Some Steps to Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving continuously. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to include more information or have steps added to their process. They do this extra work to guarantee their client has the best information possible. To keep up with the always changing requirements, Astute Appraisals, Inc. is always testing new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our customers. At Astute Appraisals, Inc. 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 with Astute Appraisals, Inc..

Always order your appraisals on the Internet.: When you order online, you automatically get e-mail confirmations that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the order.
Verify that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: 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 from the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the property's distinct elements.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, 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.: One of the most inefficient parts of the appraisal process is confirming an appointment with the homeowner. It's understandable for a homeowner to be apprehensive with a stranger inspecting every corner of their home, taking photos, and making lots of notes. Believing that it will increase the value, a few homeowners feel they have to make the place spotless before the inspection. So they put off the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Hearing from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- some 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 decrease the appraisal inspection time. Our website has many pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. Encourage them to call us if they want to familiarize themselves with the staff and our services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment promptly!
Easily keep tabs on the status of your report on our website.: 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 faster and easier to track your report's status.