Does Your E&O Cover Measuring Services?

[BarrySW1963]

Meaning, services provided (usually to homeowners or real estate agents) to measure a house (same as for an appraisal) for the purposes of listing a house for sale?

If your E&O covers it, please share your carrier info.

If it doesn't, and you measure houses as a service as an appraiser, how do you cover your liability?

 

[VolcanoLvr]

While I'm not an insurance expert, I suspect most E&O policies don't cover 'measuring' as a separate service. Measuring is not appraisal service because their is no value statement issued.

You should consult an insurance provider in your area and ask for info on business liability insurance.

 

[CANative]

While I'm not an insurance expert, I suspect most E&O policies don't cover 'measuring' as a separate service. Measuring is not appraisal service because their is no value statement issued.

You should consult an insurance provider in your area and ask for info on business liability insurance.

It is appraisal practice because it is being completed by a person who is marketing the service as an appraiser.

 

[VolcanoLvr]

I suggest everyone read USPAP, page 1, definitions - for Appraisal Practice.

"Measuring" is not a VALUATION SERVICE.

Measuring a dwelling or other building does not subject the appraiser to following or adhering to USPAP.

 

[J Grant]

Call your E and O carrier, if they dont', call the others. There is only a handful of them that advertise to appraisers, if the big ones that market to appraisers dont' cover it, there's your answer.

I'd never measure pre listings for the mediocre $ an agent pay combined with liability.

If the only way an EO company covers it is when it is part of an appraisal, then make your listing measurement part of a short form appraisal for pre list purposes. I'd put in a statement as intended user the RE agent only for list purposes, not to be relied on by other parties.

 

[Vermonter]

Offered measuring services a long time ago after our local/state board made Realtors liable for the GLA in their listings. At the time my E&O did cover it, however that was before OREP switched carriers from GeneralStar to Navigators. I haven't checked with them since. You would have to check with your provider.

On another note, when I started I was getting $75-$100 per measure and giving them a sketch. Not long after there were appraisers and other agents offering to do them for $25 per, and there was no way I was competing with that.

 

[DWiley]

I suggest everyone read USPAP, page 1, definitions - for Appraisal Practice.

"Measuring" is not a VALUATION SERVICE.

Measuring a dwelling or other building does not subject the appraiser to following or adhering to USPAP.

I suggest reading the definition of "Valuation Service." I think most would agree that the GLA pertains to aspects of value.

Measuring a home as an appraiser has been used as an example of a type of Appraisal Practice in several USPAP update courses.

 

[jay trotta]

I suggest reading the definition of "Valuation Service." I think most would agree that the GLA pertains to aspects of value.

Measuring a home as an appraiser has been used as an example of a type of Appraisal Practice in several USPAP update courses.

Wouldn't you agree it Depends on which end of the Tape your holding

 

[glenn walker]

Just don't do it : )

 

[djd09]

If they are FRT on fannie forms the sketch is "only to assist the reader visualizing". Limiting condition.

And if not on a fannie form , i would be writing in something similar to Limiting condition 2.