Some Hints for Quicker Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. All to ensure the end user gets the best information possible. To keep up with the constantly changing requirements, Dawson Appraisal Services is continuously researching new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At Dawson Residential Appraisal Group we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed a couple of items you can do to lower turn times every time you order an appraisal with Dawson Residential Appraisal Group.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail confirmations that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the request.
Confirm that the subject property information is accurate and complete.: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is good information to include with your request. We even welcome lists of recent sales from the area — 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 features of this property.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. 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. When you order your report, let us know 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 prone to flooding. These are things we would find out on our own anyway, and knowing them early on will likely make your report arrive without delay.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: Setting an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming steps in the appraisal process. It's understandable for a homeowner to be apprehensive with an unknown person inspecting every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making copious notes. With the belief that it will increase the appraised value, some homeowners feel they should make the place spotless before the inspection. And will delay the appraisal inspection until they have cleaned.

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 can decrease the appraisal inspection time. Our website has multiple pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. Encourage them to call us if they want to meet the staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment quickly!
Are you using our website as a resource to verify the status of your report?: 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 is instantly available to you online. It's never been easier to track the status of your report.