A Few Hints for Faster Turn Times

The appraisal profession is continuously evolving. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to present more information or have steps added to their process. They do this additional work to ensure their client has the best information possible. To keep up with the constantly changing requirements, Progressive Appraisal of Oregon Inc. is continuously acquiring additional tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our customers. Since Progressive Appraisal of Oregon Inc. knows that time is important to everyone, here are some tips you can do to lower turn times when you order an appraisal from Progressive Appraisal of Oregon Inc..

Order your appraisals on the Internet.: When you order online, you automatically receive e-mail acknowledgements that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! No longer do we have to manually enter 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. And if you have a tax parcel number, plat map number, subdivision name or anything else that uniquely identifies the property, please pass it along. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's distinct characteristics.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique features contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When ordering your report, let us know if there are unique characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. These are things we'd find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner makes your report arrive without delay.
Be sure the occupants know the the plan.: One of the most tedious parts of the appraisal process is setting an appointment with the current homeowner. It's understandable for a homeowner to be uncomfortable with an unknown person looking in every corner of their home, taking pictures, and making copious notes. Under the impression that it will increase the appraised value, some homeowners think they should make the place spotless before the inspection. So they choose to not schedule the appraisal inspection until the house is cleaned.

Coming from you -- someone they are working with on their loan -- some knowledge 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 appraisal inspection time. Our website has multiple pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your customers. Have them call us if they want to become familiar with our staff and services. Remind them it's to their benefit to set the appointment without delay!
Easily keep tabs on the status of your report on our website.: 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. There's no faster or easier way to keep track of your report's status.