Comments on: Photos in Gated Communities Can be Tricky

By: Jeff Mooneyhan

Jeff Mooneyhan — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 01:54:46 +0000

In reply to James.

So my question is this….If I have a license issued by the state to appraise real property doesn’t this alone give me permission to look at a property at least from the street? Even if it is located in a gated community. Should I be able to get a sheriff deputy from the local jurisdiction to escort me to the property if the gate keeper doesn’t give me permission? The prior homeowner who advertised his property in the mls doesn’t own the street in front of his house. The HoA does. Bit If you pull into the driveway, it’s a different matter. No one asks me if they can take a picture of my house from out of an airplane, in SC we technically own the land above and below the ground . If you use a mls photo instead, better make sure you take the statement out of your certification that you inspected it at least from the street. The danger in using a mls photo is that it makes the report less credible and could be misleading without you even knowing it.

By: James

James — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 20:01:06 +0000

I had the cops called on me in two separate gated communities and spent the next half hour trying convince the cop I was not casing the joint. Each time I was informed it was a private community and to turn my car around and leave the community especially since the house I was photographing was not the subject to which I was engaged to appraise. After the second occasion, I never photographed comps in gated communities again. I always use mls photos and explain to the client why. I never had any pushback. I don’t know about you, but I have better things to do than try and prove to a police officer I’m not up to no good. As one cop explained to me, these people pay big money for their privacy and you sir are violating their privacy. I got the message loud clear.

By: Tres Kirkland on Facebook

Tres Kirkland on Facebook — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 06:18:58 +0000

There is one gated community in my area, that the gate guard will tell you that taking comp photos is prohibited. Never been an issue in others.

By: Vince Simon on Facebook

Vince Simon on Facebook — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 06:18:22 +0000

Yes. Nobody has ever cared, if I talked to them so. If I see a homeowner in the drive way I actually pull in and greet them, let them know, congratulate them on the purchase and never had any issue. 16 years.

By: Baggins

Baggins — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:23:09 +0000

In reply to Tony L Woods.

I see what you did there. You forgot his name immediately after typing it. That’s what makes it funny. But how do you proof before posting? Thare she blows! Thy beist another Appraisal Coach article lads. Swab the deck en shiver me timbers, you’ll not be taking any photos of fancy houses today. They be slated for pirating so strap up!

By: Baggins

Baggins — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:14:55 +0000

This is what is on your mind lately, to take a photo or not to take a photo in ritzy areas?

Watch this: More frightening than any haunted house. Take the mask off.

https://banned.video/watch?id=5f7f5886b60384101829721a

By: Tony L Woods

Tony L Woods — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:26:40 +0000

Dustin, he’s such a blow hard I can’t even remember his name!

By: Natalie Davenport

Natalie Davenport — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 23:04:05 +0000

I always take comp pictures when I’m inside a gated community. No one has ever bothered me in 20 years. There are signs on my car. I’m happy to talk to people if they want an explanation of what I’m doing.

At times when I can’t get into a community I take a picture of the gate, put a note in the report, and add an mls photo of the comp clearly stating why it was used and where the photo is from. I’ve never had a bank complain about this.

By: Matt Beiseigel on Facebook

Matt Beiseigel on Facebook — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 20:35:40 +0000

I have been escorted out of several communities for taking comp pix. Usually by golf cart driving rent a cops. I was threatened at the Sanctuary in Boca.

By: Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 20:04:16 +0000

Dustin’s always lookin for a reason to not take comp photos and will use in my opinion any loophole he can muster up to not do so. When I’m inside the development/project, I’m taking pictures of the gate, private roads inside the development to show condition, any and all common areas (rec rooms, pools, laundry etc.) to justify the HOA fees, and of course any and all comp photos.

Its a good thing Dustin doesn’t work the big cities where every other assignment is for a condominium which are most often private and gated or not gated but still private land.

Stop with the churn of 4 to 9 appraisals a day while looking for every reason to not seek the truth.

Your friend, Bill.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 16:16:56 +0000

I’ve never had an issue talking comp photos in gated communities. If I see someone outside their homes, I introduce myself and explain what I’m doing and get their permission before taking a photo.