say something like, "can you please tell me the general condition?" If you get, "fine", then ask more detailed questions, ie., "When was the kitchen/bath renovated?" "any recent updating?" Trust the comments, not the photos.