diff --git a/lib/WebGUI/Asset.pm b/lib/WebGUI/Asset.pm
index a3875b49f..235a06735 100644
--- a/lib/WebGUI/Asset.pm
+++ b/lib/WebGUI/Asset.pm
@@ -239,10 +239,10 @@ Unique hash identifier for a user. If not supplied, current user.
 sub canEdit {
     my $self = shift;
     my $userId = shift || $self->session->user->userId;
-    my $user = WebGUI::User->new($self->session, $userId);
     if ($userId eq $self->get("ownerUserId")) {
         return 1;
     }
+    my $user = WebGUI::User->new($self->session, $userId);
     return $user->isInGroup($self->get("groupIdEdit"));
 }