How do YOU determine occupancy status?

[TC]

That's not my job, I'd tell them to hire a PI.

 

[Webbed Feet]

and people call me a PITA.

They just don't know good comedy when they see it..

 

[JRS at OBX]

They just don't know good comedy when they see it..

I found the humor in that comment. I almost quoted the minimum safe flight altitude information from the FAR/AIM but my copy is 10 years old.

 

[Mr Rex]

 

[CANative]

It doesn't sound like the requested services are part of an appraisal assignment. When a property is in foreclosure they want to know if it's still occupied or not. This is reasonable because they don't want it to be damaged by vandalism, or water faucets left on or doors left open, etc, etc. They can also act right away if the property has been abandoned.

They can hire anyone to do this but it may be easier and more reliable to have an appraiser do it. Negotiate a fee and proceed.

 

[TN Pro]

Knock on the neighbors door and ask them who lives in the house.
Call the landline number if they have one and ask for Mr or Mrs??? (If its an unpublished number fell free to PM me and i will get it for you.)
Call the water company.
Knock on the door and ask them if they got their census form in the mail and that you are just checking around that neighborhood.
My personal fave, find out what time the mail gets delivered to that street, then speak with the mail devlivery person. They know everything.
Theres a million ways, use your imagination.

 

[Fritz in NY]

This box SHOULD not be on our report. How can we tell it is the H.O./applicant? Do we invade the mailbox, the checkbook, etc. If HO states one way or another makes a very different loan. They can gain much. Pay off the tennant to lie to appraiser/incentive of rent deduction, yadda yadda yadda. How many of us ask for a PIX ID at the time of inspection? How to verify???? Very problimatic.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Prior to appraisal, I would inspect. Post-appraisal requests are ignored. They can check it themselves. Liablity and zitznotmychob...

 

[CANative]

D-oh! They don't care who is living there. They just want to know that someone is living there. Drive by and observe for a few minutes.

"The appraiser did not see anyone going in our out of the house but the yard and improvements appear to be adequately maintained, there was smoke coming out of the chimney and a car was observed through the open garage door."

"The landscaping appeared neglegted with dead and dying grass, there were numerous newspapers on the porch. Some windows were broken, the mini-blinds were crooked, there were gang symbols spray painted on the garage door. I also noted trashbags in the side yard and broken toys just outside the backyard gate."

 

[Mile High Trout]

Sounds like an easy gig, I want some! I would recommend against crossing any property lines without permission or personalized engagement of the potential occupant. I had a drive by turn sour once because the resident was highly upset at my presence with a camera way down off the main road. He was like Flash Gordon, and came on the spot in seconds flat. The appropriate respect for property boundaries assists in respectful and safe communication if the owner is potentially surprised by your presence. Absolutely do not misrepresent yourself as anything but an appraiser, if you are engaged as an appraiser, you must represent as an appraiser. I know the posters are being sarcastic, but I felt it prudent to reiterate that.

Hey Rex, that Suzuki looks a little new. That thing certainly does not look like it's seasoned enough to claim rural prestige.