Some Hints for Swifter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is constantly evolving. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to include extra information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All to guarantee their client receives the best data available. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Appraisal and Building Solutions is constantly researching additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Appraisal and Building Solutions knows that time is important to everyone, below are a handful of items you can do to decrease turn times on any appraisals ordered from Appraisal and Building Solutions.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: With online ordering, you automatically receive e-mail notifications that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! We don't have to retype information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we received the request.
Make sure that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is great information to include with the assignment. Even a list of recent sales from the area is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Are you letting us know up front any features of the property that might make it distinct?: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how features unique to a property add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When you order your report, let us know if there are unique features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we'll find out on our own, knowing them early on makes your report arrive sooner.
Does the homeowner know what to expect?: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient tasks in the appraisal process. It's understandable for a homeowner to be uneasy with an outsider inspecting every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making abundant notes. Under the belief that it will increase the value, many homeowners think they should make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. And will delay the appraisal inspection until they have cleaned.

Hearing it directly from you -- someone they've been working with on their loan -- a short explanation about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't affect their home's value one little bit, and can decrease the appraisal inspection time. Our website has numerous pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your customers. Encourage them to call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's to their advantage to set the appointment quickly!
Use our website to verify your report's status.: No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are available online, anytime, 24/7. As we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is instantly available to you online. There's no faster way to track the status of your report.