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While unnerving, there is a reason that this is happening with more and more frequency.  The increasing number of loan modification requests and loan defaults has also increased the number of Broker Price Opinions being requested by lenders.

Local brokers, such as myself are often asked by lenders or servicing companies to complete Broker Price Opinions or Market analysis reports for properties that have been used as collateral for loans in their portfolios.  These reports are requested for a variety of reasons including: loans in danger of default, loan transfer and loan refinancing/modification requests.   The report usually includes at least one picture of the house.

Note that the Broker/Realtor who is completing the report is usually not aware of the reason it was requested and in most cases has been instructed not to contact the occupants so they will not engage the homeowner prior to taking the picture.  In fact, for safety reasons the broker will likely take the picture from his/her car.  That said, it is not unreasonable for a homeowner to ask if the person taking the pictures is a realtor if you are in a position to speak to him/her.