Fire Appraisal

[Bob Mulder]

Tomorrow I will be inspecting a site where a house burned down. I will be doing an appraisal for insurance purposes.

I have appraised fire damaged properties before, but these properties were not completely burned down, and I had the tax records and the multiple listing information to help out.

Only the foundation is left on this house. I have requested sketches, photographs, previous appraisals. Will check tax records, deed office etc.

I always want to make sure I ask enough questions, and the right ones at that. I could use any suggestions that anyone might have on this subject.

Thanks!

 

[Patrick Egger]

Likey that the owner refinanced in recent times, perhaps they remember who the appraiser was and or could point you to the lender. Have the owner give a call to the lender to get a copy of the appraisal, explaining the situation.

If the lender don't have a copy, they may be able to give a list of possible appraisers, who with a release from the bank, can give the owner a copy. Downside is that the owner may want to use that appraisal.

 

[Mountain Man]

Their insurance agent should have photos. But I know their industry is much like ours.....

P.S. Check with the Capt. of the first due in fire battalion. They should have a fire report, and some size up information about the house..... unless it was a pile of coals before 911 was called.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Check for an old MLS listing. In my county the assessor's property card usually has picture of the improvement. Ask the owner if any of his/her family would have taken a picture of the house. Charge lots of money!

 

[Restrain]

I did one and the owner had some old photographs that weren't destroyed in the fire. Helped a bunch as to style, quality, etc. Otherwise had to rely on taxes, style of surrounding properties, etc.

Held up when we went to court, client won.

Roger

 

[Walter Kirk]

Check the neighborhood for similar style houses. I did an appraisal on a row house which had been demolished by inspecting another house in the same row.

 

[Fred Carter]

Are you substituting for the insurance adjuster? If not, you should be on speaking terms with him or her. You'll both be after much of the same information. Does the client (insurance co.? Owner? Other?) want replacement cost, actual cash value, sales value, other? Fire adjusters often do something similar to a cost approach appraisal, but the state of training and experience of fire adjusters (other types too) varies all over the lot. With luck you'll be able to assist each other.

 

[John Wilson]

Originally posted by Bob Mulder@Aug 13 2003, 08:10 PM
Tomorrow I will be inspecting a site where a house burned down. I will be doing an appraisal for insurance purposes.

What’s the purpose of this assignment? Was the structure not already covered under a policy?