Some Tips for Shorter Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Every year, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide extra information or have steps added to their process. They do this extra work to ensure their client receives the best data possible. In order to keep up with the constantly changing requirements, Central Alabama Appraisal is continuously testing additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. At Central Alabama Appraisal we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed some items you can do to accelerate the process when you order an appraisal from Central Alabama Appraisal.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you get automatic e-mail confirmations that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we got the order.
Verify that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. And if you have a tax parcel number, plat map number, subdivision name or anything else that uniquely identifies the property, please pass it along. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Let us know up front of the property's unique details.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how unique characteristics 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. While these are things that we would find out on our own, knowing them sooner will likely make your report arrive without delay.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: One of the most inefficient steps of the appraisal process is setting an inspection date with the current homeowner. We understand that a homeowner may be uncomfortable 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, a few homeowners feel they need to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. And will put off the appointment until the house is cleaned.

Hearing from you -- the person they are working with on their loan -- a little information about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make it more likely their sale will close, and can shorten 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 clients. They can even call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment quickly!
Use our website to keep tabs on 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information can be viewed instantly online. There's no easier or faster way to track the status of your report.