Proper “selfie stick” usage: Appraiser Edition

Have you ever heard of a "selfie stick"?

Essentially, it's a telescoping pole with a clamp on the end for your phone, so that you can get it far enough away from you in order to take a wider angle picture. Here's one that's not extended:

(If you enlarge the picture, you'll notice there's a button on the handle that activates the camera via Bluetooth and snaps the photo.)

So why are we talking about selfie sticks here? Because like many other things that appraisers have co-opted over the years for their own use, a selfie stick could help solve certain problems when taking pictures. Specifically, I'm thinking about those attic and crawlspace FHA requirements. Do you like climbing up that ladder or bending over for to get that photo? I didn't think so.

Instead, consider getting a selfie stick. I know it sounds silly, but think about it: Just quickly extend the telescoping arm and easily grab that photo (or photos) of the attic space without having to climb up there. Or use it to more comfortably take that crawlspace access photo without bending over. Who knows, you may find other useful cases for it, too!

They're also cheap and easy to use. Here's one on Amazon for $15: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00UV3MCK2

When I talk about this during the mobile day of our Modern Appraiser Roadshow, everyone laughs…but there's always several people that go "ah", too. Because it makes sense. Give it a try and let us know what you think.

– Paul

UPDATE: 08/20/2015 – We’ve had a lot of feedback talking about the FHA’s “Head and shoulders” requirement for inspecting the attic and crawlspace. This blog idea came from conversations that our instructors had with appraisers at our Modern Appraiser Roadshow, where it was generally positively received. Naturally, each appraiser has to make their own decision on how best to comply with their client’s requirements.