Five Hints for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide additional information or have steps added to their data gathering. All of this is to ensure the end user is presented with the best information available. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Streamline Appraisals/Tim Taylor Realty is always testing additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. At Streamline Appraisals/Tim Taylor Realty we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some tips you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals you order from Streamline Appraisals/Tim Taylor Realty.

Always order your appraisals on the Internet.: With online ordering, you receive automatic e-mail confirmations that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we received the request.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property?: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really 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. We even welcome lists of recent sales from the area — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different 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. What takes time is analyzing how features unique to a property contribute 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 had a recent 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 sooner will likely make 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 uneasy with an outsider looking in every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making lots of notes. Many commonly think they should make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, under the impression that will increase the value. So they put off the inspection until the house is cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- a little info 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 appraisal inspection time. Our website has multiple pages of useful 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 the staff and our services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment as quickly as possible!
Our website is a great resource for verifying the status of your report.: 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 can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier and faster to track the status of your report.