Measuring comps ?

[ockyappraiser]

" I wouldn't sweat new construction. If you want to build a good database, and you have time on your hands(as most of us do)..go get the data! "


misses the point. You either have permission to go on private property or you don't. Why is it that I see so many appraisers hammer on MLS pics, choice of comps, etc. . .citing USPAP as violating a law. . .but then are so free to violate property laws by going on property without permission.

you can't have it both ways. Are you a skippy?

 

[Stone]

" I wouldn't sweat new construction. If you want to build a good database, and you have time on your hands(as most of us do)..go get the data! "


misses the point. You either have permission to go on private property or you don't. Why is it that I see so many appraisers hammer on MLS pics, choice of comps, etc. . .citing USPAP as violating a law. . .but then are so free to violate property laws by going on property without permission.

you can't have it both ways. Are you a skippy?

This is about the furthest flung skippy reference I've seen. Sheesh.

 

[Stone]

FTR - I had permission whenever I measured a sale. Personally, I don't think I'd be comfortable just doing it. However, there are areas I cover that I'm quite certain it would be ok 99% of the time. There are, OTOH, some areas where I would never do it.

Additionally, I believe private property laws are different by state. I'm fairly sure that I wouldn't be breaking any laws in WI by walking up to a house, unless it was clearly posted (even then I'm not sure how illegal it actually is).

I will drive up people's driveways now and then - even taking pictures sometimes. I don't do it on a regular basis because I don't want a confrontation, not because I'm worried about private property laws.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Why do you ask?

Do you remember years ago, back in the beginning, there was an appraiser who claimed he would go out and measure every property he used as a comp? Who was that insane appraiser?

Guess it would really depend on the quality of your public records and MLS. Not considered normal course of business in this market. Would not be part of my Scope of Work.

 

[Functional Obs]

Have you EVER measured a property that you were only going to use as a comp?

If yes, how often have you done this and how did you get permission from the owner(s) to do this?

Measured one comp after knocking on the HO's door and asking him for permission.

Measured one comp when nobody was home.

Measured one comp from the street (using the the fence).

Measured one comp from the street completely by eyeball. Mentioned in the report that it was 2500 sqf per my approximation. Ironic how Countrywide had already been inside that particular comp and corrected my approximation with the previous appraiser's sqf ... and I wasn't too far off.

This poll is flawed though b/c it says "I do it all the time," with the only answer for Yes ... there ought to be a "Yes, I do it once a year ... maybe."

 

[Lawrence R.]

" I wouldn't sweat new construction. If you want to build a good database, and you have time on your hands(as most of us do)..go get the data! "


misses the point. You either have permission to go on private property or you don't. Why is it that I see so many appraisers hammer on MLS pics, choice of comps, etc. . .citing USPAP as violating a law. . .but then are so free to violate property laws by going on property without permission.

you can't have it both ways. Are you a skippy?

Yes. Mark. You finally found me out. I am he. Could I interest you in my book?

 

[Edward OConor]

Are you nuts, half the time I don't even measure the subject.

Skip

Do you actually go in the subject???

 

[TEL2002]

Once...a duplex, and the owner was there working on the property. he gave me the grand tour of both units. Told him to keep his new found knowledge of GLA/GBA to himself...it was considerably larger than what the county showed.

I have also measured a couple of subject's of reviews. No one was home, so I just went up and measured. Both times the appraiser had way overstated the GLA. Poor poor appraisals.

 

[Kristina Ledesma]

Measure the comp? Taking a pic of homes is dangerous enough. In many areas that is a good way to get shot at or at least chased down the road-especially in this depressed market. With many homeowners home without work and behind on their house payments I wouldn't think it's a good idea.

 

[ockyappraiser]

Just trying to make a point with the "skippy" reference. The "skippy" name seems to get tossed around a lot on this forum when aimed at those that don't seem to toe the exact letter of the USPAP law that is in the mind of the poster.

Now we have a property rights situation that many seem to have no problem with. In other words. . .what is "wrong" or "illegal" seems to be situational based on what I am reading.