Moving Appraisal Business From AZ to WA

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

"Here in AZ, I cover the whole state"

So you subscribe to the MLS in all the counties and are geographically competent to cover the whole state??

And read the local paper in every little town for the for sale by owner ads? Outlying counties are mostly FSBOs with no information in the local MLS. Geographic competancy is a serious, very serious problem in Arizona!

 

[VolcanoLvr]

Here's a tip & link for those who still use graph paper in the field when raining:

http://www.riteintherain.com/

This company (in Tacoma, WA) sells water resistant paper. Lots of different types, sizes, booklets, etc. Not inexpensive, but it will save your bacon in the rain!

I bought a pack of legal size plain, then ran sheets through a copier to copy the grid lines onto them. Only use these if it's raining when I get to the subject. About $.25 per sheet of cost, not including copy charges.

 

[Kevin Mc]

Distos, tapes etc.

anyone still use a measuring wheel? I do(tape sometimes), although 90% of my work is rectangular boxes that the City of New York is right about 95% of the time on public records. It's quick,easy and accurate. Umbrellas?, never. I wear a baseball cap when it rains. Never a team logo, Yankee fans can be a**holes.....

 

[Blueprint]

The PAC NW kicks ***. I am an AZ boy like you. I wish I could make the move you are making as my Mom, Sister and her family are in Ilwaco and Camamo Island, WA.

I have no advice for you excluding my best wishes. If you were seriously covering the entire state of AZ, kudos to your riddance.

Hopefully the 100' tape will serve you needs. Structures are different in WA. Regardless of the general speak on this forum, you will have to experience it for yourself, to get the best impression.

 

[Blueprint]

anyone still use a measuring wheel? I do(tape sometimes)

No wheel as I was never introduced to it. I have no idea how a wheel could be efficient as I have never used one. I have had homeowners ask why I do not use a wheel though. Damn Oldies.

I am a 100% tape guy having only appraised for 3 yrs!!! I said 3 years. I am either behind the curve or I am just flowing with the masses. Only time will tell how much my style of measurement means anything long term.