5 Hints for Swifter Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to provide additional information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All of this is to ensure their client gets the best information possible. In order to stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Valicity LLC is constantly acquiring new tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Valicity LLC knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed some tips you can do to speed up the process on any appraisals you order with Valicity LLC.

Order your appraisals electronically.: When you order online, you get automatic e-mail confirmations that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone will save the most time! We don't have to manually enter information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether the order was received.
Verify that the subject property data 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. 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 be different from yours.
Are you telling us up front any details of the property that might make it unique?: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how characteristics unique to a property add 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them sooner is likely to make your report arrive faster.
Set proper expectations with the occupants.: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient parts in the appraisal process. Many current homeowners are understandably uncomfortable with the notion an outsider wants to come in their house, look around, and make lots of notes. Not uncommonly they think they must make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, with the belief that will make the house appraise for more money. And will put off the appraisal inspection until they have cleaned.

Coming from you -- a person they are working with on their loan -- a little information 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 many pages of relevant information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your customers. Encourage them to call us if they want to become familiar with the staff and our services. Remind them it's to their benefit 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 we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is available to you online. It's never been faster and easier to keep track of your report's status.