5 Steps to Faster Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Every year, it seems, appraisers are asked to include additional information or have steps added to their data gathering. All to ensure the end user gets the best data available. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Appraisal Associates is continuously seeking additional tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. Since Appraisal Associates knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed a few items you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals ordered from Appraisal Associates.

Order your appraisals on the Internet.: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail acknowledgements that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to re-key information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we got the order.
Verify that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really unnecessarily slow down an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is helpful information to include with the request. Even a list of recent sales from the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the unique details of this property.: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing characteristics add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. At the time you order your report, be sure to let us know if there are unique features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we would find out on our own, knowing them early on makes your report arrive earlier.
Let the homeowner know what to expect.: One of the most inefficient parts of the appraisal process is setting an inspection date with the current homeowner. Some current homeowners are justifiably uncomfortable with the notion an unknown persons wants to come in their home, look around, and make copious notes. A common belief is that they must make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, thinking that will increase the value. And will delay the appointment until they have cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- the person they have been working with on their loan -- some knowledge about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make it more likely their sale will close, and likely shorten the time it takes to inspect a home. I encourage you to point your clients to our website, where we have several pages of useful information for homeowners and others about the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it's in their interest to set the appointment soon!
Easily follow the status of your report on our website.: Phone and fax tag are a thing of the past with up-to-the-minute status updates available online, anytime, 24/7. As we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is available to you online. It's never been easier to keep track of your report's status.