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Lessons from the Flood - Take Cell-Phone Pictures

By
Real Estate Agent with Preview Properties, Skagit, LLC

Well, now that we've had a couple of days to calm down after the near-flood here in Mount Vernon, Washington, I want to pass along a tip.

My wife Kellie and I made the decision late Monday afternoon to "pack and leave" - based on the best info from the weather service.  It was a frantic couple of hours, getting the kids organized, etc.  But this time (we've done this before)... I realized that taking some 'before' pictures of the house might greatly speed potential Insurance hassles in the coming weeks.

Digital camera?  Well, of course.  But what about upcoming computer connections? 

So before the major packing and moving valuables up on top of shelves... I took about 10 minutes and walked the house, taking pictures with the camera built into my cell phone!

Sounds like a simple idea but the benefits are immediate.  First, the cell-phone is always at hand.  And taking digital pics is as quick as 'point-and-shoot.'  Next: because the pictures are in the cell phone, it's a trivial matter to 'send' them to insurance reps if the absolute worst happens. 

Now that the flood threat has passed, I've got about 30 snapshots of our house in the 'before' state.  Furniture, stereo, garage/shop equipment, etc.  All ready to go.  At this point, I'll delete them.  But the cell-phone is ready for the next time.

Comments (5)

Leigh Brown
Leigh Brown & Associates, RE/MAX Executive - Charlotte, NC
CEO, Dream Maker - Charlotte, NC
you know Jim, this is a great tip to put into a letter and mail to your SOI-annother use for a cell phone and your insurance companies would appreciate it! =)
Nov 09, 2006 05:58 AM
Bill Sauneuf
John L. Scott Real Estate / Yelm - Mount Vernon, WA

Jim,

That is simply a brilliant tip....

I tend to scoff at the camera built into my phone (low resolution) and almost never use it.  I take my digital camera with me most of the time, so I don't tend to think about the one in my phone... But you protected yourself very well...

I'm glad there was not a need for them!!!

Great Post! Great Idea!

-Bill
Bill@Sauneuf.com
http://www.Sauneuf.com

 

Nov 09, 2006 06:51 AM
Tricia Jumonville
Bradfield Properties - Georgetown, TX
Texas REALTOR , Agent With Horse Sense

Wow, great ideas - both the taking the photos with your cell and the idea to send the idea to your SOI! 

We're not likely to flood (though a creek does run across our property, we've seen it at the 100 year flood stage 3 times - does that mean it won't get that high for another 300 years?), but we are in tornado country.  Hmmm - maybe I should take those photos BEFORE we have a tornado warning? 

Nov 09, 2006 06:52 AM
Andrew Culp
John L. Scott Anacortes - Anacortes, WA
I'm glad you made it through ok.  I had an opportunity to survey the area.  It could have been much worse.
Nov 15, 2006 05:58 AM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!

Nice Jim, this can be used by anyone for any type of peril.  Very timely with the summer weather events coming.

 

May 26, 2007 01:57 AM