5 Steps to Shorter Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide additional information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to ensure the end user gets the best information to be had. In order to stay current with the always changing requirements, Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. is constantly testing new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. we know that time is important to everybody, so below are a couple of items you can do to reduce turn times each time you order an appraisal from Shamrock Appraisals, Inc..

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail confirmations that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! We don't have to re-key information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.
Complete and accurate subject property data is key.: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really unnecessarily interrupt an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is helpful information to include with your request. Even a list of recent sales from the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the unique elements of this property.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing elements contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When you order your report, let us know if there are unique features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. These are things we will find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as soon as possible makes your report arrive faster.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient steps in the appraisal process. Some homeowners are clearly uneasy with the idea an unknown persons wants to come in their house, look around, and take copious notes. Believing that it will make the house appraise for more money, a few homeowners believe they ought to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. So they choose to not schedule the inspection until the house is cleaned.

Coming from you -- a person they are working with on their loan -- some information about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't increase their home's value one little bit, and can decrease the appraisal inspection time. Our website has multiple pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. Encourage them to call us if they want to familiarize themselves with our staff and services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment quickly!
Our website is a great resource for keeping 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. It's never been easier and faster to keep track of your report's status.