5 Hints for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their data gathering. All to guarantee the end user receives the best information possible. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Fruitticher-Lowery Appraisal Group is continuously seeking new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. We know that time is important to everybody, so here are some tips you can do to speed up the process on any appraisals ordered.

Are you ordering appraisals online?
With online ordering, you receive automatic e-mail acknowledgments 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.
Complete and accurate subject property data is essential.
Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really unnecessarily delay an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is good information to pass long with the request. 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 differ from yours.
Are you telling us up front any characteristics of the property that might make it distinct?
Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique details 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we'd find out on our own, knowing them as soon as possible is likely to make your report arrive faster.
Let the homeowner know what to expect.
Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious steps in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be apprehensive with an outsider looking in every square foot of their home, taking pictures, and making lots of notes. Under the impression that it will make the house appraise higher, a few homeowners think they need to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by which can delay the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Hearing from you -- the person they have been working with on their loan -- a little information 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 time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has many pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. They can even call us if they want to familiarize themselves with our staff and services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment promptly!
Why not our website as a resource to keep tabs on 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to keep track of the status of your report.