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Five Hints for Shorter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving at all times. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply additional information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All of this is to ensure their client receives the most useful analysis possible. To keep up with the constantly changing requirements, Don C. Box and Associates is always seeking additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for in less time. Since Don C. Box and Associates knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed some items you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals you order with Don C. Box and Associates:

  1. Order your appraisals online. When you order online, you get automatic e-mail acknowledgements that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.

  2. Verify that the subject property data is accurate and complete. Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is helpful information to pass along 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 may be different from yours.

    3. Feel free to call us at 5124315880 if you have any questions about your property or an appraisal we're working on for you.

  3. Let us know up front of the property's distinct characteristics. It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how features unique to a property 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's prone to flooding. These are things we will find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as soon as possible makes your report arrive without delay.

  4. Set proper expectations with the homeowner. One of the most time consuming parts of the appraisal process is confirming an inspection date with the homeowner. Many current homeowners are justifiably apprehensive with the idea that an outsider wants to come in their home, look around, and take abundant notes. With the idea that it will increase the value, a few homeowners think they need to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by and will reschedule the appointment until the house is cleaned.

    Hearing it directly from you -- a trusted party with whom they are already working -- a little info about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't affect their home's value one bit, will help move the process along for everyone. Our website has multiple pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. Advise them to call us if they want to familiarize themselves with our staff and services. Remind them it's to their advantage to set the appointment promptly!

  5. Our website is a great resource for tracking the status of your report. 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 can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to track your report's status.