Some Suggestions for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is constantly evolving. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer additional information or have steps added to their data gathering. They do this additional work to guarantee the end user has the best data to be had. In order to stay current with the continuously changing requirements, JB Appraisals is always acquiring new tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for faster. At JB Appraisals we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some tips you can do to trim turn times whenever you order an appraisal with JB Appraisals.

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 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.
Make sure that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: 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 is helpful information to pass long with your assignment. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Are you letting us know up front any elements of the property that might make it unique?: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how features unique to a property add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. Let us know up front when you order your report if there are unique features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. These are things we would find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner is likely to make your report arrive earlier.
Be sure the homeowner knows the the plan.: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious steps in the appraisal process. Some current homeowners are clearly uneasy with the notion an outsider wants to come in their house, look around, and make numerous notes. Believing that it will increase the appraised value, a few homeowners think they ought to make the place spotless before the inspection. And will put off the appraisal inspection until they can get around to cleaning.

Coming from you -- the person 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 likely decrease the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has lots of pages of relevant 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 become familiar with our staff and services. And tell them it's in their interest to set the appointment quickly!
Our website is a great resource for keeping 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to keep track of your report's status.