In previous blogs, including “What Exactly Are You Doing, Appraiser?” and “Uniform Residential Appraisal Report,” we’ve discussed what’s involved in a real estate appraisal and things that an appraiser looks for during an appraisal. But despite the extensive training and testing appraisers go through, there are things that only experience can tell them to look for when they enter a home for an appraisal inspection.
Jason, an appraiser, was inspecting an attic when he stepped on an unsupported section of the floor and fell through the bedroom ceiling below, thankfully landing on the bed. Mike, another appraiser, was chased away from a property he was inspecting by an angry peacock. Countless others have been attacked by dogs of every size and breed, horses, goats, alpacas, and sometimes even by startled property owners themselves who forgot about the appraisal.
The weather is another hazard. Tom was appraising the exterior of a home that had huge snowdrifts in the back yard. As he was taking photos from different angles, he happened upon a hole that was to someday become the family swimming pool and ended up buried up to his neck in the snowbank. And Derek watched the roof of a home he was appraising tear right off and blow away in gale-force winds.
Though some hazards can’t be predicted, if you’re having an appraisal done, go through some preparation beforehand to make it as safe as possible for the appraiser. Lock up excitable pets. Warn the appraiser about loose boards or holes. And be sure to leash your peacock.
