Five Suggestions for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide additional information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All to ensure their client has the best information to be had. In order to stay current with the continuously changing requirements, First Appraisal Services is constantly researching additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for more effectively. At First Appraisal Services we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed some things you can do to decrease turn times when you order an appraisal with First Appraisal Services.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail acknowledgements that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the request.
Complete and accurate subject property information is crucial.: 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 your 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 differ from yours.
Be sure to let us know about the unique elements of this property.: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter home. What takes time is analyzing how unique elements 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we'll find out on our own, knowing them sooner makes your report arrive quicker.
Are you making the homeowner of the home aware of what to expect?: Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient parts in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uncomfortable with an unknown person looking in every corner of their home, taking pictures, and making lots of notes. With the belief that it will increase the appraised value, a few homeowners feel they have to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. And will delay the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Hearing it directly from you -- someone they have been 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 can decrease the appraisal inspection time. I encourage you to point them to this website, where we have many pages of useful information for homeowners and others describing the appraisal process. Tell them to call us if they want to become familiar with our staff and services. And tell them it's to their advantage to set the appointment soon!
Use our website 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 each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information can be viewed instantly online. There's no easier or faster way to track your report's status.