A Few Tips for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their research. All to ensure their client is presented with the best data possible. In order to keep up with the continuously changing requirements, Phoenix Valuations, LLC is always testing new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for more effectively. Since Phoenix Valuations, LLC knows that time is important to everyone, here are a couple of items you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals ordered from Phoenix Valuations, LLC.

Order your appraisals on the Internet.: When you order online, you receive automatic e-mail acknowledgements 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 retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we got the order.
Verify that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: 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 your assignment. Even a list of recent sales in 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.
Be sure to let us know about the property's distinct details.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique characteristics contribute 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 details 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. While these are things that we'd find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible is likely to make your report arrive quicker.
Let the occupants know what to expect.: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient tasks in the appraisal process. Some homeowners are clearly uneasy with the notion an unknown persons wants to come in their house, look around, and make numerous notes. Under the belief that it will increase the appraised value, many homeowners feel they have to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. So they choose to not schedule the inspection until it is cleaned.

Hearing it directly 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 increase their home's value one little bit, and likely decrease the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has numerous pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your customers. They can even call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment promptly!
Easily verify 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 instantly to you online. There's no easier or faster way to track your report's status.