5 Suggestions for Shorter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving continuously. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer additional information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All of this is to ensure the end user gets the most useful analysis that can be achieved. To stay current with the constantly changing requirements, Conser Appraisals, Inc. is continuously testing new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. At Conser Appraisals, Inc. we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed a few tips you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals ordered with Conser Appraisals, Inc.:

  1. Are you ordering appraisals online? With online ordering, 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 re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.

  2. Complete and accurate subject property data is key. There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name are helpful data to pass along with the assignment. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.

    3. You're always welcome to call us at 541-981-2491 if you have any questions about your property or an appraisal we're working on for you.

  3. Are you letting us know up front any details of the property that might make it distinct? Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing characteristics add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When you order your report, let us know if there are unique features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we will find out on our own, knowing them early on will likely make your report arrive quicker.

  4. Does the homeowner know what to expect? One of the most time consuming tasks of the appraisal process is setting an inspection date with the homeowner. Some current homeowners are justifiably uncomfortable with the notion that an outsider wants to come in their house, look around, and make abundant notes. A common belief is that they should make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, believing that will increase the value . So they choose to not schedule the appraisal inspection until the house is cleaned.

    Hearing from you -- a trusted party with whom they already have a business relationship -- a little bit 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 lots of pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your customers. Tell them to call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment promptly!

  5. Use our website to keep tabs on your report's status. No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are available online, anytime, 24/7. As we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to keep track of your report's status.