A Few Tips for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is constantly evolving. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. All to ensure the end user receives the best information available. To keep up with the constantly changing requirements, All Expert Appraisals is always testing additional tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for quickly. At All Expert Appraisals we know that time is important to everybody, so here are a handful of tips you can do to accelerate the process on any appraisals ordered from All Expert Appraisals.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail notifications that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! No longer do we have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property?: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. And if you have a tax parcel number, plat map number, subdivision name or anything else that uniquely identifies the property, please pass it along. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Be sure to let us know 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 built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we will find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as early as possible will likely make your report arrive faster.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming steps in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uncomfortable with a stranger inspecting every corner of their home, taking photos, and making abundant notes. Under the impression that it will increase the value, a few homeowners think they ought to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. And will delay the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Coming from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- a little 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 can shorten the appraisal inspection time. Our website has multiple 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 become familiar with our staff and services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment as soon as possible!
Our website is a great resource for following your report's status.: Why are you still playing phone and fax tag when our website offers up-to-the-minute status updates available online, anytime, 24/7? As each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier and faster to keep track of your report's status.