Five Tips for Faster Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. On a regular basis, it seems, appraisers are asked to present extra information or have steps added to their data gathering. All of this is to ensure the end user gets the best analysis possible. In order to stay current with the continuously changing requirements, Cardinal Appraisal Service is constantly seeking additional tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for our customers. Since Cardinal Appraisal Service knows that time is important to everyone, here are a couple of items you can do to lower turn times on any appraisals you order from Cardinal Appraisal Service:

Are you ordering appraisals online? By ordering online, you get automatic e-mail notifications that the request 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 you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property? Being just one number off 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 pass along with your request. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — however, remember that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.


	You're always free to call us at 636-477-7787 if you have any questions about your property or a job we're working on for you.

Be sure to tell us about the unique features of this property. It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter house. What takes time is analyzing how differing characteristics 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 features of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we'll find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as soon as possible makes your report arrive quicker.
Let the occupants know what to expect. Setting an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming parts in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be apprehensive with an outsider inspecting every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making abundant notes. Many commonly think they ought to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, thinking that will make the house appraise for more money . So they delay the appointment until it is cleaned.

Coming directly from you -- a trusted party with whom they already have a business relationship -- some information about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make a significant difference in their home's value, will help move the process along for everyone. Our website has multiple pages of helpful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. Please feel free to share it with your clients. Have them call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. And tell them it's in their interest to set the appointment soon!
Use our website to keep tabs on your report's status. Phone and fax tag are a thing of the past with up-to-the-minute status updates 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 your report's status.