5 Hints for Shorter Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply additional information or have steps added to their research. All to ensure their client has the best data available. In order to stay current with the constantly changing requirements, LOUIS FRAGALA is continuously testing new tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for more efficiently. At LOUIS FRAGALA we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed a couple of tips you can do to reduce turn times on any appraisals ordered from LOUIS FRAGALA.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically get 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 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 delay an appraisal assignment. And if you have a tax parcel number, plat map number, subdivision name or anything else that uniquely identifies the property, please pass it along. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Are you telling us up front any features of the property that might make it unique?: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how features unique to a property 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 features 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 would find out on our own, knowing them sooner will likely make your report arrive sooner.
Let the homeowner know what to expect.: One of the most time consuming tasks of the appraisal process is confirming an inspection date with the homeowner. Some homeowners are clearly uncomfortable with the thought an unknown persons wants to come in their house, look around, and make lots of notes. Some think they need to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, under the impression that will increase the appraised value. And will put off the appraisal inspection until the house is cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- a person they've been working with on their loan -- a little information about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't affect their home's value one little bit, and can shorten the appraisal inspection time. Our website has numerous pages of relevant 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 become familiar with our staff and services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment soon!
Use our website to verify your report's status.: 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 available instantly to you online. There's no faster or easier way to track the status of your report.