"Map Reference" on URAR

[Blue1]

Yup.....just fill in the blanks M'am. That's all you need to do. Blanks are bad......blanks make the underwriter's mind wander which is also bad. I use the local MLS map book page and grid. In it's absence, is just put "see attached map." Works for me (and them)....but....no Blankety Blanks!!!!!

 

[Dave Smith]

I enter the zip code. After all, that "map reference" was established by the US Postal Service, the authority on all that has to do with where a property is located.

I've never been challenged by my use of the zip code. Just goes to show that its an issue of a "blank" field on the form. UW's can't stand to have blank fields on the forms despite the fact that quite a few of them have "blank fields" between their ears.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

The map number should be something that they can readily referenced. In our area, most appraisers use the first five numbers of the schedule number which is the map, ie, 54430 01 004 with the 54430 being the map number. Redundant? Yeah..but it gets the job done. I used to look up the subdivision map number but that took too much time.

A small warning....using map books,etc without permission to copy is a violation of copyright laws and could be punishable. Most appraisers just copy away without even thinking about it. Putting MacVan page # in your report could be evidence of this violation.

I think everyone has hit this right on the head, the underwriter wants "no blanks" on the report. How many of you also use the full census tract number including the SMSA four digit identifier? Ours is 1720 so the correct census tract number would look like this 1720.55.01.00. Lots of appraisers were never trained to do this correctly.

 

[Alan Simmons]

I always just put, "See Attached Map." Then on the map page I include the map copyright. Most electronic map providers furnish this service automatically for free.

 

[Stone]

I was trained to use the MLS number. I have never had a complaint about filling it in this way.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

This allows a person not as smart as the appraiser who completed the report, to reasonably find the property.

:lol:

Seems like that (or to let them understand the appraisal) is the reason for half the comments that have to go in the appraisal.

Still they don't always get it. :?

 

[Doug Walters]

What map number or coordinate does the local Realtor use (ADC maps, Thomas Brothers) to indicate a property location in the local multiple listing service? This goes to the heart of Don Clark's comment about using the map reference common to the area. Maybe what is needed is for Fannie Mae or FHA to issue a guideline explaning exactly what is expected in this area of the form reports.

 

[Blue1]

Mike Garret's comment about violating copyright laws by reproducing a map got me to thinking......has anyone ever been prosecuted for this?

Wow! I just read the "small print" on one of my maps and sure enough, it says that any reproduction without written consent is absolutely prohibited and could be subject to prosecution under the US Federal Copyright laws. This is a map I don't use. (Whew!)

Is this enforceable? What about mapping programs? Are they different? If so, Why?

Just wondering.

 

[Bemis Pownall]

msma number correctly??????
Im sorry what is considered correct and incorrect?
If one has been doing it one way for years and no one has complained. Numerous reviews noting appraisers and SRA in the same state citing map reference in a similar fashion, and we are ALL doing it incorrectly?. Please educate us Mr. Mike on the correct way...Heck a few years ago half of this area wasnt even mapped? Currently there are 1-2 reports my office does where county has minimal records and there is no mapping available for this area. What is correct?
If I can locate a FEMA map for these odd ball areas I take the afternoon off let alone a current MSA number. Id take the week off!
Thanks In Advance
PS back in the stone age of copiers we use to cut off the reference name(Pierson) before making copies on our location maps. Is using EDOMIANIA(whatever) any different? Should we draw maps ourselves using crayons to show were our comparable are located?. Using a common reference is not missleading and no one is going to come after us for copyright infringments, well at least I dont think so, back to my cave should this happen. I think underwritters, reviewers and whomever apperciate a reference which they can relate to ie Pierson Maps when evaluating a report. Gee if we ALL get in trouble for copyright infringments I suppose their will be a shortage of appraisers in this market. NOT
When Im reviewing(done a few in my days) and I look on the report for a map # and I get a worthless response like 3050 or supplied by others and I have to look in the index of MY map book for a page #; I start counting problems/mistakes with this report.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Lots of good information available on line. If you are subscribing to a map service then you have the right to use that map as you see fit. Where the problem comes in is buying a map book for say $18 and then making copies to include in your report. Has anyone been prosecuted? I don't know BUT I do know they could.

SMSA - Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (census tract stuff). The reason it should be done properly is that there can be hundres or maybe even thousands of communities using the same system. My area is 1720 which identifies the community. Following that is the idenifier, ie 55.12.00. There is a website where you can look up census tract info and its free. I will find the address and post it later.