Before and After Photos Are ImportantHow often do you make it a priority to take before and after photos? Well, make it a priority.Whenever you are assigned a property, make sure you take lots of before and after photos of every aspects of the property. Before and after photos is your proof that the vendor provided the services and that you are truthfully submitting a legitimate invoice. You should also take many photos from different angles, and turn on the time and date stamp located on the camera. Label each photo so it would accurately define the areas of the property.As a rule of thumb, take before and after photos for the following:House Exterior – all sides of the property exterior and a minimum of two shots each.Yard - Front, back, both sides, and street view. Take photos of ALL irregularities in the yard including debris, damaged area, pipes, sewer drains, etc.Electrical Units – Take photos of the HVAC, fuse box, all damaged electrical outlets, wiring entering the house, and other damaged electrical items.Appliances – internal and exterior photos of all appliances.Water Pipes and Devices – take photos of the laundry room inlet and outlet (drainage), water tank/heater, etc.Gas/Oil tank – take photo of all sides, gauge, connection line, meter reading, etc.ALL Rooms – Clean photos should be taken of all rooms in order for easy labeling. Photos of the closet interior, overhead lights, windows, carpet, walls, tiles, and doors. There should be a minimum of eight photos for each room and at least five photos for each bathroom in the house.Kitchen – Above and below the sink, clean photos of the cabinets, countertop, kitchen floor, and areas where appliances use to be. Depending on the setup, you may need to take photos from different angles.Basement – Usually the dampest section of the house need many photos. Take photos of the foundation, walls, ceiling, pipes, windows, doors internal and external, all damaged areas, etc.Repairs – Take before and after photos of ALL repairs and lawn work regardless of the type and cost. It is better to be proactive with your photos than to be reactive, it will be too late and often harder to prove that the property was in worst condition prior to your completing the work.I also advise that you keep and maintain a work order list for all vendors. The vendor should be required to add the work order number on all property invoices, and your bookkeeper/assistant should reference the work order on all REO Expense submission to the bank for payment. Having a system trail is important.If you have any questions regarding the photo requirements of the bank, always check your REO manual/guideline. Remember, it is better to be proactive and not reactive. If you don’t have the proper photos, you will not get paid.
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