No more MLS Photos

[Delta85]

My question is: When you put MLS photos in a report for whatever reason, do you alter your Scope of Work to state that: Comparable #1 was not visible from public streets, etc

I absolutely do. If say I come across a long gravel driveway and the house can not be seen from the street I'll take a picture of the driveway from the street and then put that in my report along with the MLS photo and comments indicating what I did and why.

My comments also will include reminders that I do not trespass on private property and that my view of comparables comes from the street only.

 

[Calvin the Airedale]

I absolutely do. If say I come across a long gravel driveway and the house can not be seen from the street I'll take a picture of the driveway from the street and then put that in my report along with the MLS photo and comments indicating what I did and why.

My comments also will include reminders that I do not trespass on private property and that my view of comparables comes from the street only.

You mean unless there's a girl scout standing in the drive with a tire iron?

 

[BRCJR]

Don't give up. I'm honestly trying to understand your process in this area.

So assuming you find out a head of time that a comp is in a gated community or up a long driveway you always arrange with the realtor for that sale permission to go onto the property and inspect and take a picture? And this happens every time? The realtor is willing and able to coordinate with the new owners permission for you to arrive on their property or to let you in the gate?

And the times permission is not granted do you not use the comp since you could not see it for yourself? Even if it might be the best comp available based on everything you know? Even if your subject is in a different gated community or has a similar long driveway and would be perfect?

You respond like this is an every day problem. I have never been denied after contacting the "right" person, and that could be one of many.

When I professionally explain my purpose no one, so far, has had an issue. You must understand the guard cannot just decide to let you in. Call the HOA President. If you do not know the "right" people, may I suggest you put yourself in a position to meet them?

 

[BRCJR]

A year or two ago a friend of mine blew a tire in an area I appraise in often and is considered a high crime area. He did not have a cell phone on him and got out of his car to walk to the nearest public area or retail place to call for help and did not get farther than a block when he was sucker punched and robbed.

Just sayin.

Your friend made a mistake--was not properly prepared.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Alter the Scope of Work? Why? You observed what was possible from the street.

 

[Delta85]

You mean unless there's a girl scout standing in the drive with a tire iron?

Ignoring the immature responce and attempting to keep the conversation on topic if there are people in the way of the photo I will drive around the block once or twice and if they have not cleared out I have no choice but to use an MLS photo and explain why.

As I stated earlier in the thread there have been times, when I felt comfortable, that I have asked permission to take the photo and have gotten mixed responces. High crime areas I don't attempt this at all.

 

[Delta85]

You respond like this is an every day problem. I have never been denied after contacting the "right" person, and that could be one of many.

When I professionally explain my purpose no one, so far, has had an issue. You must understand the guard cannot just decide to let you in. Call the HOA President. If you do not know the "right" people, may I suggest you put yourself in a position to meet them?

I never said this was an every day occurance. It seems like quite a few hoops to jump through to get access and could take days to get a responce, let alone permission and help. I call HOA Presidents all the time looking to confirm information and it takes sometimes a day or several days just to get a call back.

Ok what about sales located up long and winding private driveways? This is more common than gated communities. How do you get permission to inspect and photograph the home? The realtors in my area are not very cooperative even talking about a sale over the phone for more than a few minutes, let alone take the additional steps to obtain permission from the current owners and call you back with confirmation and details.

If you are getting that level of cooperation EVERY time you are one lucky devil.

 

[Calvin the Airedale]

"He went barreling up the drive-way. Waving his arms and honking wildly, he stopped on dime. Unfortunately, the dime was in Mr. Rococo's pocket"

 

[Delta85]

Your friend made a mistake--was not properly prepared.

And how is an appraiser, stepping out of his car in a high crime area to ask strangers to please step aside so he can photograph a comp, any better prepared?

 

[Calvin the Airedale]

And how is an appraiser, stepping out of his car in a high crime area to ask strangers to please step aside so he can photograph a comp, any better prepared?

There have been times when I've asked if I could take a picture, after explaining why I was taking notes.

Not everyone is out to get you!