Workfile Contents

[Fritz in NY]

As time go's on I'm putting less and less in my work files. The data is already imbedded in my brain? I know what to do and after 12 years as an appraiser and 12 years as a RE Broker, all in the same market it just works for me. Of course I have MLS pages, assessor data for all, sketch, agent phone # That I called, map and my notes. That's about it. Never been a problem YET....

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Case in point I never thought to provide support for zoning, or specific cost approach pages from handbooks in my workfile. Also I didnt have written down in the file my search criteria for both neighborhood and MC analysis or print out the mc data set itself. There are several other items I had missing as well.

The stupidity of the workfile rules should speak for themselves. With so much info on line, the regurgitation of such data is a trite, repetitive and pointless burden. My work files often have 100 -200 pages ...mostly piffle.

There is no obligation under USPAP for all that crap to be inside a manila folder but tell that to an investigator. I have the city zoning maps on the wall. Ditto census tracts... but now because years ago I decided that this workfile crap meant business, so I paste the *&^% zoning map in the report. I print out any stats report that isn't in the report and many are. Our average URAR is now 27 pages easy. Many exceed 30. Because if I have it in file, I just as well paste it in the report...along with a print out of the assessors field card, MLS, email to Realtor and email if they mail back....printout in file. I find the requirement that oral conversations should be documented to be so stupid I really cannot express my contempt deep enough without banned profanity. Appraisers are treated as if they were not only juvenile but deliquent as well. Speaks volumes about what the regulators really think of us. And if you think that it really good practice and approve of all the vetting that we get that does not happen in other professions then come on over. I have some boots that need licked clean.

I don't feel a field sketch is necessary since you resketch it in the report. But otherwise just put the kitchen sink in the folder or report....stupid as that sounds.

 

[Tom Woolford]

"Appraisers are treated as if they were not only juvenile but deliquent as well"

Which is why I just fired a client that required photos of the Water Heater, A/c Unit and Power panel on an occupied $250,000k house. This following the one I fired for requiring a photo of the house numbers on the house or mail box. Damn it, I've been doing this for 25 years and don't need to prove I've got the right house, or that major components are in place. Next they will want photo's of every switch, outlet, toilet, sink and tub, and smell the owners butt to prove he's well groomed.

This crap is getting out of hand.........

 

[Meandering]

smell the owners butt to prove he's well groomed

The next client mandated adjustment, owner butt. estimated last shower and those of that bought the comparable sales and those that might buy the active listings will all need to be adjusted for.

 

[JamesRockford]

"Appraisers are treated as if they were not only juvenile but deliquent as well"

Which is why I just fired a client that required photos of the Water Heater, A/c Unit and Power panel on an occupied $250,000k house. This following the one I fired for requiring a photo of the house numbers on the house or mail box. Damn it, I've been doing this for 25 years and don't need to prove I've got the right house, or that major components are in place. Next they will want photo's of every switch, outlet, toilet, sink and tub, and smell the owners butt to prove he's well groomed.

This crap is getting out of hand.........

Could not agree more.

If the "stupid photo request" is not stated in the client's engagement letter, they don't get no additional photos, PERIOD.

If the "stupid photo request" is in the engagement letter I don't accept the assignment unless it's a really simple appraisal for a really good client.