(**) Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning RealEstateCareerHQ.com will get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, but at no additional cost to you.
Your daily routine as a real estate appraiser would involve doing lots of measurement for subject properties. Since you could be doing this for thousands of times throughout the career, you better find one that is worth your investment.
How to select the best appraiser measuring tools? To choose the best appraiser measuring tools, you should consider its accuracy, level of convenience, price range, and feedback from actual users.
To help you decide on which tools would worth your investments, I gathered feedback from several appraisers. Together with the extensive research that I have done, below is the best appraiser measuring tools you may consider for your business.
Laser Distance Meter – Measuring Properties with Ease
It is one of the most common measuring tools among appraisers. Some have been using it over a decade and still love this technology.
Unlike a traditional measuring tape, you do not need to worry that the line is not straight enough. With just a click on the laser meter, you could accurately measure the dimension of a property. It is especially helpful when you take measurements on hard-to-reach corners.
Out of all the brands, many appraisers spoke highly of Lecia Disto. You could take a look at their D2 model below.
This laser device is 1.7 x 1 x 4.6 inches. It’s about the size of a cell phone so that you can carry it everywhere conveniently.
It can measure accurately up to 330 feet. It works well between 14°F to 122°F, which is the normal temperature range in most regions of the country. One thing I like about is the Lecia DISTO D2 has a Bluetooth feature. It allows you to transfer the measurement into a software easily.
It has long-lasting battery life. An actual user said he has been using it daily for over a year without changing the battery. However, it’s always a good idea to have a couple of AAA batteries as a backup.
There is a 2-years warranty. To my understanding, it ensures the product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials under normal use. You could click here for the exact wording in their warranty booklet.
At the time I’m writing this post, there are over 330 reviews on Amazon. Of which over 86% are positive. If you want to know more about this laser device, here’s a link to the product. This is an affiliate link, it will direct you to the Amazon website.
Disclaimer: We provide the affiliate link for the convenience of our readers. We do get compensated if you make a purchase through these links, but there’s no extra cost to you.
Measuring Tape – Serves Great As a Backup
A laser device is no doubt a great tool, but it also has its limitation. For instance, it won’t operate properly if the temperature is severely cold or hot. When it is too bright outside, it would be difficult to see the laser.
Also, since it is an electronic device, you should always have a backup measuring tool. Or else, you’ll end up wasting time to re-visit the subject property. This could make you look unprofessional in front of your clients.
During times like that, a traditional measuring tape would be a life-saver. I have done some research and found that the Komelon 6611 tape measure would do the job just right.
This tool has a versatile end hook which stabilizes the tape when you are measuring. It comes with three length options of 100 ft, 200 ft, and 300ft. It has a handle where you could easily roll back the tape after usage.
As I’m writing, I see that there are over 400 customer reviews, and over 94% are positive. Particularly, two appraisers applaud this is such an excellent tool for their home appraising business.
I tried to search for the warranty, but haven’t able to locate one. But to be honest, I didn’t spend too much time looking for it, because the price is very affordable. You could check out its latest price at Amazon through this link. (This is an affiliate link)
Measuring Wheel – Design for Massive Real Estate Area
When you are working on a property with a large floor plan, both laser and tape may not be adequate. For example, the tools I mentioned above are only useful for measurement under 300 feet. If you are appraising for huge houses, commercial properties, or industrial real estate, then you’ll need a measuring wheel.
You could take a look at the Calculated Industries 6540 Wheel Master Pro. It can measure up to 9,999 feet, and there’s no measuring tape involved. You simply grip on the handle and walk with the wheel, and then the distance will be display on the center-mounted counter.
When you pause taking the measurement, there is a kickstand who holds the wheel. This feature could be useful while you’re taking notes about the property. You could also use the hand brake when you’re done with measuring.
One thing I like about the Wheel Master is it is foldable. It can tremendously save lots of storage space and also easier to put into the trunk of a car. The Calculated Industries 6540 comes with a free carrying pack and 2-years warranty.
So far, I see that there are over 130 customer reviews on Amazon. As I’m reading it now, over 84% are positive comments. Several appraisers also spoke about it as they enjoy using it for their appraisal assignments.
Here’s a link to the Amazon product page. You could read more what others say about this product. (Affiliate link)
Conclusion
You will be doing properties measurement on a daily basis. Therefore, it is important to have the proper tools so that you could measure them accurately and seamlessly.
Some people suggest using a smartphone app to do the measurement. However, an appraiser I spoke to expressed that it could be difficult in holding the phone steady. Accuracy could be an issue. He tried taking measurement of the same area, but each time, it led him to different results.
If you really want to try using apps, you could take a look at the free app, Fast Measure Plan. Also, another real estate appraiser has been using the Alamode app for over a decade, and he’s pretty satisfied with it.
I haven’t done any research on those apps, so not sure about its quality. If you have tried them, please let us know what you think in the comment section below.
But for now, the Lecia Disto D2, Komelon 6611 tape and Calculated Industries 6540 Wheel Master Pro are the measuring tools that many professional appraisers are satisfied using.
In addition to selecting the right measuring tools, there are many setups needed to operate appraisal business. Here’s an article: How to start an appraisal business?” where we discuss the essential preparation you should look into. Enjoy it!
(**) Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. Our company, JCHQ Publishing will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that we include them based on our experience or the research on these companies or products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something through the links. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and not intend to provide any advice. They are subjected to change anytime without notice, and not guaranteed to be error-free. For full and exact details, please contact the Appraisal Board in your state, the education or service provider.
