A Few Tips for Swifter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is always evolving. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to include additional information or have steps added to their process. All of this is to ensure the end user has the best data possible. In order to stay current with the constantly changing requirements, Crawford Romans Appraisal Services is constantly seeking additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for quickly. At Crawford Romans Appraisal Services we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed some tips you can do to reduce turn times on any appraisals ordered from Crawford Romans Appraisal Services.

Order your appraisals online.: By ordering online, you get automatic e-mail confirmations that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Confirm that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name are great data to pass long with your assignment. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Let us know up front of the property's unique features.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing features add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. Let us know up front when you order your report if there are unique characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner is likely to make your report arrive faster.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious tasks in the appraisal process. It's understandable for a homeowner to be apprehensive with an outsider inspecting every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making copious notes. Thinking that it will increase the appraised value, many homeowners feel they have to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. And will choose to not schedule the appointment until they can get around to cleaning.

Coming directly from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- a little bit 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. Our website has numerous pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your customers. Tell them to call us if they want to familiarize themselves with the staff and our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment promptly!
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 can be viewed instantly online. It's never been faster and easier to track the status of your report.