In these unprecedented times, safety is surely at the front of everyone's mind. The appraisal industry is certainly in flux right now with temporary flexibility offered in appraisal requirements, but site inspections are still happening. We have developed a best practices document for how to best safely continue to conduct these inspections. As we are all continuing to deal with the pandemic, I wanted to share because I get a lot of questions about how we are recommending that appraisers handle inspections.
MAKING APPOINTMENTS & INSPECTIONS
After introducing yourself, telling the person for which lender you are completing the appraisal and when you want to do the viewing of the property, etc,
1. Ask if there is someone in the property who is sick or under quarantine.
2. Depending on the answer, discuss further. If there are ill or quarantined person(s), discuss the following options: - Postpone viewing - Cancel viewing - Limited viewing or exterior only BOTH homeowner and appraiser need to contact the lender for guidance.
3. Ask the property contact to reach out if anything should change regarding potential exposure.
4. Let the homeowner know what to expect at the inspection.
Request the homeowner and all persons in the home to maintain at least a 6 foot distance from you
Ask the homeowner to open all doors and turn on all lights in order to minimize surfaces touched
5. Document everything to keep lender informed of issues as they occur. AT THE APPOINTMENT
Before you start the viewing:.
Remind the property contact and all persons in the home to maintain at least a 6 foot distance from you.
Make sure that the property contact has opened all doors and turned on all lights.
Minimize the time you are inside.
Avoid small talk
If you need to have further conversation with the homeowner or property contact, call him/her back later.
Use nitrile or latex gloves if you need to touch surfaces.
Wear a mask.
Use hand sanitizer before and after the inspection.
GENERAL TIPS
Below are items that have been readily broadcasted and measures we recommend be implemented in order to protect you and borrowers/residents.
Wash your hands frequently - Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain social distancing - Maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and anyone else. Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth - Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene - Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM INSPECTIONS!
Use your best professional judgment. Do all you can to protect you, your family and the persons with whom you come in contact.
Be vigilant and stay well.