Five Hints for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is continuously evolving. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to guarantee their client gets the most useful data. To keep up with the continuously changing requirements, A.P.E.R. Appraisals is continuously researching new tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At A.P.E.R. Appraisals we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed a few items you can do to accelerate the process on any appraisals you order with A.P.E.R. Appraisals:

  1. Are you ordering appraisals online? With online ordering, you automatically receive e-mail confirmations that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.

  2. Complete and accurate subject property information is key. Having just one number incorrect 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 are helpful data to pass along with the request. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.

    3. You're always welcome to call us at 5408860507 if you have any questions about your property or a job we're working on for you.

  3. Let us know up front of the property's unique characteristics. It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how elements unique to a property contribute 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 features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's susceptible to flooding. These are things we would find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as early as possible makes your report arrive sooner.

  4. Be sure the homeowner knows the plan. Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious steps in the appraisal process. Many current homeowners are justifiably uneasy with the notion that a stranger wants to come in their home, look around, and make copious notes. Having the thought that it will increase the value, many homeowners believe they need to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by and will reschedule the inspection until the house is cleaned.

    Hearing from you -- a trusted party with whom they already have a business relationship -- a little bit about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make a significant difference in their home's value, will help move the process along for everyone. Our website has numerous pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your clients. Tell them to call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment promptly!

  5. Easily follow 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is instantly available to you online. It's never been easier to track your report's status.