5 Tips for Faster Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving constantly. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide additional information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to guarantee their client receives the best data to be had. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Treasure Coast Appraisals is continuously testing new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. Since Treasure Coast Appraisals knows that time is important to everyone, here are some things you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals you order with Treasure Coast Appraisals.

Always order your appraisals online.: With online ordering, you automatically get e-mail confirmations that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! We don't have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the order.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property?: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to add unnecessary time to 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 sales in the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's distinct elements.: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique features 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we will find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner makes your report arrive quicker.
Be sure the homeowner knows the the plan.: One of the most inefficient parts of the appraisal process is confirming an inspection date with the homeowner. 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. With the belief that it will make the house appraise for more money, many homeowners believe they ought to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. And will reschedule the inspection until they have cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- a person they've been working with on their loan -- a little 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 shorten the time it takes to inspect a home. I encourage you to point them to this website, where we have lots of pages of useful information for homeowners as well as others regarding the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to familiarize themselves with the staff and our services. Remind them it's to their benefit to set the appointment without delay!
Why not our website as a resource to follow 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 way to keep track of the status of your report.