5 Steps to Swifter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving continuously. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to include more information or have steps added to their research. They do this additional work to ensure their client is presented with the best information available. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate Services is continuously acquiring additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for more effectively. At Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate Services we know that time is important to everybody, so below are a handful of tips you can do to decrease turn times on any appraisals ordered from Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate Services.

Always order your appraisals electronically.: When you order online, you automatically receive e-mail acknowledgements that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is good information to pass long with your assignment. 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 might differ from yours.
Be sure to let us know about the property's unique details.: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing details 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, it's prone to flooding. These are things we would find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as early as possible will likely make your report arrive without delay.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: One of the most inefficient parts of the appraisal process is setting an appointment with the homeowner. Some homeowners are justifiably apprehensive with the fact an outsider wants to come in their house, look around, and take abundant notes. With the belief that it will increase the value, many homeowners feel they ought to make the place spotless before the inspection. And will delay the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Hearing from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- some knowledge about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't affect their home's value one little bit, and likely decrease the appraisal inspection time. Our website has several pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your customers. They can even call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment without delay!
Use our website to track your report's status.: Phone and fax tag are a thing of the past with 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 your report's status.