Some Hints for Faster Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving constantly. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer additional information or have steps added to their process. All to guarantee their client gets the best data possible. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Red Tree Appraisals is always researching additional tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At Red Tree Appraisals we know that time is important to everybody, so below are a handful of things you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals you order from Red Tree Appraisals.

Order your appraisals on the Internet.: When you order online, you automatically get e-mail notifications that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we got the order.
Verify that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to 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 from the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's distinct elements.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing elements 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 details of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we will find out on our own, knowing them early on will likely make your report arrive faster.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: One of the most inefficient steps of the appraisal process is confirming an appointment with the current homeowner. Some current homeowners are justifiably uncomfortable with the idea an unknown persons wants to come in their house, look around, and make copious notes. Not uncommonly they think they should make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, under the impression that will increase the value. And will reschedule the inspection until the house is cleaned.

Coming from you -- a person they've been 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 can decrease the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has many pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your clients. They can even call us if they want to familiarize themselves with our staff and services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment promptly!
Our website is a great resource for keeping tabs on your report's status.: Phone and fax tag are a thing of the past with up-to-the-minute status updates available online, anytime, 24/7. As we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information can be viewed instantly online. It's never been faster and easier to keep track of your report's status.