5 Hints for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. They do this additional work to guarantee their client is presented with the best information possible. In order to stay current with the continuously changing requirements, MJP Appraisal Group is constantly seeking new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. Since MJP Appraisal Group knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed some things you can do to trim turn times every time you order an appraisal from MJP Appraisal Group.

Always order your appraisals on the Internet.: By ordering online, 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.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: 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 is good information to pass long with the assignment. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's unique features.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing elements 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. These are things we would find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as early as possible will likely make your report arrive faster.
Let the occupants know what to expect.: One of the most inefficient tasks of the appraisal process is confirming an inspection date with the homeowner. Some homeowners are clearly uneasy with the thought an outsider wants to come in their house, look around, and make copious notes. With the idea that it will increase the appraised value, many homeowners feel they need to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by. And will choose to not schedule the inspection until they can get around to cleaning.

Hearing it directly from you -- someone they have been working with on their loan -- some info about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make it more likely their sale will close, and likely decrease the appraisal inspection time. I encourage you to point them to our website, where we have lots of pages of relevant information for homeowners and others about the appraisal process. Have them call us if they want to become familiar with the staff and our services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment soon!
Use our website to track 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. There's no easier or faster way to keep track of your report's status.