How Many Of Of You Use The Assessor Sketch?

[CANative]

The only fun I get out of appraising is running a tape measure around houses. Why would anyone use someone elses measurements?

 

[deturner]

I too have noticed that some appraisers (and I use the term loosely) are using the assessors sketch not only in the addendums but in the grid also.

I just found one that showed the property 500SF larger than it actually is (the builder made changes just prior to construction). The report was wayyyy over valued.

Guess we can't rely on appraisers any more for accurate measurements.

Can someone explain to me why they use the assessors records instead of measuring? I would NEVER rely on measurements done by anyone else. I use to think I could somewhat rely on appraisers measurements when doing pre-foreclosure drive bys but now I'm convinced that I can do that any more.

DaveT in NC

 

[Stone]

In this area, you can get some data on-line, but to my knowledge, no sketches. It would take longer to go to the different courthouses, pull the files and copy them, than it would take to just sketch the darn thing.

I do use condo plats as outlines. They are never accurate but usually have the general shape correct, which means less drawing. My figures, however, go in the report.

 

[TC]

Some of the sketches seem pretty detailed, but using a wheel throws them off.

 

[DB]

In my neck of the woods, there is a "foot print" sketch on almost every tax card that I suppose COULD be manipulated somehow to include it in a report, but that will never happen in this office .... period.

 

[Bobby Bucks]

Both. I use the assessor’s sketch. I also measure. In fact before I leave my car I draw the assessor’s sketch dimensions on graph paper because it saves time. Try it for yourself and see. Most of our assessors have initials after their names so 99% of the time it’s close so I’m essentially just verifying what’s there is correct. 1% of the time I do it like you dedicated folks do. I also slow down while viewing comparables if there is babe doing yard work in a halter top. Is that illegal now too?

 

[TEL2002]

I do what Bobby does because he is an appraisal God.

I find the assessor sketch makes my sketching & measuring go faster. I have found the assessor sketch is wrong over 30% of the time.

Regarding the halter top, I'm married so I don't slow down. I stop. :rainfro: :rainfro:

 

[PL1957]

Originally posted by deturner@Nov 2 2005, 04:42 PM
Can someone explain to me why they use the assessors records instead of measuring? I would NEVER rely on measurements done by anyone else. I use to think I could somewhat rely on appraisers measurements when doing pre-foreclosure drive bys but now I'm convinced that I can do that any more.

The reason for using the assessor's sketch or dimensions off of a survey is that it gives you an independently verifiable source for your data. Not necessarily a correct source, but a source that is unbiased and has no dog in the appraisal fight. If it's obviously in error, you can't use it, but if it's close, why not?

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I pull the assessor's card and sketch on every property (if there is one) and print the their sketch on the back of my inspection form. I then pull a tape to "verify" the measurements. Sure does make the inspection go faster.

Most real estate agents no longer personally measure residential properties any more. The MLS sheet has a box to indicate where the square footage used comes from...Personally Measured, Public Record, or Appraiser. The majority use public records.

Since about 1980 builders are required to present the plans to the assessor's office. Their sketches come from those plans. Are they always right? Of course not, but I will put them up against most appraisers IN MY MARKET.

If you are going to be reviewed, where do suppose the reviewer is going to get the GLA data? Public Records. Where do you get the GLA information on the comparables you use in your appraisal reports? Please don't tell me you personally measure the comparables

Do you measure to the nearest foot, half foot, quarter foot, inch, 1/10th of a foot, or 10th of an inch? Sure is fun when you have two old listings, one current listing, the public record, and an old appraisal...and all of the measurements are different.

 

[Mountain Man]

Wow... wish I could get some request for nice, perfectly square houses.
The only time I use the tax assesor's skecth is for pre-foreclosures. Other than that, I measure each and every time... even if we have an old file in office. I've found more than one wrong.