5 Hints for Shorter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is continuously evolving. Every year, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply additional information or have steps added to their process. All of this is to ensure the end user is presented with the best information that can be achieved. In order to stay current with the always changing requirements, Kent & Associates Appraisal is continuously acquiring new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At Kent & Associates Appraisal we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some tips you can do to decrease turn times on any appraisals you order from Kent & Associates Appraisal:

Are you ordering appraisals online? When you order online, you automatically get e-mail notifications that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! No longer do we have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the request.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property? 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 great information to pass along with your request. We even welcome lists of recent sales from the area — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.


	You're always welcome to contact us if you have any questions about your property or a job we're working on for you.

Are you letting us know up front any features of the property that might make it unique? Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing characteristics 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we'd find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible makes your report arrive faster.
Be sure the homeowner knows the plan. One of the most inefficient parts of the appraisal process is confirming an appointment with the homeowner. Many current homeowners are justifiably apprehensive with the idea that a stranger wants to come in their house, look around, and make numerous notes. Many commonly think they have to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, having the thought that will increase the appraised value and will put off the appointment until they have cleaned.

Coming from you -- a trusted party with whom they are already working -- some knowledge about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make a significant difference in their home's value, will help move the process along for everyone. I encourage you to point your clients to our website, where we have multiple pages of useful information for homeowners and others regarding the appraisal process. Have them call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment soon!
Why not use our website as a resource to keep tabs on the status of your report? No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are 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 the status of your report.