Appraisers: Keeping Neighborhood Watch on High Alert

If you have ever read an appraisal, you have probably seen the pages filled with photos the appraiser took of comparable homes. Appraisers are required to take comparable photos for most appraisal forms for many reasons which include verifying information from public records and the MLS, proof of visual inspection, and convenience for the client. Comp photos don’t come from a database. Appraisers take every photo found in their reports.

Taking comp photos isn’t always a comfortable experience for appraisers. Many people become concerned when they see a stranger taking photos while driving through their neighborhood, especially when homeowners see the stranger taking a photo of their own homes. These people have every right to be concerned. Appraisers are aware that this aspect of their career can appear creepy when seen out of context.

Some homeowners post on their neighborhood Facebook page warning neighbors about a strange person who is taking photos around the neighborhood; other homeowners confront appraisers and ask them to leave the area or laugh about the absurdity of this aspect of appraisals.

The last thing appraisers want to do is make people feel uncomfortable, so they try to avoid taking photos while people are outside their homes and will black out any faces that are captured in photos, but sometimes they can’t avoid being seen because they are on a time-crunch to get the report finished.

On behalf of all appraisers, we apologize if we have ever scared you. On the plus side, most appraisers have great stories to tell about comp photo adventures. Next time you talk to an appraiser, ask them about one!

-Ashley Jorgensen

Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash