ProxyPics vs CoreLogic MLS Comp Photos

[Lumbappr13]

I mainly do desktop work and take photos. Thank you for the bashing already. No really you, yes you, move on. We know your opinion from the 10,000 other posts complaining about it.

But my question if folks are using the MLS photos from CoreLogic why aren't recent photos from a company like ProxyPics frowned upon. I've been using them for my investment properties that I do throughout a few states to save me gas money to see the house.

Just a question at $8 a photo why not save on gas and time to work on other work. I have a bundle though for 7 photos and a few questions for my investments at $31.

 

[bnmappraisal]

But my question if folks are using the MLS photos from CoreLogic why aren't recent photos from a company like ProxyPics frowned upon.

Just a question at $8 a photo why not save on gas and time to work on other work. I have a bundle though for 7 photos and a few questions for my investments at $31.

I guess the answer, in my opinion, is the $$ worth it?
Many on here have stated "desktop" (i.e. hybrids, bi-fur, etc) are paying less than $100/report. If you're paying $8/pic or $31 for 7, that can eat into that bottom line, no?!
I do desktop appraisals for private/non lender clients and would consider an outside company/person to take the photo(s) for me, but my clients (again, non lending) are fine with MLS pics (or no pics)

 

[jay trotta]

Doing; Desk Top, Drive By or any other, if your doing this for a Lender, it requires access to a local; MLS service. What ever works for you is, whatever works for you, it's your business. I do not use outside services, no idea who provides the information and/or how reliable they are.

 

[Lumbappr13]

I was saying traditional. I know desktops are MLS photos or no photos at all for comps. I was curious for the traditional appraisals. 1004s.

 

[bnmappraisal]

But my question if folks are using the MLS photos from CoreLogic why aren't recent photos from a company like ProxyPics frowned upon

I was saying traditional. I know desktops are MLS photos or no photos at all for comps. I was curious for the traditional appraisals. 1004s.

Then it just comes down to the appraiser. If they are going to use MLS pics for their comp(s) in their GSE 1004's, then why would they object to a 3rd party pic(s) for their comps?

The only reason I could see is the $$$. If using MLS is "free" because they have the pic as part of their fee and hiring a 3rd party costs additional $$ then I think that's why they wouldn't use it or frown upon it

 

[jay trotta]

I was saying traditional. I know desktops are MLS photos or no photos at all for comps. I was curious for the traditional appraisals. 1004s.

Then you need to review the SOW from the Client and see what they are asking for and then re-read the Certification & Limiting Conditions you signature, carefully.

 

[Michigan CG]

why would you use MLS photos or Proxy pics for traditional 1004 reports?

 

[Lumbappr13]

why would you use MLS photos or Proxy pics for traditional 1004 reports?

Not saying I do but I've been hearing more of folks doing it. Again I do desktop work. Just saw the CoreLogic thing come up more on conversations. I know anyone can take the photos just appraiser has to inspect the area.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Honestly, MLS photos are quite good in today's era. My opinion is slightly different than most appraisers. If they want to lower appraisal fees, take out the driving comp picture requirement. I have to charge more for rural appraisals because of the time and expense of driving comparable properties. Many times I have a nice picture of trees, a gate or a long drive because you cannot see the home from the street and I end up including MLS pictures anyway. Sometimes it can take two hours to drive rural comparable sales and that doesn't include sometimes having to drive back to the office to choose new comps because the house 500 smaller or larger than tax records or nobody told me it was a log home, barndominium, it had a guest house/quarters or has 4000+ sf barn or workshop. My fees would be less if I didn't have to drive comps. It is irritating when I know more from the MLS photo than I do from driving the comparable sale.

Now, if I only did tract home sales like Digger, there is no reason to advocate MLS comp photos.

 

[Lumbappr13]

Honestly, MLS photos are quite good in today's era. My opinion is slightly different than most appraisers. If they want to lower appraisal fees, take out the driving comp picture requirement. I have to charge more for rural appraisals because of the time and expense of driving comparable properties. Many times I have a nice picture of trees, a gate or a long drive because you cannot see the home from the street and I end up including MLS pictures anyway. Sometimes it can take two hours to drive rural comparable sales and that doesn't include sometimes having to drive back to the office to choose new comps because the house 500 smaller or larger than tax records or nobody told me it was a log home, barndominium, it had a guest house/quarters or has 4000+ sf barn or workshop. My fees would be less if I didn't have to drive comps. It is irritating when I know more from the MLS photo than I do from driving the comparable sale.

Now, if I only did tract home sales like Digger, there is no reason to advocate MLS comp photos.

Yeah and I think that was there biggest point. GSEs wouldn't allow MLS and check. So they use ProxyPics to get them so they are fresh photos. Pay $8 $12 $30 whatever is worth it to save hours of times and gas.