Sometimes being an appraiser isn’t just about square footage and comps. It’s about survival instincts. I recently sat down with Donna Halfpenny, an appraiser from the Chicago area, on the Brews & Appraisal Views podcast to talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in our profession: safety. The episode, “Safety First, Valuation Second,” features Donna sharing a frightening experience she had during a divorce appraisal that really makes you stop and think about your own personal safety on the job.

 

The truth is, this job can get downright spooky. You never really know what’s waiting behind that front door. It could be a friendly homeowner, a raccoon, or someone who’s not too thrilled about your visit. And it’s not just rare. Every week there’s a story out there that reminds us this work isn’t always as safe as it looks from the outside.

 

Just recently, a property preservation worker went to change the locks on a foreclosed home, routine stuff, and ended up getting shot and killed by the former owner who refused to leave. That’s not an urban legend. That really happened.

 

Even in our “civil” assignments, it can get dicey. I had a divorce appraisal this week where the wife didn’t even feel safe stepping foot in the home. She actually called the police and requested a courtesy escort so I could complete the inspection. That should tell you something.

 

So here’s your reminder, appraisers:
Be vigilant. Be aware. And always put safety before the fee. No appraisal is worth walking into a dangerous situation. If something feels off, listen to that voice in your head. You can always reschedule, bring someone with you, or call the police for an escort.

 

It’s a crazy world out there, and not just because it’s Halloween week.

 

So, this Halloween, remember: the scariest thing you can run into on an inspection isn’t a ghost. It’s the person you weren’t expecting to be home.

 

Stay safe, watch your back, and if you missed the episode with Donna Halfpenny, you can listen to “Safety First, Valuation Second” on Brews & Appraisal Views.

 

And if you haven’t joined the Appraisal Referral Network yet, now’s the time. Over 1,350 appraisers across the country are already connecting, referring work, and looking out for each other. It’s free to join, and who knows, you might even find a few friendly ghosts (I mean, colleagues) in your area.

Comments (5)

In 41 years as an appraiser I have found the greatest danger is to be seen taking photos of comps. San Marcos, TX — an old woman saw me photographing her apartment building and told me I couldn’t. I told her that I was on a public street and could photograph whatever I wanted. She said, “I’m going inside to git my gun and shoot you.” Bakersfield, CA, always a good place to get killed, I wasn’t paying attention to a local drug dealer at a trailer park, who also threatened to kill me. National City, CA — a gang-plagued California City, I attracted their concern with my photo-taking, but they politely asked what I was doing. Lagos, Nigeria — I photographed an apartment building for expatriate residents, and their security force came running after me. I was just coincidentally wearing a USMC T-shirt that morning. The security leader wanted to detain me, claiming that US military personnel lived there. I said that such information was strictly classified, he was breaking rules, and asked him for his name, and I was wearing my USMC T-shirt. Meanwhile, my hotel was next door and I had reached the security guard house. The hotel security guards were armed and he wasn’t. To defuse the situation, though, I deleted the photo in front of him, but told him to never disclose the presence of US military residents.

I agree with Vernon Martin that taking photos of comparable sales is more dangerous. The most recent incident for was when I photographed a small house located down a long street which ended in a cul-de-sac. I should have had my car pointed the other way instead of towards the end–note to self. As I drove towards the cul-de-sac to make my turnaround to leave the area, a woman who lived in the house I had just photographed drove her car towards mine in an attempt to stop me from leaving. She motioned for me to get out of my car and talk to her, but I didn’t take the bait. I shook my head, rolled down the window and waited. She came out of her car and then demanded an explanation as to why I was taking photos of her house. When I tried to explain, she cut me off and kept saying “no” just negating any explanation I had to offer. Impossible to continue a conversation to someone who will not listen. She said she had children in the house (so??) and that the police were on their way. I just waited a minute before she finally moved her car and I left calmly left the area. Glad she wasn’t armed, because she was angry and would not listen to reason. Strongly thinking about a CC permit.

My recommendation would be to have a pepper gun. I couldn’t forgive myself if I killed someone, but the pepper spray will neutralize your attacker (human or canine) for long enough to escape the situation. I’ve never had to use one, because it only takes a few seconds to photograph a comp. Also consider Google Earth. Better yet, just learn to be discreet.

Another recommendation — always open doors gradually. Vacant homes sometimes attract vermin, and the only appraiser I know who died in the line of duty was bitten in the face by a rattlesnake when he opened an attic door.

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