Some Tips for Faster Turn Times

The appraisal profession is always evolving. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply more information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to ensure the end user has the best data possible. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Elite Appraisal Services is always seeking new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At Elite Appraisal Services we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some items you can do to trim turn times on any appraisals you order from Elite Appraisal Services.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: When you order online, you automatically receive e-mail confirmations that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! No longer do we have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we got the request.
Make sure that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is great information to pass long with the assignment. We even welcome lists of recent sales from the area — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's distinct features.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing details contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When ordering your report, let us know if there are unique details of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. While these are things that we'll find out on our own, knowing them as soon as possible makes your report arrive without delay.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient tasks in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uncomfortable with a stranger looking in every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making abundant notes. Under the belief that it will increase the appraised value, a few homeowners think they need to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. So they choose to not schedule the inspection until they have cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- the person they have been working with on their loan -- a short explanation 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 customers to our website, where we have many pages of relevant information for homeowners as well as others regarding the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's to their benefit to set the appointment soon!
Are you using our website as a resource to track the status of your report?: 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to track the status of your report.