Yep - PA exactly. I just did one for a listing that asked that question. There are listing agents here who NEVER see the inside of their own listings. I do not know of a BPO company that I work for that doesn't ask the question. While I certainly agree with putting systems in place, any system that violates the expectation of the company that hired you - is not a system you should use. I would like to know if you are using a BPO picture taker, and QC calls - who answers the questions from QC? How do you answer a question regarding the exterior of a property you have never seen? Not for me - I prefer to sleep at night and not have to worry if I am getting away with something.

PA and OTE.. I like your style.. I understand your angle on the ethics of a BPO Agent taking their own photos - referring to exterior BPOS. Maybe some of the BPO mills have this disclaimer of the agent taking the photos themselves but many do not. I have never been ask if I took the photo or if my assistant took the photo.. while QC has asked many other questions, for example- comps used etc.. If a picture of the subject property is taken.. date stamped and is the correct photo ..is it not the correct photo to use in the bpo form? Am i getting away with something by using the correct photo that my assistant took. If QC asks me questions about a previous bpo I completed, I reference back the completed BPO and pictures. I sleep fine.

I had one this week on one of my REO listings. Called me for access and I gave him directions. It's one of those places that's about a half mile from the mailbox address and couldn't be found if you don't know where to look.
Anyway, I mentioned if he came that morning, he might see me there, since I had to go back and take after trashout photos.
So he asked me if I'd email him my photos to save him a trip.

The only time all of my big name BPO co's (and there are several) gave me the OK to use someone else for pics was after I had my last surgery a few yrs ago. Couldn't drive for about a week, but could still work, emailed/called a bunch of reps, explained the situation, and all was good. This was def an exception, and not a rule.

The BPO industry in my view in the residential side has gone into the toilet over the last few years.

Someone asked would you do a BPO for 40 dollars ? NO and I haven't done maybe 1 to 2 BPO's a month in the last year. It's below my pay grade and I make much more per hour doing other activities.

Before I got real busy and the market was hot I was getting 125 to 150 for exterior rushes and even more for interiors but this was years ago.

The BPO mills know many agents can't sell so they give them that hit of BPO crack for a 30 or a 40. I think it's pretty sad actually.

The ones that do it full time and do well more power to you.All I know is I didn't open up my own brokerage and get the license to do 30 to 40 dollar reports and have some idiot in another state that probably has a GED tell me my value won't work.

If people don't believe BPO's are going downhill just go to the BPO/REO section and look at posts on fees and requirements from a few years ago versus now.It will astonish you.

LOL.. Hit of BPO Crack.. that was a funny one.. Ya, I have only been doin BPOs since 2007.. I didnt even know what a BPO or REO was... but like many..i adapted and am now profiting..thanks in part to this forum. Just in my short time I have seen changes in BPO fees and the increasing amount of additional data required..for less money with quicker turn over times need. I remember seeing mainstreet sending out 35 bpo orders.. 35 DOLLARS!!... for that long crazy form. OMG crazy, but sure enough someone took them. After time, fuel, frustration, taxes, what is your profit? I dont care what business your in thats just a bad business decision to take a 35 dollar order because in the end you made 10 bucks for 2 hrs work...But if I was the owner of a BPO mill.. I would do the same thing..business is about profit so you hammer down the costs, get products done faster, more efficiently etc. ...negating other topics of course..like ethics, etc. Anyway- Agents STOP taking 35 dollar orders. My two cent..

I remember when I use to do exterior bpos for $80 and interiors were $220. :cry: I long for those days again!! I had to kiss some of my long term bpo companies away when they started reducing their prices..sorry won't do!!