Category Archives: Everything Else
How Do You Measure That Feeling in Your Gut?
I, a female in my early 50s at the time, arrived at the subject property which was in more of a rural area with larger lots in a neighborhood in Northern California. The male homeowner answered the door, and after … Continue reading
Hooked on Appraising
When I first started appraising in 2000, I was sent by my supervisor to do an appraisal in San Francisco. Everything was standard until I inspected the basement. There, every wall was painted black, as were the windows. There were … Continue reading
Fleas and Thank You
Back during the 1990 market crash, I was appraising an REO for the bank. I don’t think I planned to be in the field that day because I had a dress and pantyhose on. The house was a disaster with … Continue reading
An Appraiser’s Bright Idea
My partner and I were appraising an older home (circa 1920) in Stockton, CA several years ago as a HUD repo. As is typical with dwellings that have stood vacant for a long period of time, it had been vandalized … Continue reading
This Job Takes Backbone
As a 2nd year trainee, I have had limited experience in the field. Also, being limited to mostly non-complex jobs, I take what I can get. I was given an assignment in Brentwood (near OJ Simpson’s old home) and, even … Continue reading
Good Fellas Meet Goodfellas
The house was an ordinary dwelling in an older suburban neighborhood of Los Angeles. I was there to appraise it for a dissolution of marriage. It was a bit of a drive from my office and I was supposed to … Continue reading
Green Thumb, Black Market
Back around 2005, I appraised a house in Orange County, CA. It was a two-story McMansion in an area with 1950s ranch homes. This home was two-stories plus a GIGANTIC attic. The house was over 3,000 SF plus the attic … Continue reading
The Refrigerator Wasn’t in the Kitchen
Over 30 years ago, I appraised a house in South San Jose. When the owner opened the front door, I reeled back as if I had stuck my nose in an ammonia bottle. Inside were five Besenji dogs, and feces … Continue reading
Cue Banjo Music
I think my scariest job was in a very remote area that was accessible only by a one-lane dirt road. I felt like I was in “Deliverance” land and kept looking for someone to come out of the bushes in … Continue reading
