people are taking picturess of my house, driveway. Why?

Question

yesterday when my daughter was out playing in the yard with her friend...a car came by, stopped and took pictures...there was a young girl driving and in the back with the window rolled down...a man in his late 20's...30's...then this morning a guy in a white truck..in his 40's.. took pictures of my house and driveway where my new car..a 2003 ford taurus is sitting...i conforted the guy and ask him why the *uck is he taking pics of my house and he said i am look for a bank....i said that's bull*hit and i said i am calling the police, he was trying the talk to me...i slammed the door and called police and filed a report...what the hell could be happening? i asked the landlord and she says she has no idea

my boyfrind is not suppose to be driving as he has a expired tag and suspended license but he has no choice...they offered him a deal and he will be going to court next week to take that deal...could that have something to do with why they are taking pics??? he is gone to work when this happens!! but it does not explain why they are taking pics of my house

the police said they will be putting direct patrol on the area and if happens again, call immediately

Answer 1

Real estate or tax assessor...

Answer 2

There are a number of reasons people would be taking pictures. One is, the bank where the mortgage is has requested that there be an "inspection" of the house. They hire a company who comes out and takes a look to see what shape the house is in, they take a couple pictures, and then leave. The mortgage holder gets the report and pictures. If they find any problems with the condition of the house, they contact the owner to have these problems fixed. The mortgage holder is concerned about the property until the mortgage has been paid off. They want to make sure the property stays in good condition.

Another reason is that the insurance company wants to see what condition the house is in. The insurance company has a vested interest in seeing that the house is in good condition. Insurance companies frequently hire independent inspectors to stop by and do a walk around and take a couple pictures. They submit their report to the insurance company, who will contact the homeowner of any problems that they see.

Any inspector would carry ID that they can present to the homeowner or tenant, proving who they are and what company they work for. They would tell you that they are there representing XYZ insurance company (or mortgage company).

There's no reason to become paranoid or upset over a person taking pictures. If you had given the man another minute, he probably could have explained his presence and purpose. Next time, don't be so antagonistic, give the man a chance to talk and explain himself.

I worked for an insurance underwriting company and ordered homeowners inspections for the underwriters, so I do know something about this.

Answer 3

It could be someone from the County Auditor's Office or the bank where your landlord's mortgage is held. You could try contacting both agencies to see if they had been updating any files.

I know both agencies have pictures of my house on file.

Another possibility; I recently had my house appraised and as part of the appraisal they showed me appraisals of comparable houses in my area (three I think). The appraisals were complete with curbside photographs. Your house could have been used as a comparison.

It does seem a little bit odd that they came by twice for this though. You were probably smart in filing a complaint with the police. If you had more of an opportunity to talk with the man you confronted you could have asked for a bank name or a business card. Next time try to get a license number too.

Answer 4

THe first answer is what i would be more concerned about than the others so far. I watched a thing on the news the other day about people steeling your info and taking out morgages on your house with out you even knowing. It has become a big thing in canada due to the high demand and raised market prices here. but ya i agree that is weird. You should sit on your step with your phone and a carton of eggs. This way you can mark the car with eggs so it is easier to spot for the cops! That is somthing i would do cause, well im silly that way. lol Hope everything works out for you and your family.

Answer 5

Is your house in danger of being repossessed? If so, the bank could be taking pictures for foreclosure. Other than that, I'm not sure. But that is so weird!

Answer 6

Sounds scary to me. I'd take pictures of every car, and get the tag numbers. Or set up a cam corder on zoom...and get as much info as possible. Whatever is going on...hope you will be ok. These days you never know!

Answer 7

maybe for home owners insurance could be they had some work done like a new roof or paint job or they are changing insurance companys or real estate maybe they have the house for sale and dont wanna tell you untill they have to ,it is kinda creepy

Answer 8

first off, your boyfriend shouldn't be driving!!!!!!!!!!! Do you guys think you're above the law, or what?
Second off, maybe you're going to win publishers clearing house and they're taking the pictures first.
Maybe, the landlord is going to sell and doesn't want to tell you.

Answer 9

Private investigators?? Do you have a lwassuit pending or anything else in the courts??
Surveyors? House up for sale ?

Answer 10

you say your daughter was playing in the yard. where they child snatchers, keep a sharp eye on her and dont leave her in the yard on her own.if you see them again get there car reg, number and report to the police again.

Answer 11

the possibilities are somewhat endless, however some of the reasons could be personal. on second thought i will cover this topic with you via a private forum.