Do you call borrower for exterior appraisal?

[sputnam]

Normally I don't call but to get better idea of condition inside and any additional information, I think I should. Client did provide name and phone number of owner.
Just curious do my peers call and ask information to the borrower for 2055 Exterior.

If I'm getting out of the car and walking around on the property... I call them. If I'm only observing from the public street... No.

 

[Fernando]

If I'm getting out of the car and walking around on the property... I call them. If I'm only observing from the public street... No.

During Covid when I couldn't go inside and clients were asking for exterior appraisals, I might call the owner and let them know I'll be coming at a certain time and I'll be walking around the property.
I would peek into the windows and see quality and condition.
One time, occupant opened front door and said I could come in. I declined saying peeking through window is sufficient. If I step inside the home, it wouldn't be an exterior appraisal.

Another time, I peeked from the gate and saw this possible ADU. Ugh.
Since I didn't find any records of an exterior detached structure in the yard, I didn't mention it since it's an exterior from the street, right?
Later owner called me upset that I didn't include the ADU in the back. I told him it was an exterior appraiser and how was I suppose to know there was an ADU. Never heard from him again.

 

[SunnyDays]

Normally I don't call but to get better idea of condition inside and any additional information, I think I should. Client did provide name and phone number of owner.
Just curious do my peers call and ask information to the borrower for 2055 Exterior.

I always call for an exterior inspection. Unless there is a current( within 3 months) MLS listing with sufficient photos showing it was a recently fully remodel, you just don't know if there are updates. I believe for credible results, it requires a call. I have turned down many 2055 assignments on the bases of no homeowner contact or lack of a current MLS that would serve as a current reliable bases of condition, bedroom count, and bathroom count. When I am unable to speak with homeowner, I inform the lender the best path forward is to order an interior inspection as I believe limited data will not yield a credible result.