Some Hints for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving at all times. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to present extra information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to ensure the end user gets the best data possible. In order to stay current with the constantly changing requirements, Associate Appraisers of America is constantly seeking new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for faster. Since Associate Appraisers of America knows that time is important to everyone, below are a handful of items you can do to lower turn times on any appraisals you order with Associate Appraisers of America.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: When you order online, you receive automatic e-mail notifications that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the order.
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 helpful information to pass long with the request. We even welcome lists of recent sales in 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 letting us know up front any features of the property that might make it unique?: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how features unique to a property 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 features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them early on makes your report arrive more quickly.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient steps in the appraisal process. Some homeowners are understandably uncomfortable with the notion an unknown persons wants to come in their home, look around, and take abundant notes. Under the impression that it will increase the value, some homeowners believe they have to make the place spotless before the inspection. So they choose to not schedule the inspection until they have cleaned.

Hearing it directly from you -- a person they are working with on their loan -- some 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. I encourage you to point them to this website, where we have several pages of helpful information for homeowners and others about the appraisal process. Advise them to call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment quickly!
Our website is a great resource for tracking 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 is instantly available to you online. It's never been easier to keep track of the status of your report.