Some Suggestions for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to include more information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All of this is to guarantee the end user gets the best information available. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Alliance Appraisal, Inc. is continuously testing new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Alliance Appraisal, Inc. knows that time is important to everyone, below are some items you can do to lower turn times on any appraisals you order with Alliance Appraisal, Inc..

Are you ordering appraisals online?: With online ordering, you automatically receive e-mail acknowledgements that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! No longer do we have to manually enter information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property?: 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 is good information to include with the assignment. 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 differ from yours.
Are you telling us up front any characteristics of the property that might make it unique?: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how elements unique to a property 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 had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we will find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible makes your report arrive more quickly.
Let the homeowner know what to expect.: One of the most time consuming parts of the appraisal process is setting an inspection date with the current homeowner. We understand that a homeowner may be uneasy with an unknown person looking in every square foot of their home, taking pictures, and making lots of notes. Under the impression that it will increase the value, a few homeowners feel they must make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. And will delay the inspection until it is cleaned.

Coming from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- some information 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 go a long way toward trimming the time it takes to inspect a home. Please feel free to point them to our website, where we have lots of pages of helpful information for homeowners as well as others about the appraisal process. Advise them to call us if they want to become familiar with our staff and services. Remind them it's to their benefit to set the appointment promptly!
Why not our website as a resource to keep tabs on your report's status?: No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are available online, anytime, 24/7. As we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is instantly available to you online. It's never been easier to keep track of the status of your report.