Appraisal Inspection: Doing it the right way!
Starting out at anything for the first time can be nervous. You find yourself in a place where you are not exactly sure what to do. Same is the case with the appraiser profession. One ends up asking their self, how should I go about this? Should I first get help from a mentor? What can I do to not miss a single detail and get the job done perfectly? Perfection is only acquired over time. With time you gel in well and manage things differently, form a work routine and come to know of your strengths and weaknesses. We are here to tell you what you need to do as a beginner when you go on your first appraisal.
Before appraisal inspection
The times have changed, thanks to technology! In old days one had to directly head up at the site, ending up in asking for directions. Today, things are available online at the access of a click. So, before you leave for the site, you can actually start working on it from your office. Online mapping (aerial, satellite, GIS) can help you do preliminary research and discover areas of concern long before you visit the property. It is always advisable to obtain as much information as possible about the subject property before you begin the onsite inspection.
Items to bring to the inspection
The equipment you need to take with you to the appraisal depend upon you and you alone. But we have come up with a list of what you might require when you go to visit a house for an appraisal.
Camera: this is the most important one. Whether you keep a digital cam with you solely dedicated to the purpose of appraising or you use the one in your smartphone, the choice is up to you.
Measuring device: This is an obvious one, but which one to use? Laser device for the tech savvy: this will save a lot of your time and effort, tape measure: if you like it old school or a measuring wheel: if you like to burning some extra calories, eh?
Clipboard or tablet: Again, an item of personal choice. These days many of the appraisers are using their tablets to note down data. On the other hand carrying a clipboard can help you avoid the trouble of caring about low phone charging.
Flashlight: this can come in handy. Use the one in your smart phone or buy a specialized one for covering homes where there is a power cutout for whatever reason.
Step stool or folding ladder: what will you do when you need to check attic scuttles? particularly for FHA appraisal assignments. At such visits you will need a step tool or a small folding ladder which fits is your car or you can improvise with whatever is present at the appraisal site.
Coveralls or jacket: This is particularly helpful if you do FHA appraisal work. FHA requires that appraisers must enter the crawl space and attic, if possible. Even in non-FHA appraisals, you may need to get into a crawl space or attic, and you don’t want to get your clothes dirty. A waterproof jacket also serves the ancillary purpose of keeping you dry during an unanticipated rainstorm.
Miscellaneous: Some appraisers have their own preference for tools. For example, some take ice picks (for checking for termites or wood rot) or marbles (for checking floor level) or magnets (for determining whether old pipes are made of iron or lead). You may have your own personal tool or equipment preference.
Safety during the appraisal
Safety is of prime importance when it comes to being an appraiser. Appraisal work is mostly done alone, at times in abandoned or far off sites.. You should not live in fear, but you should be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to limit the danger. Many appraisers carry pepper-spray, mace, or devices that emit loud warning sounds. Other appraisers carry weapons, subject to state and local laws.
It is good if you let some other person (whom you trust) about your plans for the week, so that your whereabouts are known.
If you see or hear something that makes you question your safety (e.g., hearing human voices coming from inside a closed room of a vacant house), you should leave the property and contact the authorities. Trust your instincts. If you sense danger, remove yourself from the situation.