5 Suggestions for Quicker Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their data gathering. All of this is to ensure their client receives the best information to be had. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Integrated Assets is constantly testing additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for faster. At Integrated Assets we know that time is important to everybody, so below are some things you can do to lower turn times every time you order an appraisal with Integrated Assets.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: When you order online, you receive automatic e-mail acknowledgements that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Ordering online is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to retype information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we got the order.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: Being just one number off on the street address can really unnecessarily delay an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name are great data to pass long with the request. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Be sure to let us know about the unique details of this property.: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. What takes time is analyzing how differing features add 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 features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. While these are things that we would find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible will likely make your report arrive without delay.
Let the homeowner know what to expect.: Confirming an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious parts in the appraisal process. It's understandable for a homeowner to be uneasy with a stranger looking in every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making abundant notes. Many commonly think they should make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, having the thought that will increase the value. And will reschedule the inspection until it is cleaned.

Hearing it directly from you -- a person they've 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 decrease the appraisal inspection time. Please feel free to point your clients to our website, where we have several pages of relevant information for homeowners as well as others regarding the appraisal process. Encourage them to call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment soon!
Are you using our website as a resource to verify the status of your report?: 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 can be viewed instantly online. There's no easier or faster way to keep track of your report's status.