Some Tips for Quicker Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer additional information or have steps added to their research. All to ensure the end user has the best information available. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Astute Appraisals, Inc. is constantly researching additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Astute Appraisals, Inc. knows that time is important to everyone, here are a few things you can do to hasten the process when you order an appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc..

Are you ordering appraisals online?: When you order online, you get automatic e-mail notifications that the order 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 re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the order.
Confirm that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: Being just one number off on the street address can really unnecessarily slow down an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is good information to pass long with your request. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Let us know up front of the property's distinct characteristics.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique characteristics 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we will find out on our own, knowing them sooner is likely to make your report arrive quicker.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient tasks in the appraisal process. Many homeowners are clearly uncomfortable with the idea an unknown persons wants to come in their house, look around, and take numerous notes. Under the belief that it will increase the value, many homeowners believe they ought to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. And will delay the appointment until they have cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- a person they are working with on their loan -- a little bit 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 numerous pages of relevant 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 our staff and services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment without delay!
Use our website to keep tabs on your report's status.: No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are available online, anytime, 24/7. As each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information is available to you online. It's never been easier and faster to keep track of your report's status.