Mr. Miller, "How can one set a market price for a property without seeing it?" It is done and it is done frequently. In case you've been away from planet earth for the last several years, lenders in their effort to eradicate the planet of the real estate professionals known as appraisers, have in fact sir, developed what are known as Automated Valuation Models (AVM's). No big surprise here given the technological abilities of computerized data analysis. Unfortunately, computers can't (yet) drive out to your home, walk around your land, inspect your attic, crawlspace, foundation or conditions or quality of the exterior/interior of your home. Neither can they see the external influences that may positively or negatively be impacting the market value of your home and property. Particularly in relation to the other homes in your neighborhood and their relative quality/condition. Is your home next to a lake or next to eight lane freeway? Is your home in a rural area or near a large airport? To answer your question of the week regarding setting a market price for a property without seeing it, I would have to say the lending community does it all the time. Why should it make a difference to anyone? Why should anyone care? Why should you care? Remember in the 1980's something called the S&L bailout? That was a tea party, Mr. Miller. When, not if sir, when the economy goes south, setting a market value for a property without seeing it, is going to have taxpayers shaking down to their socks. If they have any socks left. But, yes sir, it happens all the time.