5 Tips for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All of this is to ensure the end user has the best data possible. To keep up with the always changing requirements, AAAnderson Associates Inc. is always seeking new tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since AAAnderson Associates Inc. knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed a few items you can do to trim turn times on any appraisals you order with AAAnderson Associates Inc..

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically get e-mail acknowledgements that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! We don't have to re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Make sure that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: 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 pass long with the 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 telling us up front any features of the property that might make it unique?: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing characteristics 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner makes your report arrive sooner.
Let the occupants know what to expect.: Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming steps in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uncomfortable with an unknown person inspecting every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making copious notes. Under the belief that it will increase the appraised value, a few homeowners feel they ought to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. And will put off the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Hearing it directly from you -- the person they are 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 can shorten the appraisal inspection time. I encourage you to point them to our website, where we have lots of pages of useful information for homeowners and others about the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment promptly!
Easily verify the status of your report on our website.: 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 each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information can be viewed instantly online. There's no faster way to track the status of your report.