Some Hints for Swifter Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to present additional information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to guarantee the end user receives the best information that can be achieved. To keep up with the always changing requirements, Optimum Appraisal Inc. is always seeking new tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our customers. Since Optimum Appraisal Inc. knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed some items you can do to accelerate the process on any appraisals ordered with Optimum Appraisal Inc.:

  1. Are you ordering appraisals online? When you order online, you automatically receive e-mail confirmations that the request 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 re-key information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we got the order.

  2. Make sure that the subject property information is accurate and complete. 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 is helpful information to pass along with the assignment. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.

    3. You're always free to call us at 7084184974 if you have any questions about your property or an assignment we're working on for you.

  3. Let us know up front of the property's unique features. Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how characteristics 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 had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's susceptible to flooding. These are things we'd find out on our own anyway, and knowing them early on is likely to make your report arrive faster.

  4. Let the homeowner know what to expect. Confirming an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious parts in the appraisal process. Many homeowners are clearly uneasy with the thought that a stranger wants to come in their house, look around, and take abundant notes. With the Notion that it will increase the value, some homeowners feel they have to make the place spotless before the inspection and will choose to not schedule the inspection until it is cleaned.

    Coming 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 change their home's value one bit, will help move the process along for everyone. Our website has numerous pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. They can even call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment as quickly as possible!

  5. Why not use 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 can be viewed instantly online. There's no faster or easier way to track your report's status.