5 Steps to Faster Turn Times

The appraisal profession is continuously evolving. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to present extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. All to guarantee their client gets the best data possible. To keep up with the continuously changing requirements, MJP Appraisal Group is always testing additional tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since MJP Appraisal Group knows that time is important to everyone, here are some items you can do to decrease turn times every time you order an appraisal from MJP Appraisal Group.

Order your appraisals electronically.: With online ordering, you automatically receive e-mail notifications that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Verify that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: 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 great information to include with your request. Even a list of recent sales from the area is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Are you telling us up front any features of the property that might make it unique?: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter home. What takes time is analyzing how differing features contribute 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, it's predisposed to flooding. While these are things that we'd find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible makes your report arrive quicker.
Be sure the homeowner knows the the plan.: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most tedious steps in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be apprehensive with an unknown person looking in every square foot of their home, taking pictures, and making numerous notes. Some think they need to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, believing that will increase the appraised value. So they delay the appointment until the house 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 decrease the appraisal inspection time. Our website has multiple pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your clients. They can even call us if they want to familiarize themselves with our staff and services. Remind them it's to their advantage to set the appointment quickly!
Our website is a great resource for verifying your report's status.: No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are 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 track your report's status.