How do YOU determine occupancy status?

[Doug in NC]

I did an appraisal about a year ago on a property that apparently is delinquent on the mortgage. Lender wants me to determine occupancy status. I drove by and there are two maintained vehicles sitting in the driveway. I assume the property is still occupied, but I would appreciate any tips on other methods of detection used by my fellow appraisers. Thanks.

*Lender mentioned something about checking to see if the utilities were turned off. I seriously doubt that the utility company is going to share this information. A light on at night could be an indicator, but may not be conclusive (depending upon how recently the utility bill was paid).

 

[Ken B]

I did an appraisal about a year ago on a property that apparently is delinquent on the mortgage. Lender wants me to determine occupancy status. I drove by and there are two maintained vehicles sitting in the driveway. I assume the property is still occupied, but I would appreciate any tips on other methods of detection used by my fellow appraisers. Thanks.

*Lender mentioned something about checking to see if the utilities were turned off. I seriously doubt that the utility company is going to share this information. A light on at night could be an indicator, but may not be conclusive (depending upon how recently the utility bill was paid).

I bet if you contact the billing department for the water supplier, they will not only tell you if the water is connected, but the name of the person who is paying the bill. It's public information.

 

[Green Hornet]

I did an appraisal about a year ago on a property that apparently is delinquent on the mortgage. Lender wants me to determine occupancy status. I drove by and there are two maintained vehicles sitting in the driveway. I assume the property is still occupied, but I would appreciate any tips on other methods of detection used by my fellow appraisers. Thanks.

*Lender mentioned something about checking to see if the utilities were turned off. I seriously doubt that the utility company is going to share this information. A light on at night could be an indicator, but may not be conclusive (depending upon how recently the utility bill was paid).

What do they mean by occupancy status? That it is occupied or that the original borrower is living there?

 

[Doug in NC]

They just want to know if it is occupied and apparent condition of the property, from a driveby inspection (a 2055 was not requested).
With all of the delinquencies in the country, I know a lot of other appraisers are being asked to do driveby appraisals or related requests.
Short of walking up to the house and looking in the windows, what tactics do you use to determine if it is occupied or not?

 

[Walter Kirk]

If the electric meter is located in plane sight, check to see if it is moving.

 

[DTB]

First, what does this service pay? That will determine how determined I would be in ascertaining occupancy.

 

[Webbed Feet]

If the electric meter is located in plane sight, check to see if it is moving.

But don't let the FAA catch you flying by that low....

 

[TC]

But don't let the FAA catch you flying by that low....

and people call me a PITA.

 

[jlabauve]

I would simply state that you saw two maintained vehicles in the driveway which led to the conclusion that the property is occupied, along with a disclaimer that you have no way of positively determining whether the property is occupied. I would not become their private detective.

 

[Doug in NC]

I would simply state that you saw two maintained vehicles in the driveway which led to the conclusion that the property is occupied, along with a disclaimer that you have no way of positively determining whether the property is occupied. I would not become their private detective.

That was what I intended to do, assuming someone couldn't tell me a better way to arrive at an answer. Thanks.