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Virtual tours and the local Assessor - a sneek peek!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with BROOKVIEW REALTY

Outta my mind and onto the blog ...

This old dog learned something new today. The local assessors are using our virtual tours to "peek" into the sellers' home too! Not just potential buyers! I was at a legislative luncheon and speaking with an assessor from a local affluent community. She mentioned that she loves us REALTORS® because we get her into houses that she normally wouldn't be able to. She sheepishly smiled when she said this. She said there are many things she is able to assess for after looking at our tours. She said she captures the tour and documents the photos in case the owner protests their "new" assessment. She said she has "found" many improvements when she does her "sneek peek" that she is now able to assess for. Pretty smart idea heh?

Moral of the story ... (if you choose to post virtual tours like I do) is that the Internet is a good thing for sellers, buyers, REALTORS® and our "friend" the local Assessor.

Comments(6)

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Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

David,

Good thought!  I'm sure that the tax assessor's are not the only ones peeking, either.

I do inspections for Insurance Companies and sometimes use them myself to check different things out, so I'm sure the companies themselves use them also.

I wonder if the local assessor can actually "use" them though?

Dec 02, 2006 01:27 AM
Dave Cheatham
INC Financial - Bartlett, IL
Hmm. this is unreal.  I never heard of this.  I always thought it was a place for others to scope the house out, but never this.  Well there goes taxes....lol
Dec 02, 2006 01:46 AM
Maureen Francis
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel - Bloomfield Hills, MI
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Gosh, no wonder my hits on the tours are up but nobody is buying my listings ;->  

That was interesting.  Thanks for posting. 

Dec 02, 2006 06:11 AM
David Spencer
Keller Williams Northland - Kansas City, MO
Show Me real estate in Kansas City
I guess we will have to start using those fuzzy pictures you see in news casts that hide peoples' faces.
Dec 02, 2006 07:44 AM
Real Estate Flyers
Guru Real Estate Flyers - Toronto, ON
Thats a new one for me! Good post.
Dec 20, 2006 11:31 AM
S. Leanne Paynter ☼ Broward County, FL
United Realty Group, Inc. - Davie, FL
Davie, Plantation, Cooper City & Weston Specialist
David, I can't say I'm surprised to read this.  I've heard some check aerial photos as well to look for additions/improvements, especially in areas where residents are known for not applying for permits.
Dec 22, 2006 11:34 PM