Transcript Photo Expectations - Universal Mortgage Field Services

Introduction
In this module you will learn about:
• The role of photos
• Photo requirements to ensure payment
• Photo requirements for bids
• Photo Exceptions
• Rules for submitting photos
Photos play a major role. They are used to document the
property’s condition at the time work is performed. They also
provide a property condition timeline which allows Clients to
review damages over a period of time. Photos are used to
protect against chargebacks. The correct photos are needed
to ensure payment from the Clients.
Before, during, and after photos of any work completed at a
property needs to be provided in order to
ensure payment from Clients.
We recommend establishing a routine to ensure that all the
necessary photos are taken. Routines enable properties to be
photographed in the same fashion. This also helps in submitting
results that are consistent and organized.
Examples of Wide Angle Shots
Examples of Close Up Shots
If placing a bid, an up close shot is needed of everything you
are bidding on. If you bid to cap 10 gas lines you will need to
provide 10 up close photos of all the open gas lines.
To ensure payment from the Clients for all work completed, always be
sure to include before, during, and after photos from the SAME angle.
Please see examples below of proper before, during, and after photos.
*Clear photo
showing the
lock box code
In addition to providing up close photos of bids and before, during, and after
photos of all work completed, be sure to include the mandatory identifier
photos and condition photos on EVERY work order.
Identifier Photos
• Street sign
• House numbers
• Front of the house
Condition Photos
• All 4 sides of the house
• All 4 sides of any detached buildings
• Signage posted including sign-in sheets
• Full views of the yard
• Roof and balconies
• Pools, spas, etc.
• A/C Unit, furnace, sump pump, electrical box,
etc.
These photos are needed
to prove you are at the
correct property
• All appliances
• Gas, Electric, and Water meters
• Full interior view of all rooms
including basement, attic, garage, etc.
Damages should be reported by taking enough photos to
support and by placing a bid to remediate the issue(s).
If a violation is found posted, provide CLEAR photos of the violation so the wording
can be read. Also provide photos of whatever is causing the violation. Notice there is a
violation posted on this house due to being structurally unsafe which is apparent after
looking at the photos of the house.
One of the most important parts about completing work
orders is determining if the property is occupied or vacant. In
a situation where you find a property to be occupied, only
identifier photos and occupancy indicator photos are
required. Common photos of occupancy indicators include
but are not limited to:
• Dogs/cats/pets being present
• Utilities being on
• Personals present
• Cars in driveway
• Property appears to
be maintained
• Etc
Debris photos need to justify the amount of debris being bid or
invoiced. Provide wide angle photos to document the location of
the debris, and up close photos to document details and specifics.
Photograph all appliances present at the property including
but not limited to: fridge, stove, dish washer, water heater,
HVAC unit, furnace, breaker box, etc.
Keep in mind chargebacks are often issued due to appliances
not being properly documented.
For some work orders, not all of the photos will be required.
Occupied Property: In a property is occupied, provide photos of the street sign,
house numbers, front of house, and any occupancy indicators.
Bad Address: If an address cannot be found, please call your processor to
verify. Provide photos of the street sign and if possible, proof that the address
is in fact incorrect.
No Access: For no access properties, clearly indicate why you could not
access. Photos should include the street sign and indicators that the property
cannot be accessed (locked fence, no trespassing signs, no keypad, etc.).
Vacant Lot: Vacant land properties that do not have a structure on the
premises should have a minimum of two (2) photos: the street sign and the
vacant lot.
Property for Sale: If a property is for sale and being maintained by the
realtor, no work will be completed. Provide photos of the street sign, house
number, all 4 sides of the house, and a photo of the For-Sale sign.
1. Always double-check all photos before submitting to ensure you have provided all of
the necessary photos.
2. Remember that duplicate photos cannot be used. New photos need to be taken for
EVERY work order including photos of the street sign, house numbers, etc. Also you
cannot use bid photos as “before” photos.
3. Please do NOT date-stamp your photos.
4. Work orders cannot be turned in with 0 photos.
5. If it is not documented in your photos, the Client will assume the work did not happen
or that there are no damages present. This puts you liable to get AT-COST work orders
or chargebacks.
6. You do not get paid on the amount of photos turned in.
7. Your camera is your most important tool!
During this module you learned about:
• The role of photos
• Photo requirements to ensure payment
• Photo requirements for bids
• Photo Exceptions
• Rules for submitting photos