5 Hints for Quicker Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply additional information or have steps added to their research. All to guarantee the end user gets the best data available. In order to keep up with the constantly changing requirements, GVI Appraisals, Inc. is continuously seeking additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for in less time. At GVI Appraisals, Inc. we know that time is important to everybody, so we've listed some items you can do to lessen turn times on any appraisals you order from GVI Appraisals, Inc..

Order your appraisals electronically.: With online ordering, you automatically receive e-mail acknowledgements that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Ordering online is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the request.
Verify 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 are good data to pass long with the 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 letting us know up front any characteristics of the property that might make it unique?: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how details unique to a property contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. Let us know up front when ordering your report if there are unique details of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. These are things we will find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as soon as possible makes your report arrive without delay.
Be sure the homeowner knows the the plan.: Confirming an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient parts in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be apprehensive with an unknown person looking in every corner of their home, taking photos, and making abundant notes. Under the belief that it will make the house appraise for more money, many homeowners believe they have to make the place spotless before the inspection. So they choose to not schedule the appointment until it is cleaned.

Hearing it directly from you -- the person 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 increase their home's value one little bit, and can decrease the time it takes to inspect a home. Our website has numerous pages of helpful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your clients. Advise them to call us if they want to become familiar with the staff and our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment quickly!
Easily follow the status of your report on our website.: 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. There's no easier way to keep track of your report's status.