Five Steps to Faster Turn Times

The appraisal profession is always evolving. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer additional information or have steps added to their data gathering. All of this is to ensure their client is presented with the most useful analysis. In order to stay current with the always changing requirements, Michael Smith Appraisals, Inc is constantly testing additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for faster. Since Michael Smith Appraisals, Inc knows that time is important to everyone, here are a few things you can do to reduce turn times on any appraisals you order from Michael Smith Appraisals, Inc:

  1. Are you ordering appraisals online? With online ordering, you receive automatic e-mail confirmations that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.

  2. Complete and accurate subject property data is key. 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 helpful information to include with your assignment. Even a list of recent sales from the area is welcome — however, remember that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.

    3. You're always free to contact us if you have any questions about your property or a job we're working on for you.

  3. Are you letting us know up front any elements of the property that might make it distinct? Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing features contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When ordering your report, let us know if there are unique elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's prone to flooding. These are things we will find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as soon as possible is likely to make your report arrive sooner.

  4. Be sure the homeowner knows the plan. One of the most inefficient parts of the appraisal process is confirming an inspection date with the homeowner. We understand that a homeowner may be uneasy with a stranger inspecting every corner of their home, taking photos, and making numerous notes. Under the belief that it will increase the value, a few homeowners feel they need to make the place spotless before the inspection and will choose to not schedule the appointment until it is cleaned.

    Coming from you -- a trusted party with whom they are already working -- a little information about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make a significant difference in their home's value, will help move the process along for everyone. Our website has many pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. Tell them to call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment as quickly as possible!

  5. Easily track 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is available to you online. It's never been easier to keep track of your report's status.