DISCLAIMER: THIS IS MY VERSION OF TODAY.
I had a drive-by appraisal appointment today.It was quite interesting.Normally, a drive-by appraisal involves taking a picture of the street and the front of the house, makes a few notes, and drive-off.However, today the house was not visible from the street and since I did not see a “no trespassing” sign, I preceded to pull into the driveway to take a photo of the front of the house.Apparently, the homeowner saw me pull into the drive and she came out to the porch and hollered at me.Being the courteous person I am, I walked toward her to see what she wanted and to let her know why I was at her home.From there, it all went downhill.
The lady of the house (and I use the word lady very loosely at this point) started telling me that they paid cash for their home and that I had no business taking a photo of her house.She asked me who I was working for and I showed her my appraisal licensed issued by our state.I also tried to explain to her that there were a variety of reasons that I could have been assigned to come to her home that had nothing at all to do with them or their purchase.
Unfortunately for me the lady decided she wanted to call the local county sheriff and report me for trespassing.She asked me to please wait until they got there and I agreed.After all, I had nothing to hide.I asked if she knew how long it would be as I had some other appointments scheduled and would need to call those individuals to let them know I would be late. She said it usually took the sheriff about 10 minutes to get to her place. (Now I’m thinking she calls them a lot if she knows how long it takes them to arrive).
During the wait for the officer, the lady asked me a lot questions I was unable to answer.She accused me of withholding information.Patiently, I answered what I could and told her that I would cooperate with her within the legalities of my profession.For once, the arrival of the police was welcome.By now, my hands and body were shaking and I was becoming quite annoyed.Bear in mind that I still had the polite smile on my face and my responses were kind even if my teeth were gritted together.I had already given her my phone number and contact information and showed her my license.
The police called in my information and told her that I checked out fine. This must have made her a bit mad because she then had this conversation with the officer.
Lady:“Sir, will you arrest her camera?”
Officer:“Umm, I don’t think I can do that…”
Lady:Do you know you can or you can’t?
Officer:“I would have to call and ask?
Lady:Then you better call.”
(Ok, face it annoyed though I am, I’m kind of mad now but this is funny)
The officer walked back out to his car, made a call and came back. “Ma’am, I cannot arrest her camera or the pictures on it without a warrant.
Lady:Can you arrest her for trespassing?
Officer: “No.”He went on to tell her she would have to come to the office tomorrow, fill out some paperwork and show that I was trespassing; but he didn’t see any “no trespassing” signs posted.That since they called him out the most that would happen was going to leave peaceably and unless I came back on the property nothing would happen. “
Lady: “Then put it in the She in the police report that she be required to contact her with my client information.”
Officer:“I’m not able to do that.”
Lady (to me):“Will you delete your photos voluntarily?”
Me:“Not at this moment, I would have to see what my rights are in this situation.”
Lady: “Well, what are your rights?”
Me:“I’m sorry, ma’am, I didn’t attend law school and so I can’t answer that.”
Lady:“Well, what can you do?”
Me:“My job—for which you called the sheriff.”
Lady:“You need to quit lying to me and give me the phone number to the people who hired you to come to my house and take photos.”“She could be taking pictures to stake my house out for robbery.”
Me: “Ma’am, I have not refused to do anything you’ve asked.I do not have the information with me and I will have to check to see what I can give you legally.If you will please give me your contact information, I will do what I can…”
Lady:“You’re lying and ignoring me.
Me:“You are entitled to your opinion that I am lying.However, I did not come here to have you lecture me and will not listen to you do so.If you will give me the information, I will take my happy self off your property.Officer?”
Officer:“Ma’am, she’s done nothing wrong, please give her the information so she can leave.”
Lady: “She’s lying and she has that information with her.”
Me:“Officer?” (I’m sure he can see that I’m so close to punching her.Please bear in mind that this lady was at least 5 times larger than I am).
Officer:“Ma’am, please give her the information.”
As you can see, a non-event turned into quite the drama today.Enjoy and avoid stupid red-neck people.Oh, by the way, I found out that this fine specimen of our human race is a teacher to our students.
And now you know.
OMG. Number one reason I hate people! People are crazy, and have no common sense. That is really scary shes a teacher. WOW. “arrest her camera” lol that’s funny. I bet you still laugh every time you think of this “person”.