A Few Suggestions for Quicker Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. On a regular basis, 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 is presented with the best data possible. To keep up with the constantly changing requirements, Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC is continuously testing additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed a couple of tips you can do to hasten the process whenever you order an appraisal with Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: When you order online, you automatically get e-mail acknowledgements that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! No longer do we have to re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Confirm that the subject property data is accurate and complete.: Being just one number off on the street address can really unnecessarily slow down an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is helpful information to pass long with your assignment. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Be sure to let us know about the unique characteristics of this property.: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how differing features add to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. Let us know up front when you order your report if there are unique characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. While these are things that we'll find out on our own, knowing them early on makes your report arrive faster.
Let the occupants know what to expect.: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming tasks in the appraisal process. Many homeowners are justifiably uncomfortable with the idea an unknown persons wants to come in their house, look around, and make lots of notes. A common belief is that they must make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, with the belief that will increase the appraised value. And will delay the inspection until it is cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- a person they've been working with on their loan -- a little 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 can shorten the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has many pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your clients. Encourage them to call us if they want to familiarize themselves with our staff and services. And tell them it's to their benefit to set the appointment soon!
Easily keep tabs on the status of your report on our website.: 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is instantly available to you online. It's never been easier to keep track of your report's status.