5 Suggestions for Swifter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is constantly evolving. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to present more information or have steps added to their process. They do this additional work to guarantee the end user has the best information to be had. To keep up with the always changing requirements, D. Robbins & Associates, Inc. is always researching new tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our customers. Since D. Robbins & Associates, Inc. knows that time is important to everyone, here are some items you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals you order from D. Robbins & Associates, Inc..

Order your appraisals online.: By ordering online, you get automatic e-mail notifications 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 re-key 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?: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really unnecessarily slow down an appraisal assignment. And if you have a tax parcel number, plat map number, subdivision name or anything else that uniquely identifies the property, please pass it along. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the unique elements of this property.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how characteristics unique to a property contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. Let us know up front when ordering your report if there are unique elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we'll find out on our own, knowing them early on will likely make your report arrive quicker.
Set proper expectations with the homeowner.: Confirming an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient steps in the appraisal process. Some homeowners are clearly uncomfortable with the thought an outsider wants to come in their home, look around, and make lots of notes. Many commonly think they should make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, under the impression that will make the house appraise higher. And will choose to not schedule the appraisal inspection until they can get around to cleaning.

Coming directly from you -- a person they have been working with on their loan -- some info 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. Our website has lots of pages of relevant 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 familiarize themselves with the staff and our services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment quickly!
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 is available instantly to you online. It's never been easier to track the status of your report.