Can Anyone Other Than A Licensed Appraisal Take Inspection Photos?

[Deracon85]

I am curious if anyone could point me in the right direction with regard to FHA guidelines for who must take the inspection (in this case final inspection) photos of the subject when completing an appraisal assignment. I am under the impression that a licensed appraiser and only a licensed appraiser (in this case one that is certified and on the FHA roster) and thus not a real estate agent or the owner of the property, can and must take any and all photos of the subject and any outbuildings, etc. As is the current case, a local agent is under the impression that it's no big deal to have the owner shoot a picture of the interior of an outbuilding that has to be inspected but was inaccessible during the initial inspection. Could anyone point me to the direct FHA guideline that states this by any chance? I appreciate your time. Thank you.

 

[DWiley]

I am curious if anyone could point me in the right direction with regard to FHA guidelines for who must take the inspection (in this case final inspection) photos of the subject when completing an appraisal assignment. I am under the impression that a licensed appraiser and only a licensed appraiser (in this case one that is certified and on the FHA roster) and thus not a real estate agent or the owner of the property, can and must take any and all photos of the subject and any outbuildings, etc. As is the current case, a local agent is under the impression that it's no big deal to have the owner shoot a picture of the interior of an outbuilding that has to be inspected but was inaccessible during the initial inspection. Could anyone point me to the direct FHA guideline that states this by any chance? I appreciate your time. Thank you.

No such rule. I have often used pictures other than ones taken personally by me - trainee or assistant went with me, or used aerial shot to supplement my own photos, etc. etc.

But, there are these rules/certifications that would be an issue if the outbuilding is a component of the subject property:

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I am under the impression that a licensed appraiser and only a licensed appraiser (in this case one that is certified and on the FHA roster) and thus not a real estate agent or the owner of the property, can and must take any and all photos of the subject and any outbuildings, etc.

4000.1

Required Analysis and Reporting
The Appraiser must observe, analyze and report defective conditions and must also provide photographic documentation of those conditions in the appraisal report.
The Appraiser must also provide photographs of potential problems or issues to assist the Mortgagee in understanding the problem.
I'm not sure there is anything requiring the photo be taken by the appraiser but the issue is whether or not you viewed the interior and you didn't.

 

[Deracon85]

I am curious if anyone could point me in the right direction with regard to FHA guidelines for who must take the inspection (in this case final inspection) photos of the subject when completing an appraisal assignment. I am under the impression that a licensed appraiser and only a licensed appraiser (in this case one that is certified and on the FHA roster) and thus not a real estate agent or the owner of the property, can and must take any and all photos of the subject and any outbuildings, etc. As is the current case, a local agent is under the impression that it's no big deal to have the owner shoot a picture of the interior of an outbuilding that has to be inspected but was inaccessible during the initial inspection. Could anyone point me to the direct FHA guideline that states this by any chance? I appreciate your time. Thank you.

Unless I'm completely off base, wouldn't section 3-1 (Appraisal Requirements) of the 4150.2 cover this when it states, "The appraiser must make a complete visual inspection of the subject property - interior and exterior - ..."

 

[DWiley]

Unless I'm completely off base, wouldn't section 3-1 (Appraisal Requirements) of the 4150.2 cover this when it states, "The appraiser must make a complete visual inspection of the subject property - interior and exterior - ..."

That just reinforces my post. The appraiser has to fully inspect both interior and exterior. But that does not say anything about who is operating the camera.

The issue is not taking the picture, it is not inspecting

 

[Mr Rex]

For FHA, the guy or gal holding a Certified appraisers license and FHA credentials is the only soul that can be responsible for the photos. A Trainee can take them, but the Certified FHA appraiser must be present and supervise their underling.

 

[Deracon85]

No such rule. I have often used pictures other than ones taken personally by me - trainee or assistant went with me, or used aerial shot to supplement my own photos, etc. etc.

But, there are these rules/certifications that would be an issue if the outbuilding is a component of the subject property:

View attachment 40086

View attachment 40087

Thank you for the insight. I myself am a trainee and accompany my supervisor on FHA assignments, so I see agree with regard to the pictures not having to be taken directly by the supervisor but under his or her guidance. In this instance a real estate agent is asking that we accept a picture sent by the owner of the property of the interior of an outbuilding that has not been inspected at all, which to my understanding is a violation of FHA guidelines. Is that not the case?

 

[Mr Rex]

Thank you for the insight. I myself am a trainee and accompany my supervisor on FHA assignments, so I see agree with regard to the pictures not having to be taken directly by the supervisor but under his or her guidance. In this instance a real estate agent is asking that we accept a picture sent by the owner of the property of the interior of an outbuilding that has not been inspected at all, which to my understanding is a violation of FHA guidelines. Is that not the case?

Not just no. Hell no! RE agents are demon sperm of the Devil himself when it comes between them and a commission. That said I have many RE agent friends that I consider peers and respect. In other cases I have wondered if there was a crack addiction involved in their desperation to close and get a commission? The reputable ones might offer to send you a photo, but not really expect you to accept because they recognize and accept a level of professionalism and not going along to get along... In any case, not lying always works. Novel concept?

 

[Deracon85]

Not just no. Hell no! RE agents are demon sperm of the Devil himself when it comes between them and a commission. That said I have many RE agent friends that I consider peers and respect. In other cases I have wondered if there was a crack addiction involved in their desperation to close and get a commission? The reputable ones might offer to send you a photo, but not really expect you to accept because they recognize and accept a level of professionalism and not going along to get along... In any case, not lying always works. Novel concept?

My sentiments exactly Mr. Rex. Thank you for confirming my understanding. It seems the concept of being ethical and complying with laws is a novel concept at times and having to explain in any real sense and expect rational thought and understanding is simply cognitive dissonance on the part of the appraiser. I'm a bit new in this profession, but I'd like to think I have my wits about me.

 

[Mr Rex]

My sentiments exactly Mr. Rex. Thank you for confirming my understanding. It seems the concept of being ethical and complying with laws is a novel concept at times and having to explain in any real sense and expect rational thought and understanding is simply cognitive dissonance on the part of the appraiser. I'm a bit new in this profession, but I'd like to think I have my wits about me.

b
You are solely respsonsible for your signature***. With your signature and seal, you proclaim that everything in your report is your personal observation and consideration. That said, as a Trainee, you are also exposing your Supervisor to 100% of the responsibility for the report based on his or hers trust