Tablet Appraising

[chad hampton]

I've never been able to figure out how people don't use a tape measure. I carry a laser (mostly for 2nd floors, open areas, and condos), but what do you use to reflect the laser on the outer edges of homes? Sometimes I can't even get to the corners due to landscaping. I pull the tape 10' away from the house and eyeball it. When the sun is shining, you can't even see the laser. And forget seeing an ipad screen in the sun.

I prefer to get out of the field asap and get back to my office and draw the sketch in air conditioning.

If things ever slow down, maybe I'll take the time to learn to use an ipad. I just have the tape/laser, clipboard, and camera thing down to a science. I can't imagine saving any more time. I already have to think of things to do to stick around the house longer than I need to just to make it seem like I'm earning the double fee these guys are paying the AMCs.

 

[NC Appraising]

I've never been able to figure out how people don't use a tape measure. .

I felt that way 5 years ago.

Here is how I dot it. Take a look at the pics.

1. My tablet is in a case and it has a target attached. Great for 4-5 reach at fireplace, and where my Disto will not measure. My Disto will not measre <.70.
2. I use my tablet as a target, I can lean it against the foundation, siding, etc.
3. My mini-clip board is de-teachable. I use Velcro. The clip board is low profile, and I can stuff it into gutters, etc. to get a shot. I can also clip it into the edge of the vertical vinyl siding to get a shot.
4. I added a small measuring tape from a old fiberglass measure tape to my Disto. I used expoxy. It comes in handy all of the time when my Disto will not measure under <.70. On my old tablet case, I also had a .90 length tape glued on to the case.
5. The case can also be used as a reference point if you need to extend away from the target.
6. My Disto has a camera view finder. So finding the red dot is not an issue.

Most of the time I will use the gutter for a target, and then use my tape that is glued onto the Disto to get the rest, usually .2-.3.

 

[NC Appraising]

As for targets:

Gutters 80% of the time. Brick homes you can use the window ledge for two shots.

If it is a heavily landscaped lot, I just go inside and add the exterior walls.

 

[NC Appraising]

More pics

 

[NC Appraising]

As for the mobile appraising process.

1. I have a bad back from sitting all day. So being able to stand at the inspection site is a benefit for me. I can stand and plug in all of the data.
2. No more drawing the sketch twice.
3. No more uploading the photos and typing in the labels for the rooms, etc.
4. I take more pics as compared to taking notes. It's a win for me, and for the UW/reviewer.
5. The improvement section is completely filled out before I leave the home.

One pic is from the draw mode, in case you need to make a sketch of an area quickly or you cannot do it from the outside.

The other pic is from my customized label data base. Take a PIC, find the label. Done.

 

[Non Sequitur]

Great posts NC.