Exterior-only field visits: what agents can and cannot do
Sometimes the records simply conflict. A short, documented visit to observe the outside of a property can resolve what data cannot, as long as it is done within clear limits.
The boundaries
Agents identify themselves truthfully and never use pretexting. They observe from the public right-of-way or areas open to visitors, photograph only the exterior, and never enter a home or look through windows.
Local solicitation rules and any state-specific requirements apply and should be checked before visits are scheduled.
What gets documented
Each observation is tied to a geotagged, timestamped photo and a short factual note: what was seen, not what was assumed. A second reviewer checks the material before it enters a report.
When a visit is the right tool
Field confirmation costs more and touches people's homes, so it should be reserved for consented cases where records alone cannot reach a confident verdict.
Consent-first, reproducible verification for your team.
