Some Hints for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is continuously evolving. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. All to ensure the end user receives the best data possible. To stay current with the constantly changing requirements, Crescent Appraisal Group, Inc. is constantly seeking new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for quickly. At Crescent Appraisal Group, Inc. we know that time is important to everybody, so here are a couple of tips you can do to reduce turn times every time you order an appraisal from Crescent Appraisal Group, Inc..

Are you ordering appraisals online?: When you order online, you get automatic e-mail acknowledgements that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the request.
Complete and accurate subject property data 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 include with the assignment. We even welcome lists of recent sales from the area — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's unique characteristics.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. 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. When ordering your report, let us know if there are unique details of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we'd find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as early as possible is likely to make your report arrive more quickly.
Let the occupants know what to expect.: One of the most time consuming steps of the appraisal process is setting an inspection date with the homeowner. We understand that a homeowner may be uneasy with an outsider inspecting every corner of their home, taking pictures, and making lots of notes. With the idea that it will increase the appraised value, a few homeowners feel they need to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. And will choose to not schedule the appointment until it is cleaned.

Coming from you -- a person they have been 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 go a long way toward trimming the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has multiple pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your clients. Have them call us if they want to familiarize themselves with the staff and our services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment promptly!
Our website is a great resource for verifying the status of your report.: 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 track your report's status.