Some Tips for Swifter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is always evolving. Each year, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide extra information or have steps added to their process. They do this extra work to guarantee the end user gets the best information possible. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, MJ Valuations is always testing new tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our clients. At MJ Valuations we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed some things you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals ordered with us.

Order your appraisals online.: When you order online, you automatically receive e-mail notifications that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. It's the single biggest time saver available to both of us! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.
Are you providing complete and accurate data about the subject property?: Having just one number incorrect 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 helpful information to include with the request. We even welcome lists of recent sales from the area — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may be different from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the property's distinct elements.: Cookie-cutter homes 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. Let us know up front when you order your report if there are unique features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition put on, 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 early on makes your report arrive more quickly.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: One of the most time consuming tasks of the appraisal process is setting an inspection date with the occupants of the home. Some current homeowners are justifiably uneasy with the thought an outsider wants to come in their house, look around, and take abundant notes. Some think they need to make the place spotless before the inspection, believing that will increase the appraised value. And will put off the inspection until the house is cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- a person they've 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 can go a long way toward trimming the time it takes to inspect a home. I encourage you to point them to this website, where we have several pages of helpful information for homeowners as well as others about the appraisal process. Have them call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it's in their interest to set the appointment quickly!
Our website is a great resource for verifying the status of your report.: 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 is available instantly to you online. It's never been easier to keep track of the status of your report.