Using MLS Photos

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

As I was accosted by a redneck yesterday taking a comp photo on my way home with my camera phone and no appraisal gear, I am reminded why we should be able to use MLS photos. I spent a full ten minutes explaining myself to a clueless individual accusing me of taking pictures of kids in the neighborhood. I had no kids in my picture and it wasn't even his house. He was the most indignant redneck ever taking pictures of my license plate and me with his camera phone and trying to intimidate me. All because I had to have a comp picture of a home backing to railroad tracks like my subject. I still think we should drive the comps, but having to take a picture is getting to be a pain in today's world.

 

[CANative]

You need to pack on of these if you're not going to carry your appraisal crap when shooting comps.

 

[Deleted member 128537]

In most of America if a really nice home is located in an area of garbage homes the value of the nice home is significantly affected.

Not in this market.

 

[Deleted member 128537]

The advantage of a listing in the MLS for sure. But are our estimates any better than they were in 1990? In 1990, we always had to call the agent and find out what the interior really looked like. For years our MLS didn't even require a photo on every listing. But interview might give you insights you miss in the MLS - though I know that many appraisers are totally dependent upon the MLS for all their data...especially true in non-disclosure states.

But are you going to find out that the house had a fire 10 years ago? Or, a man was murdered there three years ago? Or, the septic was marginal and needed replaced? The sellers are divorcing? The buyers bought because it was already designed for handicapped use? You can learn a lot that a photo does not show by talking to the Realtor. And you can learn a lot about the immediate vicinity of the home (noise, roads, railroads, businesses, etc. by driving by.

I might have to circle the block a time or two, but I can usually clear traffic and stop to take a picture. Set your GoPro to continueous photo (~120 shots a minute) and stick on the window...you have the photo and don't need to stop.

Didn't say you shouldn't talk to realtors did I? Didn't say I don't take photos did I? Didn't say you shouldn't know the neighborhood did I?

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

You need to pack on of these if you're not going to carry your appraisal crap when shooting comps.

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You are telling me that you have never been out on the road on personal time and realized you were going right by a comparable sale picture you need and used your phone camera?