Appraisal Day Essentials (What’s in My Bag!)

Appraisal Day Essentials  (What’s in My Bag!)

Hey everyone! Ever wonder what it’s really like to be a residential appraiser? You know, the person who comes and “looks at your house” when you’re buying, selling, or refinancing? Well, that’s me! I’m a certified residential appraiser, and I figured I’d pull back the curtain a bit and share what a day in my boots (or, more accurately, shoe covers!) looks like, and specifically, what I bring around with me to get the job done.

 One of the first things people picture with appraisers is someone with a clipboard and a camera. Although, you might still find some appraisers using these while out in the field. I’m all about keeping things streamlined and modern. My iPad is my command center – it’s where I take all my photos, jot down notes, and even sketch out the property. And for measurements? I’ve got a Disto laser measuring device. It’s way quicker and more accurate than wrestling with a giant tape measure in every single corner of a house, trust me.

 My schedule is anything but a typical 9-to-5. Most days, I might have two or three appraisals within a 30-minute drive. That’s a pretty standard day. But then, at least once a week, I’ll get that one inspection that’s a good hour, maybe even an hour and a half, away. Those days require a little extra planning and a good podcast queue! The inspections themselves can vary a ton in time too. A straightforward, newer construction home might be relatively quick, while an older, more complex property with unique features or additions definitely takes more time to assess thoroughly. You never quite know what you’re walking into, which keeps things interesting!

So, what’s in my daily toolkit? I’m a backpack kind of person. First up, especially during these Texas summers, a neck fan. Seriously, game changer. Crawling around attics or measuring is a lot more bearable with a personal breeze. I also carry extra batteries for my Disto – nothing worse than dying mid-measure. And yes, even though I have the laser, I keep a  tape measure in the vehicle just in case. I always have an emergency lunch bag stashed with a protein bar and some water. Some days get so busy that a proper lunch break just doesn’t happen, so having a backup keeps me fueled and focused.

 Then there’s the car kit. For safety and so people know what I am doing around a property, I have a bright safety vest with “APPRAISER” clearly printed on it. It just makes everyone feel a bit more at ease. I also carry a ladder. Attics are a common part of the inspection, and you can’t always rely on the homeowner having one accessible (or one that feels particularly sturdy!). A portable charger brick for my phone and iPad is a must – can’t have my tech dying on me. And last but definitely not least: shoe covers. I pop those on the second I step inside someone’s home. It’s all about respect and keeping their place neat and tidy.

 Being an appraiser is a blend of detective work, data analysis, and people skills. It’s definitely not just “looking at houses.” It’s about understanding the market, noticing the details, and providing an unbiased, professional opinion of value.

 So, next time you see an appraiser out and about, you’ll have a better idea of what our day involves and the gear we rely on to do our jobs well. It’s a dynamic field, and I genuinely enjoy it – even the long drives.