Do You Include A Plat Map?

[Dennis Condon]

I've been appraising for five +- years (probably 2000+- reports) now and have never included a plat map with a report. I have never had a request for one. Tonight, I sent a pdf over to a company to be named later and was asked to resubmit the report and include a plat map or state why one was not included?

The original order didn't mention anything about a plat map. I think this is a special request that should have been made up front. Also, what type of comment would you make concerning why one wasn't included (because its not needed)? I wrote back and stated that such a request at this time would require an additional fee. Am I out to lunch or is everybody else including plat maps in their reports and why?

 

[Bill Rose]

I have always put a plat map in. I thought it was mandatory across the board.

 

[Mountain Man]

Most lenders either want the lot dimensions, tax map, or a plat. I always include a tax map or plat, as well as the deed, since most of our legals are meets & bounds, or are described as X tract on Plat XX. Part of working in a rural area; hafta go to the courthouse for other data anyway.

 

[Michigander]

I always include one if it is available (site unit condos do not have plat maps available in my area). Our state has a subdivision plat map website available on line, really terrific!

 

[Chris Colston]

I've always included a plat map. From the old days when I had to copy it from the big book in the office, before CD roms and the Internet, to now where I get it from a CD. I have never sent out a report without one, even a drive-by.

Including a plat map, since you asked why, can verify such items as site dimensions, view and zoning classifications. If the map has enough detail, you can verifiy neighborhood characteristics such as school locations, airports, industrial sites, golf courses and sometimes even "Super Fund" sites.

You do what you want about the additional fee, but I think in this case, I would just do as asked. Check with the lender requirements, again, you may have missed something in the intial contact. I work with several lenders where the original agreement includes a requirement for a plat map in every report but is not necessarily included in the current request.

 

[Kate Hoffman]

All three of my Certified Appraisers include plat-maps and lot/land dimensions in all of their appraisals.

(so sez the observant newbie)
vrs the ol man who'll probably know more and better

 

[TC]

If I have one, I include it. But in the 25 years since I have been in this business I have never had 1 client specifically ask for one, or a UW.

TC

 

[Jerry Still]

Dennis,

Based on the above posts, you and I are the only one's not doing plat maps. I haven't done one sense 1992. I give the legal description (of course). At one time (before becoming an appraiser) I was a partner in a little mortgage company (1985ish). Our senior appraisers never did them. Saw a few from some rookies. I don't believe its FannnieMae or Freddy requirement. I did train under a senior number hitter in 1991, he had us do a master map of half the state, zoning, plat, neighborhood, and the subject.comps maps (Lotta time consuming fluff). He was a crook, but wanted to make an impression that he knew what he was doing. I did about 10-15 appraisals for him before I got the hell out and opened my own appraisal company. Haven't done anything other than the subject/comps map sense then. Never had a LO or UW call and ask for one ether!

Florida B) Jerry

 

[Charlotte Dixon]

It's not mandatory, but I always include one because I think it gives a clear idea of just where the subject property is located, and what size lots surround it. In my opinion, an extra charge for that plat map is uncalled for.

 

[Proactive]

Even though it is not a FNMA required exhibit, we have always provided a plat map with a URAR report. We do not include one with the 2055.