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u/Variaxist, let me try. Kipp, you often post arguments against the fact that racial bias may affect appraisal reports. Be it a concern by a government agency or office, non-profit study, or news article, you argue that it's all groundless attacks on the industry; that appraisals are strictly scientific data, and can't be compromised by racial bias.
You've commented to me that the Fair Housing Act, and specifically the rule not allowing family photos indicating race in an appraiser's photo set, was baseless government overreach.
There are a number of us that feel the opposite, that as appraisers it is our job to educate our industry and make us better from within, rather than leave it to government regulation or the work of non-profit agencies. That is why there is push-back on the comment above, and why you've been called into this thread.
So, since you've asked, what exactly I'd like from you is an open-minded attempt at studying the history of racial bias in Real Estate, in order to make our industry better.
I like The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Us and How We Can Prosper Together. This book does a great job showing how Systemic Racism is based in economic greed, not hatred of minorities. Chapter 4: Ignoring the Canary, is dedicated to housing and lending. If you've ever wanted to know the arguments that are Critical Race Theory, (whether to understand them, or simply to know them so you may argue better against them) this book is a great start.
Make a little note of things to make sure you check. There's no shame - tell them you got the idea from Checklist Manifesto.
You can do electric or paper. If you're new, I'd go with clipboard and paper so you can jot notes wherever.
Biggest tip: Before you leave the property, check that your dimensions close the floorplan. I mean check that one side is 24' and the other sides total to that as well. It's really stressful getting back to the office and seeing a 5' gap between sides.
One thing I do is print the Assessor sketch and use that as a guide or check while I'm out on property visits.
Lastly, you mention you don't have a lot of experience. I'm not sure if that's for measuring or property visits in general. Be kind and professional, but don't get pushed around. If the agent or owner starts prodding for values, just say you haven't worked through that yet. Also, if this is like your first property visit, it seems odd to me that the supervisor wouldn't go on a few with you to get you oriented.
Thank you brandnew And here is the book
https://www.amazon.com/Peebles-Path-Real-Estate-Wealth/dp/047037280X
Author’s mother owned an appraisal company and so he went into apprising He used his appraisal experience to become an investor and then to start developing properties
Im not a fan of the authors tactics in real estate but using an appraisal experience to get into development was like a spark that went off in my head
Hello fellow female trainee! I’ve been a trainee for about a year now and have condensed my wardrobe to jeans/dark pants with a sweater or tshirt and cardigan, and black boots. I’ve recently purchased this sling bag for my inspections and l love that it fits my measuring tape, laser, iPad, business cards, etc. it has enough pockets/sections for me to keep things separated and hands free. I also never need to put it down! Good luck!
Agreed. One of the McKissock courses even had an entire module on the history of the HP-12C (20 data registers, introduced in 1981, etc). You can buy it on Amazon for $50:
https://www.amazon.com/HP-HP12C-12C-Financial-Calculator/dp/B00000JBLH
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I use one of these. It's my third generation of the same camera. It's more compact than it looks. I find the flip out display to be useful when shooting rooms.
Are they 1080p monitors? One monitor like this would have more screen space than your current setup. Just adding to the conversation. I used to use multiple monitors. It's surprising that OP's dad does not.
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https://www.amazon.com/MSI-Non-Glare-Narrow-Bezel-Ultra/dp/B07YYRX8HX
This one is solid and also USB rechargeable. I'll never go back. I hated the battery is low game.
PREXISO Laser Measure, 265Ft Rechargeable Laser Distance Meter with Multi-Measurement Units M/in/Ft, Backlit LCD 4 Line Display, and Pythagorean, Distance, Area, Volume Modes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K7GS6VH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_GYM8PF9PWY0MJNW3NKKD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Get the more expensive one with a view finder. It's actually an 'outside' model and you'll use it every day. Screw looking for a laser dot.
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https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GLM400CL-Outdoor-Connected-Measure/dp/B07BNSYP4M
What tool are you using? Buy one of these. Makes measuring simple.
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https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GLM400CL-Outdoor-Connected-Measure/dp/B07BNSYP4M
This one is generally considered the best by reddit. I had the old version in my old car and it was very good. Never had to use it. I'm not sure why I asked this question, I should just install one.
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Also buy a high endurance SD card, a polarizing lense filter, and a hardwire kit. All together around $200. It's easy to install yourself and hiding the chords isn't that hard.
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No. Leica is dumb and overpriced. It's 2021 and they use double A batteries for the viewfinder model, which you need to measure outdoors in the sunlight. Bosch is cheaper and better. You can recharge with USB.
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https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GLM400CL-Outdoor-Connected-Measure/dp/B07BNSYP4M
This one has a USB-C rechargeable battery I'm never going back. Replacing batteries is the worst.
PREXISO Laser Measure, 265Ft Rechargeable Laser Distance Meter with Multi-Measurement Units M/In/Ft, Backlit LCD 4 Line Display, and Pythagorean, Distance, Area, Volume Modes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K7GS6VH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_T3G7CV98093MHGN6HSJN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Leica is the way to go -- no question. I bought a D5 almost a decade ago and have never had a single issue with it (outside of a broken battery cover). I make sure to carry extra batteries with me because it seems to give no warning before they need replaced immediately.
The issue with the cheaper lasers, as others have mentioned, is sunlight. White vinyl siding on a sunny day -- a cheap laser wont work. I still carry "laser enhancement glasses" and reflector target for the rare situation where it's difficult to get a measurement.
I cannot emphasize the time savings -- they are undoubtedly worth it!
If I was replacing my laser today, I would go with the X3 or D2
Leica Disto. It's a laser measuring device. It makes some measurements easier. No additional software needed. You point, press the button and it shows you the measurement. https://www.amazon.com/Leica-DISTO-Distance-Measure-Bluetooth/dp/B01D8HNPSK/ref=sr\_1\_5?keywords=leica+disto&qid=1640126802&sr=8-5
Get a desktop computer and a monitor like this. It's life-changing. I can have the entire 6-comp total grid, MLS, calculator, and youtube on-screen at the same time.
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https://www.amazon.com/AOC-CQ34G2-Frameless-UltraWide-Adjustable/dp/B08632C4MS/
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If you want portability, buy a cheap laptop and set it up to dial into your home computer. Your home computer will do all the work, but it will be displayed on the laptop. This is how everyone does it these days. No worrying about file transfers or anything like that. You have the exact same experience regardless of where you are.
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Seriously though, buy an ultrawide monitor. It's an amazing investment.
I learned how to appraise in a place where public sketches are available for all homes. I was trained not to measure, and I suspect most appraisers didn't bother.
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Now I'm in an area where there are no public sketches and measuring is always necessary. It's so easy to do with a laser. Takes less than 10 minutes unless there are non 45-degree angles.
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Public sketches are not an excuse to not measure. It's really easy and quick with a laser. Here's my recomendation.
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Since tables are a thing, there are zero reasons to buy a laptop.
Get an ultrawide monitor. It's amazing. No need to turn your head to look at the other screen. All the info is right in front of you exactly where you want it.
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https://www.amazon.com/LG-34WN80C-B-inch-Connectivity-Compatibility/dp/B07YGZ7C1K
Why on earth would you measure with tape when you can just point with a laser? Buy one of these, you won't regret it.
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This is what I use and it works great. It has a level. The Disto X4 uses AA batteries. Dumb.
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My OG fluke recently died on me, so I went looking and bought one of the viewfinder ones.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B081YWXD3X/
So far it's been fine, but I live in Seattle so I haven't had the opportunity to use it in the sun. It also has a red-dot laser as the default option.