Five Hints for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving constantly. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to include more information or have steps added to their data gathering. All of this is to ensure the end user is presented with the best information possible. To stay current with the always changing requirements, Grantham Appraisal & Realty, Inc. is constantly testing additional tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for faster. At Grantham Appraisal & Realty, Inc. we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some things you can do to decrease turn times when you order an appraisal from Grantham Appraisal & Realty, Inc..

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail acknowledgements that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! No longer do we have to re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Make sure that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: 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 great information to include with your request. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Be sure to let us know about the unique characteristics of this property.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing elements add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When ordering your report, let us know if there are unique characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. These are things we will find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner is likely to make your report arrive quicker.
Let the homeowner know what to expect.: One of the most time consuming steps of the appraisal process is setting an appointment with the homeowner. Some current homeowners are justifiably uncomfortable with the fact an unknown persons wants to come in their home, look around, and make lots of notes. Believing that it will increase the value, many homeowners feel they must make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. So they reschedule the appointment until they can get around to cleaning.

Hearing from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- some info 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 shorten the appraisal inspection time. Our website has many pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your customers. Have them call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment quickly!
Our website is a great resource for verifying the status of your report.: 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. There's no easier or faster way to keep track of your report's status.