http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips! Ann O’Rourke Appraisal Today: What Is A Bedroom To Appraisers?

In Ann’s email newsletter, she asks the question to home appraisers:

“What is a bedroom?

Recently I had a discussion with a local real estate agent about what was a bedroom. Seems like it is not a very easy question and has lots of different answers.

What do you think? Any opinion would be appreciated. Just hit the reply button!!

Of course, I’m working on an article for the May paid newsletter ;>”

Help Ann out today with a reply!

Thank you for your time, Bill Cobb!

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http://www.realestateappraisertips.com/ - Home Appraisers Tip Of The Day 12/17/2009: What Device Do You Use To Measure Homes?

I posted this photo below yesterday and received this question from Washington Appraiser, Dave Towne:

“Bill, What’s that red thing against the brick wall? I’m guessing you’re using a laser measure also. Is it built into that item? Dave Towne”

Answer: Dave, This is what works for me. I use the 2005 era Talmon Murphy “Sidekick” Clipcase, see the photos below. Yes, I know it’s reddish pink, not my favorite color, but I didn’t have an option on color. With thick Velcro, it holds my 2005 Disto Plus, short tape measure and sketch paper….yes, I still use sketch paper. The black foam is where the $500 Dell Axim X50v, see photo of it collecting dust, was supposed to fit. However, that 2005 Dell device, just like my 2009 iPhone, is far too small for me to even attempt drawing a sketch on. Try drawing a 2 Story home sketch on one of those devices. If you can do that, more power to you.

Don’t take me wrong. I’m so thankful to Talmon for designing the “Sidekick” as it has served me very well for 5 years now as I use it. But, the concept was one of those that the industry itself was pushing in 2005……”This is the future of appraising….you need this”. So I spent $1,100 when I really only needed to spend $350 for just a basic Disto and the Sidekick. Kind of like those $2,000 to $3,000 Motion Tablets were back in 2006 that some appraisers bought but today don’t use. My experience as the “Tech Mobile Appraiser” is that technology is constantly changing and to stay ahead, you have to spend thousands. And then upgrade, again in a couple of years. I received an email today from a tablet pc maker today reminding me of “End Of Life”, meaning I needed to shell out several hundred more dollars to keep one of their tablets going with new battery, new pen, new power pack. So Glad I didn’t buy one of those expensive devices.

I emailed Talmon Murphy to see if he still sells these Sidekicks, which I don’t believe he does. If he does, I will update this post with his reply. However, the Case itself can be purchased at your local Wal-Mart for about $10. Then, you can add Velcro and cut out the plastic so your Disto will fit and operate. When mine eventually wears out, I’ll do that as well as I have no plans to “upgrade” to a tiny hand-held device for measuring homes. I already have an iPhone and the new popular sketching program just is not me. But, that’s me. At age 43, I feel like a “grandpaw” in this business.

Tags: disto laser measurer, disto, home measuring, real estate appraisers, real estate appraiser tips, home appraiser tips

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