Lazy appraiser did not measure

[Donna Quixote]

I actually took an FHA class when an older appraiser in the back of the room was balking about having to do such a thorough external observation that he would have to completely walk the interior (yeah, I know, just about every appraiser in the room was glaring at him), when the instructor said you are going to be measuring anyway, so what is the question? HE SAID HE DIDN'T MEASURE AT ALL! When asked where he was coming up with his square footage he confessed the assessors records!!! At this point the whole room groaned. I cringe at how long this old **** has been in the field.

I can't tell you how many homeowner's will tell me that they have had several appraisals and I am the first one who measured. Some even stated they had someone come into the living room, look around and then leave. THAT'S IT!

Anyone else running into comments like this?

 

[PropertyEconomics]

Sadly those that dont measure are in compliance with USPAP if they dont have supplemental standards that say they must measure, AND, they put an extraordinary assumption in the report that the structure size as provided by the "verifying records" is correct.

 

[OSU Beavers]

Hey OSU...if the "skippies" were tagged with six grand PLUS a suspension regardless of length...that's a published discipline. I'm curious as to who would be eager to hire an appraiser like that. If you have a published discipline...that's pretty much a business killer.

EVERY mortgage broker in two counties are knocking down his door. If a loan goes to a lender that has him on a Do Not Use list he simply refunds the fee and skips on to the next order. If the file numbering system on his reports is accurate he averages 500 per year.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Responsible for your data, how you get it is up to you. If I have access to the plans I like to use them and then verify the measurements...especially on multi-level more complex properties.

The major problem, IN MY MARKET, is that real estate agents don't measure...they use what is of public record. So, how do I know the square footage for the comps is accurate? Also, if someone reviews my work where is the first place they check for the GLA? Public record and since 1976 that is taken from the builder's plans. Assessors don't measure any more.

Should an appraiser personally measure the subject? Of course! Do they all do it? Probably not!

 

[RSW]

How many of you measure a new construction at the final inspection when you have done a plans and specs appraisal?

 

[Couch Potato]

Sort of right.

Sadly those that dont measure are in compliance with USPAP if they dont have supplemental standards that say they must measure, AND, they put an extraordinary assumption in the report that the structure size as provided by the "verifying records" is correct.

Nobody has to deal with supplemental standards anymore, just client requirements for a given type of appraisal.

Reports the client requires meet Fannie guidelines don't require the appraiser measure, but they do require the appraiser to calculate the GLA and show the calculations: XI, 204.01: Appraisals Based on Interior and Exterior Property Inspections (11/01/05). There is a specific exception made for condominiums, but not complicated houses.

I would disagree that assuming a data sources used are reliable, is an "extraordinary assumption." That is an assumption used in every report.

I can't tell you how many homeowner's will tell me that they have had several appraisals and I am the first one who measured. Some even stated they had someone come into the living room, look around and then leave. THAT'S IT!

Anyone else running into comments like this?

I witnessed it when the place in which I was living in Kissimmee sold. I felt sorry for the buyer, but since I was renting the property at the time, I was not involved in the transaction. I tried casually to get the name of the appraiser, but could not do so. They were in and out too fast.

 

[friendbrook]

collect and verify! amazing what 200 sf ft can do!! Nice to have the blueprints/assessor records to compare my measurements with. Can't imagine driving away from an inspection not knowing the true measurements. I guess I like to sleep well at night!

 

[TC]

Local records in my area are fairly accurate, but I would never trust them 100%. I just can't imagine NOT measuring the dwelling. It's probably the easiest thing we do and the one thing that we should get right.

TC

 

[TC]

How many of you measure a new construction at the final inspection when you have done a plans and specs appraisal?

I usually check out the measurements of the foundation when it's first built. Can't say that I do it all the time when the property is completed.

TC

 

[c w d]

How many of you measure a new construction at the final inspection when you have done a plans and specs appraisal?

I do. Plans are a great tool and necessary in some circumstances. And we never know when the builder decided to pocket 100 or more sqft of building materials and labor after the contract was signed.