5 Tips for Shorter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is continuously evolving. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to include extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. They do this additional work to ensure the end user is presented with the best data possible. To keep up with the constantly changing requirements, Crescent Appraisal Group, Inc. is continuously researching new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for faster. At Crescent Appraisal Group, Inc. we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed a couple of items you can do to accelerate the process on any appraisals you order from Crescent Appraisal Group, Inc..

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail notifications 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 manually enter information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.
Make sure that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: Being just one number off 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 great data to pass long with your assignment. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Let us know up front of the property's distinct details.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how characteristics unique to a property add 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 details of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. While these are things that we would find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible makes your report arrive without delay.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: One of the most time consuming parts of the appraisal process is confirming an inspection date with the homeowner. It's understandable for a homeowner to be apprehensive with a stranger looking in every corner of their home, taking pictures, and making copious notes. With the notion that it will increase the value, many homeowners believe they have to make the place spotless before the inspection. So they put off the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- a person they've been working with on their loan -- a little 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 likely shorten the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has multiple pages of helpful 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 our staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment without delay!
Why not our website as a resource to track 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 can be viewed instantly online. There's no easier way to keep track of your report's status.