Back Stories

In today’s appraisal schedule I had a foreclosure assignment. From the business of appraisals, foreclosures aren’t too bad. The client actually wants to know what the value is; no push for higher or lower. The houses are vacant, so I can go whenever.

There are appraisers that don’t like these. Like today, there was a man inside the house. It was ok, he was supposed to be there. He was doing the clean-out. There was a suspicious looking guy walking up and down the sidewalk. And, well, that happens with vacant houses. I walk with big angels and weapons.

Today’s house was a little sad. I remember this one. I appraised this one years ago as a refinance. The owners had loved this house. Something must have happened. Their once loved home now stands in disrepair. Sometimes I go searching on the internet to see what I can find. Not today. I don’t want anymore sad stuff today. I wish them well. And I hope they land in another home that they can love even more than this one!

Tonight I am thankful for the times when the houses are just interesting and I don’t know any of the back stories. I am thankful for the clients that really want to know the value, and don’t lie (fraud) like last week’s assignment. And I am thankful that it is almost the weekend.