A Few Hints for Swifter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is constantly evolving. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their process. All to ensure the end user has the best data possible. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC is always researching new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC knows that time is important to everyone, below are some things you can do to speed up the process on any appraisals you order with Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC.

Always order your appraisals on the Internet.: With online ordering, you automatically get e-mail notifications that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone 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.
Confirm that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to unnecessarily delay an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name are good data to pass long with the assignment. We even welcome lists of recent sales from the area — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Are you telling us up front any features of the property that might make it distinct?: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter home. 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner makes your report arrive faster.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming steps in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uncomfortable with an unknown person inspecting every corner of their home, taking photos, and making copious notes. Some think they should make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, with the notion that will increase the appraised value. So they reschedule the appraisal inspection until it is cleaned.

Coming from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- some information about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't increase their home's value one little bit, and can shorten the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has many pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your customers. They can even call us if they want to familiarize themselves with the staff and our services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment without delay!
Use our website to track your report's status.: 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 is available instantly to you online. It's never been easier to track your report's status.