A Few Tips for Quicker Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer additional information or have steps added to their research. All to ensure their client is presented with the best information to be had. To stay current with the constantly changing requirements, Rush Hour Appraisals is continuously researching new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more in less time for our clients. At Rush Hour Appraisals we know that time is important to everybody, so here are a couple of tips you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals you order from Rush Hour Appraisals.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: With online ordering, you receive automatic e-mail notifications that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we received the order.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to unnecessarily slow down an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name are good data to pass long with the assignment. Even a list of recent sales from the area is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Are you letting us know up front any details of the property that might make it distinct?: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter home. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique details add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When you order your report, let us know if there are unique elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we'd find out on our own, knowing them sooner will likely make your report arrive without delay.
Be sure the homeowner knows the plan.: Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious tasks in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be apprehensive with a stranger looking in every corner of their home, taking photos, and making numerous notes. Many commonly think they should make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, under the impression that will make the house appraise for more money. And will put off the appointment until they have cleaned.

Coming from you -- the person they are working with on their loan -- a short explanation 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 appraisal inspection time. I encourage you to point your clients to our website, where we have many pages of relevant information for homeowners and others about the appraisal process. Have them call us if they want to become familiar with our staff and services. Remind them it's to their benefit to set the appointment quickly!
Easily follow the status of your report on our website.: No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are available online, anytime, 24/7. As each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to track your report's status.