Ideas that save time and money

[TEL2002]

One last comment, if you can get out of your car and check the back yards of all comps more power to you. There are times I will look at 15-20 houses as comps for one appraisal. There is not enough time. Plus, if I had some stranger just walking around my back yard to see what my property is like I'm afraid we would be having a chat. How do you keep from getting killed, walking around everyone's back yard?

 

[Jim McGrath]

I originally started this string so we could all share our ideas (good or bad) that work or have not worked for us. Then others can pick up on some of those ideas...if they want. The idea was not for us to critize another persons filing system or method of work. If the idea works in there environment then it must have merit...at least to them. We all waste times in different ways.

TE, don't you know, after a long bout with Underwriters, and Loan Officers, we have to take out our frustations out on somebody. Besides if we critize others, it is only because our ideas are better, if you don't think so just ask us. It is one of the few chances we get to feel superior, at least for a little while.

All areas are the same, so we should all use the same system, right? NOT.

Jim McGrath

 

[Jim McGrath]

One last comment, if you can get out of your car and check the back yards of all comps more power to you. There are times I will look at 15-20 houses as comps for one appraisal. There is not enough time. Plus, if I had some stranger just walking around my back yard to see what my property is like I'm afraid we would be having a chat. How do you keep from getting killed, walking around everyone's back yard?

TE, I check some comps with the owner, when I see them working in the yard, because I know when I take a picture, they will be asking me. Sometimes when I have a question about a comp, I will go up and knock on the door, many times the owner will invite me in to see it, sometimes they won't give the time of the day.

Many of the homes I do are in subdivisions with some homes on golf courses, or lakes, and some not. It can make a big difference in the value. While I don't walk around in back yards where the owner is not home, I do make every effort to check important features, even if I have to go to a neighbor and ask him, or view it from his house.

I agree you can't do this with 30 comps, but when I call for the inspection, I check for any major changes to the property, so I can pull up comps most similar, then I adjust the comps before I see them, so I have an idea of what will work. I only need about 10 comps.

Jim M

 

[Russ]

I picked up a few tips, especially the "deadbeat" lable which was implemented right away! Sometimes the lender list gets so big you forget who pays and who don't.

I don't inspect "everybody's" backyard, only if there are issues. (like $100,000 view amenities, big discrepancies between County and the MLS sqaure footage, etc.) but I suppose I have to say that.

The only thing I can say is get everybody on Email and PDF, buy them a color printer if you have to. (thats what I did in the beginning) It will pay off big time. I cannot even imagine printing and delivering a report now a days I am so spoiled. (believe me, I used to print and deliver!)

Email is very efficient and time saving. Your lenders will love it once they get used to it! I want everybody using Email within the next 30 days! Got it!