5 Steps to Swifter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving constantly. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their data gathering. They do this extra work to guarantee their client gets the best data possible. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Premier Appraisal of SoCal is constantly seeking new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our customers. At Premier Appraisal of SoCal we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some items you can do to speed up the process on any appraisals you order from Premier Appraisal of SoCal.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail notifications that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! No longer do we have to manually enter information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we received the request.
Complete and accurate subject property information is key.: 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 is great information to pass long with the request. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's distinct features.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing characteristics 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we'd find out on our own, knowing them early on makes your report arrive more quickly.
Set proper expectations with the homeowner.: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming tasks in the appraisal process. It's understandable for a homeowner to be apprehensive with a stranger inspecting every corner of their home, taking pictures, and making abundant notes. With the notion that it will increase the appraised value, many homeowners think they ought to make the place spotless before the inspection. So they put off the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Hearing from you -- a person they have been working with on their loan -- a little bit about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't change their home's value one little bit, and can decrease the time it takes to inspect a home. I encourage you to point your customers to our website, where we have many pages of relevant information for homeowners and others regarding the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's to their advantage to set the appointment promptly!
Use our website to track your report's status.: 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. It's never been easier to keep track of your report's status.