How to get lot size

[The Warrior Monk]

I you serious that's the easiest way.
I just started that I'm not a surveyor and lender with common sense would decide what to do.

Lenders typically require a survey anyway, or at minimum a survey that shows the current improvements. It may also be in the title report.

Most surveys nowadays have the lot size included on them, though some of the older surveys don't.

 

[Thomas Holding]

I called the owners and they said their lot is much bigger than the assesors record. WTF.
Half hour later, owner called me and Zillow states it's lower than theirs but still same as assesors record which I calculate is wrong.
Owner said Zillow is not wrong but I said I estimated and it's not near assessors record.
Owner not happy that my estimate is not as high as assessors record.
I need to research this more. I have asked lender for the Prelim. I hope there's no encroachment.
Should I go back and measure the lot?

The tax office usually removes portions that are in road easements and such since that might not be considered as taxable. If that is the case, many times the actual site size will be shown somewhere on the actual tax card but maybe not on the online version.

If you can, just use the calls from the legal description and plug those into your regular sketch program. I've done that before and it worked for me.

 

[Fernando]

The yard felt bigger than the actual lot size. Maybe subject encroached onto rear property.
I'm just glad lender didn't pursue this issue.

 

[glenn walker]

I you serious that's the easiest way.
I just started that I'm not a surveyor and lender with common sense would decide what to do

Why and how did it ever become an -issue normally we are concerted when a lot seems way smaller than what on record not way larger -- Did Fernando--Create another situation by talking about what he thought and so then the reviewer had to address it ?

 

[Vermonter]

The easiest way is to simply ask for a survey.

Not to mention carries the least liability.

If you're using google earth or some other unofficial measurement source make sure to disclose and disclaim for your own protection.

 

[spittman]

We have a few counties here that don't have the lot dimensions or even the site size recorded for some properties. As you can imagine, verifying the lot size/sq ft for all the comparables can be a PIA. Luckily now most of the assessor website's including the MLS have a geocoding tool built into the site that you can use to get that info.

 

[RCA]

One way to do it is to use the measuring tool on your PDF editor. Print a pdf of the assessor map, calibrate the accuracy of the measuring tool in your pdf editor by measuring a straight line of known length, and then use the area tool to trace the perimeter of your subject lot.

Another way to do it is to download Google Earth Pro and use the measurement tool in that app on the overhead imagery.

Well that might not work if you're on a slope. Distance for lot size has to be measured horizontally. I'm sure that is where a lot of appraisers go wrong with their measuring wheels. Probably owners too.

 

[Fernando]

Well that might not work if you're on a slope. Distance for lot size has to be measured horizontally. I'm sure that is where a lot of appraisers go wrong with their measuring wheels. Probably owners too.

Very good point IVCA. Subject's rear lot slopes up which could explain why the lot depth felt longer.
Definitely I'm not a surveyor and I'm glad I didn't mentioned about possibility of encroachment.

 

[spittman]

Well that might not work if you're on a slope. Distance for lot size has to be measured horizontally. I'm sure that is where a lot of appraisers go wrong with their measuring wheels. Probably owners too.

That is a good point but as an appraiser you make certain assumptions as to the accuracy of the data that is provided. Even public data as well as the MLS have disclaimers about the accuracy of the information they provide. If I don't have a survey, then I also include a disclaimer for the source and my own disclaimer. IMO, a general estimate is ok. It's not like we are talking about thousands of square feet discrepancy unless it's a rural property where there is more than one parcel involved.

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

I you serious that's the easiest way.
I just started that I'm not a surveyor and lender with common sense would decide what to do.

I would note the discrepancy and describe the two sources, state which of the two I feel is correct and why, apply an EA with the underlying USPAP definition; and advise the client to order a survey if it wishes to do so. [A current AF thread includes peer perspective to avoid EA's altogether, although I figure it's best to use them as a tool as needed.)