Flood Zone

[Fernando]

What about the era prior to 30 years ago? I mean a landslide isn't that obvious if 100 to 10,000 years old. We used to do landslide studies and still missed some old scars on the landscape. Any slope that is water-soaked and more than a few degrees in steepness can give away. I'd rather state I was unaware of any RECENT landslides in the area but the determination of landslide potential is beyond my expertise and a professional should be consulted if the client believes it is a concern. How many landslides do you see here? I see 3 obvious ones, and one was created 20 years ago. I know because I consulted to the Insurance company that denied the claim.
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Whenever there's a hill behind subject, I always ask occupant/owner if he/she ever experienced landslide movement if I know that area had landslide issues.
Not many appraisers ask that. Regardless, even with my comment on best knowledge I know of any landslides, I always put disclaimers that I'm not a geological expert. Terrell has more geological knowledge and more is expected from him. Sometimes, ignorance is a blessing.

 

[BRCJR]

I'm stating a fact based on my knowledge of such events.
In the past like over 30 years, if I knew of a past incident I would mention it unlike many appraisers especially young and out of area appraisers.

You are stating an opinion based upon the facts you are aware of. That is different than stating a fact.

 

[Fernando]

You are stating an opinion based upon the facts you are aware of. That is different than stating a fact.

I'm stating a fact of what I know from all sources I can gather.
Different if I know otherwise and not disclose it.
I'm putting my reputation in line being more experienced than most appraisers.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

'm putting my reputation in line being more experienced than most appraisers

And taking a huge risk in the event that you are fooled by randomness.

I always ask occupant/owner if he/she ever experienced landslide movement if I know that area had landslide issues.

If they experienced a landslide, then the chances are lower of having another than if the slope has not failed. Without careful monitoring and technical examination, the casual observer is in no position to assert a probability of a future event. It is easier to say the area has suffered soil movement and if a concern the client should consult an expert. The appraiser assumes the slope to be stable as an extraordinary assumption that might not be true.

 

[Fernando]

And taking a huge risk in the event that you are fooled by randomness.

If they experienced a landslide, then the chances are lower of having another than if the slope has not failed. Without careful monitoring and technical examination, the casual observer is in no position to assert a probability of a future event. It is easier to say the area has suffered soil movement and if a concern the client should consult an expert. The appraiser assumes the slope to be stable as an extraordinary assumption that might not be true.

I do put disclaimers that I'm not a geological expert.
If I know area has history of landslides, I mention in report.
And if I ask occupant/owner if past experience, I mention that too.

 

[Dublin ohio]

I do put disclaimers that I'm not a geological expert.
If I know area has history of landslides, I mention in report.
And if I ask occupant/owner if past experience, I mention that too.

And what else do you take the occupant/owners word on? Or do you pick and choose to fit the situation