5 Tips for Shorter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving continuously. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply more information or have steps added to their appraisal process. They do this extra work to ensure the end user is presented with the best information available. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Michael Wilson is constantly testing new tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. At Michael Wilson we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed a few tips you can do to reduce turn times whenever you order an appraisal with Michael Wilson.

Order your appraisals electronically.: By ordering online, you automatically get 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 retype information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we received the order.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property?: Being just one number off on the street address can really unnecessarily delay an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name are helpful data to include with your assignment. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Are you letting us know up front any characteristics of the property that might make it distinct?: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique details 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 built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we will find out on our own, knowing them sooner makes your report arrive sooner.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming steps in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uneasy with an outsider looking in every square foot of their home, taking pictures, and making numerous notes. Some think they ought to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, believing that will increase the value. So they put off the inspection until they have cleaned.

Hearing from you -- the person they are 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 appraisal inspection time. Our website has multiple pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your customers. Have them call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's to their benefit to set the appointment quickly!
Easily follow the status of your report on our website.: Phone and fax tag are a thing of the past with up-to-the-minute status updates available online, anytime, 24/7. As each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information is instantly available to you online. It's never been easier to track your report's status.