A Few Steps to Faster Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving continuously. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. They do this extra work to ensure the end user receives the best information possible. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Lemmon Appraisal Services is constantly testing additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for more effectively. At Lemmon Appraisal Services we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some things you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals you order from Lemmon Appraisal Services.

Always order your appraisals online.: By ordering online, you automatically get e-mail notifications that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Ordering online is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Complete and accurate subject property data is key.: Being just one number off 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 are good data to include with your assignment. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
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 details 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 details of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, 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 early on makes your report arrive faster.
Let the homeowner know what to expect.: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient tasks in the appraisal process. Many current homeowners are justifiably uncomfortable with the fact a stranger wants to come in their home, look around, and make abundant notes. A common belief is that they need to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, with the belief that will increase the value. So they reschedule the inspection until they have cleaned.

Coming from you -- the person they've been working with on their loan -- a short explanation about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't affect their home's value one little bit, and can shorten the appraisal inspection time. Our website has several pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your clients. Advise them to call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment without delay!
Easily track 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 can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to keep track of the status of your report.