A Few Steps to Faster Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to include more information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All of this is to ensure the end user receives the best information to be had. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Crest Appraisal Services is continuously acquiring additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. Since Crest Appraisal Services knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed a few things you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals ordered with Crest Appraisal Services.

Order your appraisals electronically.: By ordering online, you automatically get e-mail notifications that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Confirm that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: Being just one number off on the street address can really unnecessarily delay 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 might differ from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's distinct features.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing details contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When ordering your report, let us know if there are unique elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner makes your report arrive faster.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient tasks in the appraisal process. It's understandable for a homeowner to be uncomfortable with a stranger inspecting every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making copious notes. A common belief is that they ought to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, under the impression that will increase the appraised value. And will reschedule the inspection until they can get around to cleaning.

Coming from you -- the person they are working with on their loan -- a little knowledge 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 decrease the appraisal inspection time. Please feel free to point your clients to our website, where we have many pages of useful information for homeowners as well as others regarding the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment as quickly as possible!
Why not our website as a resource to follow 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 is instantly available to you online. It's never been easier to track the status of your report.