5 Suggestions for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer extra information or have steps added to their research. All to ensure their client has the best data possible. In order to stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Barefoot Appraisal is always acquiring additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. At Barefoot Appraisal we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed some tips you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals ordered from Barefoot Appraisal.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you receive 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 re-key information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.
Complete and accurate subject property information is key.: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to unnecessarily interrupt 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. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the property's distinct features.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique elements 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 features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition built 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 early on will likely make your report arrive faster.
Does the homeowner know what to expect?: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious steps in the appraisal process. Some current homeowners are clearly apprehensive with the thought an outsider wants to come in their home, look around, and take numerous notes. A common belief is that they ought to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, thinking that will increase the value. And will choose to not schedule the appointment until it is cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- someone 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 change their home's value one little bit, and can shorten the appraisal inspection time. Our website has lots of pages of helpful 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 our staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment promptly!
Our website is a great resource for following 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 can be viewed instantly online. There's no easier or faster way to track your report's status.