Couch Potato
Elite Member
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2004
- Professional Status
- Certified Residential Appraiser
- State
- North Carolina
What a waste of my time. Guy calls up using a phone with a 919 area code claiming to be from CA. Okay, maybe it's a cell phone of VOIP service, I'm not going to worry about that. Next he describes a house with workshop, basketball court, and such on 17+ acres and three 10 acre parcels in Orange county. Oh, but not exactly in Orange county, but just across the line in Alamance county. Okay, I've got the time to do the extra work to cross the county line. Then he mentions it's actually 47+ acres with a survey for an intended split. I can handle it, but it will take some extra work. We discuss the fee, and I give a ballpark number with the understanding I will give him a written quote before proceeding.
Just as I'm getting comfortable with the idea it's a serious order for an appraisal, he gives me a line about his mother-in-law dying of cancer and him moving to CA to care for her. He's got a good trade worked out with a guy in CA, but he needs the appraisal on the house to be at least $750,000.
I mention that's not something I can guarantee, and he starts in with what other appraisers do.
I told him to get someone else, so don't be surprised when he calls. He seemed truly surprised I would not guarantee the value was there before charging him anything, and even a bit perturbed I told him I was not comfortable with doing the job, so he should probably get someone else.
Just as I'm getting comfortable with the idea it's a serious order for an appraisal, he gives me a line about his mother-in-law dying of cancer and him moving to CA to care for her. He's got a good trade worked out with a guy in CA, but he needs the appraisal on the house to be at least $750,000.
I mention that's not something I can guarantee, and he starts in with what other appraisers do. I told him to get someone else, so don't be surprised when he calls. He seemed truly surprised I would not guarantee the value was there before charging him anything, and even a bit perturbed I told him I was not comfortable with doing the job, so he should probably get someone else.