[OldManMac]

My daughter is trying to refinance her house. Is it a normal procedure for the financial institution to take pictures of the rooms in the house, occupied? Sounds shady to me. They sold her house six years, ago, empty, and I see no reason for anyone to photograph the contents.

[MacinTommy]

I used to work in the mortgage area. It's completely normal for an appraisal for a refi. It should be a 3rd party appraisal company taking the pictures and doing the evaluation- not the bank.

[Cold Warrior]

I think appraisals are normal for original or refi. HARP 2 is the only one I know if that doesn't require an appraisal, although I imagine lenders might impose one if they wanted it.

[ebuddy]

Just refi'd, it's normal.