Reporting Unclear Lot Dimension on URAR Form Using GIS Map Tool

[RCA]

If you are measuring on a slope, remember that the lot area is calculated as the subject property area projected onto a horizontal plane parallel to the earths surface (assuming the surface is flat). Or in other words, if you look at the subject property on Google Earth in 2D and measure the surface - that would be more or less correct. Looking at my property on Google Earth - I get 60x 100ft = 6,000 ft - and my property is sloping downhill. It drops about 12 feet from front to back.

If you download Google Earth Pro (free) you can use the polygon measuring tool to outline curves fairly accurately - and it will calculate the area for you.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Just source your estimate and say it is an estimate. Even if surveyed, that too is an estimate...generally a very close estimate but not necessarily exact.
If lucky enough to have a compiled vendor for the assessor, then you may get 2 different results GIS calculated, assessor calculated off a survey.
Post both, explain why you used the one you did. In this example there is a significant difference in the acreage of the assessor & GIS

 

[Tiffany Gibbons]

Just source your estimate and say it is an estimate. Even if surveyed, that too is an estimate...generally a very close estimate but not necessarily exact.
If lucky enough to have a compiled vendor for the assessor, then you may get 2 different results GIS calculated, assessor calculated off a survey.
Post both, explain why you used the one you did. In this example there is a significant difference in the acreage of the assessor & GIS
View attachment 79916

See attached Assessor GIS map for site calculation. I'm not a licensed surveyor. No PAREA for that profession yet.

 

[Fernando]

For Fannie reports, I just put lot size from assessor record.
I'm working on one now and it's odd shape. The public sees the assessor record and I use that as buyers and sellers rely on it. I state in report where I got the figure.
I don't need to be exact. Small differences do not change appraised value that much.
Stop worrying about small details and get best comps in getting most accurate value.

 

[BRCJR]

Just do something like this highlight and include an image. Take the site size from a tax record or other public record.

 

[Malthusunc]

I agree with the post above. I put the dimensions I have if they will fit but if not, I say see Plat or Legal Description, etc.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the level of reliability. To me, a current survey would be optimal. Next is a Plat or Legal Description. Lastly is the tax map/GIS listing of the acreage. This is often an approximation and can be the least accurate (they often take out road right of way and the acreage will be different from the Legal Description/Plat/Survey). So always go with the Survey, Plat acreage, or Legal Description acreage.

If I have to use the GIS or estimate the site size from the calls or using a tool, I will include a statement that "Minor differences in site size will not impact value." This is so that if they come back with a survey or legal description you weren't aware of and the site size changes from 1.43 ac to 1.31 ac, you have explained why you are not changing the value.