A Few Tips for Shorter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving continuously. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide extra information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to guarantee their client is presented with the best information possible. In order to stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Hise Appraisal Service is continuously researching additional tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Hise Appraisal Service knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed some tips you can do to reduce turn times on any appraisals you order with Hise Appraisal Service.

Order your appraisals on the Internet.: When you order online, you automatically get e-mail notifications that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! We don't have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Complete and accurate subject property data is essential.: 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 are helpful data to include with the request. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — 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 tell us about the unique characteristics of this property.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing features contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. Let us know up front when ordering your report 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 prone to flooding. While these are things that we'll find out on our own, knowing them as soon as possible will likely make your report arrive quicker.
Let the occupants know what to expect.: One of the most inefficient parts of the appraisal process is setting an inspection date with the occupants of the home. Some current homeowners are justifiably uncomfortable with the fact an outsider wants to come in their house, look around, and take numerous notes. With the belief that it will make the house appraise for more money, many homeowners feel they need to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. And will put off the inspection until the house is cleaned.

Coming 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 make it more likely their sale will close, and can shorten the appraisal inspection time. I encourage you to point your customers to this website, where we have many pages of relevant information for homeowners and others describing the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to familiarize themselves with our staff and services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment soon!
Why not our website as a resource to follow the status of your report?: 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 available instantly to you online. It's never been easier to track the status of your report.