No more MLS Photos

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I concur...if the photo appears in the MLS listing it's an MLS photo. I do disagree that an MLS photo can't be used. Classic examples would be locked gates, long driveways, and people in the yard. Usually all that is necessary is a comment as to why it was used.

I have seen some recent appraisals where the appraiser has included a link to the MLS so that the reader of the report can see all of the photos provided for the comps. Typically, on my board the agent includes from 4 to 12 photos.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

The practice of banning MLS photos was done to force appraisers to take their own photos and actually drive their comps.quote]

I have yet to see a Comp that I could drive Guess I did not know where to look for the starter and steering wheel.:icon_mrgreen:

Of course I don't appraise "Mobile" homes either, but I do appraise Manufactured Homes.

Gotta find the wheels first, then the starter, then the steering wheel, then................................................m2:

You are in rare form this morning!

 

[BRCJR]

It is all about by-laws and MLS copyright.

We had our MLS vote to allow the use of photo without the agent consent. The picture is the property of the taker. Before the vote you had to call agent and ask permission to use photo. Always got them to send me an email saying OK.

 

[TC]

I think it's been about 10 years since most agents supply their own photos. Prior to that they had to pay a fee. As to whether the old MLS photographers were professional, I think not. I met a few of them when dropping off film.

 

[Joyce Potts]

My Orlando Regional MLS is owned by First American, if I'm not mistaken. They watermark every MLS photo once it's uploaded into their system. I find that both ironic and interesting.

I often encounter comps that are located in gated developments and if I don't happen to have that comp in my data base or can't gain access by calling a listing agent, they get a picture of the guard or electronic gate with the label RESTRICTED/GATED ACCESS.

 

[ValuMan]

In our desert resorts area - the MLS is often very little help to let you know what the property looks like -when flipping through to preview comps. By the time the agent has placed a view of the golf course, or pool, or fancy BBQ or distant Mountains as the primary photo, then gives you 18 more pictures of the interior and garden - they more often than not fail to show a full front or rear photograph of the SFR - and if it's a Condo.......heaven forbid they don't want you to see anything but the patio or balcony view and, of course the community pool and spa and front gate of the development. ARRGH!

If I were again looking for a home to buy - the first drive up view of the property and structure would be A-Number One - the front view of the property, whether it be residence, duplex, condominium or manufactured home.

AGENTS: FIRST IMPRESSION COUNTS. (And also helps the Appraiser, too.)

 

[BRCJR]

My Orlando Regional MLS is owned by First American, if I'm not mistaken. They watermark every MLS photo once it's uploaded into their system. I find that both ironic and interesting.

I often encounter comps that are located in gated developments and if I don't happen to have that comp in my data base or can't gain access by calling a listing agent, they get a picture of the guard or electronic gate with the label RESTRICTED/GATED ACCESS.

If you do not "inspect the comp from the street" how can you use it and sign a certification saying you did?

Just asking........I have always wondered about this practice in appraisal practice.

 

[Kim Whiting]

Have been called a pervert for taking a picture of a home with kids across the street and not even on the property and the police coming to my door asking me what I was doing.
Have had an owner come out on his porch with a gun as I tried getting a rural comp pic...
In these economic times and with a pro-gun "and willing to use it" mentality especially in rural areas I refuse to take comp photos.
Of course our illustrious leaders who only know Washington D.C./New York/Dallas/etc never give any thought to anything outside their myopic little realm.
I'm still waiting for them to remove the box for effective age and window type from the 2055....

 

[Delta85]

Have been called a pervert for taking a picture of a home with kids across the street and not even on the property and the police coming to my door asking me what I was doing.
Have had an owner come out on his porch with a gun as I tried getting a rural comp pic...
In these economic times and with a pro-gun "and willing to use it" mentality especially in rural areas I refuse to take comp photos.
Of course our illustrious leaders who only know Washington D.C./New York/Dallas/etc never give any thought to anything outside their myopic little realm.
I'm still waiting for them to remove the box for effective age and window type from the 2055....

I agree. It's not reasonable to expect appraisers to risk their lives, risk arrest, or risk damage to their car simply to get a comp photo.

While I always drive by the comp to see it for myself I only take a photo if I feel comfortable. I put comments in my report that if I feel it was impossible (long driveway, gated community, trees in the way) to take a photo or if I feel it was inappropriate to take a photo (people in the photo especially kids, high crime areas, etc.) then I will use an online or MLS photo if available.

 

[Delta85]

If you do not "inspect the comp from the street" how can you use it and sign a certification saying you did?

Just asking........I have always wondered about this practice in appraisal practice.

Our due diligence requires that we inspect the comp from at least the street. If we drive the comp and find it behind a gated community or a long driveway we have satisfied our due diligence in that we attempted to see the property and have, in a way, inspected from the street as best we could.

From there we can assume based on conversations with the realtor, MLS notes, and assessor info the condition and details of the home are accurate.

There is no reason NOT to use a good comp simply due to not being able to see it from the street.