Use Of MLS Photos In Report

[JTip]

why would the fee have anything to do with it on a 1004 report if you are already driving by the comps? a digital pic costs a few cents at max over the life of a camera and batteries.

Because cheese isn't free on a hamburger.

MLS photos are adequate, meeting the minimum guidelines.

 

[JTip]

CAN, is that FHA?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

With regards to MLS comp pics are you truly allowed to use them in your report? Do you not need permission form the actual photographer or owner of the images? I thought appraisers are supposed to be taking the pics themselves, obviously we can cheat and take from MLS, but isn't that looked down upon and can get you in trouble? To me it seems like every appraiser does this

That might be an issue if the person who did take the pix actually knew an appraiser was using their photo.

Using your own photo demonstrates that the appraiser has done what he or she certified they did

exactly

, it however is not a requirement

It is not a USPAP requirement. It is a secondary market requirement and that means, indirectly a USPAP requirement

I've did a review on an appraisal where the original appraiser used MLS photos. The problem is, is that the MLS photos were of the wrong houses. The appraiser would have known that had he driven by the comp. in the first place. He got nailed by the FHA.

Seen the same thing here. The appraiser had poor pictures and FHA requested new ones. To avoid driving so far he put in pictures in file. They did a field review and discovered it was the wrong houses. The appraiser lost his license.

 

[CANative]

CAN, is that FHA?

Yes.

 

[TRESinc]

Because cheese isn't free on a hamburger.

MLS photos are adequate, meeting the minimum guidelines.

why would it be? it's a hamburger, not a cheeseburger. to each his own but i will never understand appraisers who drive by the comps, stop to look at them, take notes and yet refuse to spend 5 seconds to snap a photo. it just makes no sense.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

but i will never understand appraisers who drive by the comps, stop to look at them, take notes and yet refuse to spend 5 seconds to snap a photo. it just makes no sense.

With a GoPro set on sequential photos, you don't even need to look like you are taking a photo.

 

[TRESinc]

With a GoPro set on sequential photos, you don't even need to look like you are taking a photo.

true, but you still have to stop and look at the house/surroundings.

 

[JTip]

Step 3 in the Review Process: Completeness, Accuracy, Adequacy, Relevance, Reasonableness

MLS photo meets all criteria.

why would it be? it's a hamburger, not a cheeseburger

The client is asking for a hamburger (MLS photos) and you give them a cheeseburger (original photos). Why appraisers exceed the scope of work without compensation blows my mind. Even if you charge $5 more a report for original photos, at the end of the year you can buy your software renewal or a new computer.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

true, but you still have to stop and look at the house/surroundings.

I am not suggesting you drive 55 past the house. I can get a pretty good look see by driving slowly by. There is no requirement to completely stop and in most cases there is very little to see with a privacy fence on a small lot. The fact their accent lights are about 50% knocked out of the ground isn't an adjusting thing.

 

[TRESinc]

Why appraisers exceed the scope of work without compensation blows my mind. Even if you charge $5 more a report for original photos, at the end of the year you can buy your software renewal or a new computer.

some do the minimum to get by in life and some don't i guess.