Five Tips for Quicker Turn Times

Appraising is a constantly changing profession. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to include more information or have steps added to their data gathering. All of this is to guarantee the end user has the best data possible. In order to keep up with the always changing requirements, Di Cicco & Associates is continuously testing new tools and improving processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At Di Cicco & Associates we know that time is important to everybody, so below are some items you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals you order from Di Cicco & Associates.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: With online ordering, you receive automatic e-mail confirmations that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip alone 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.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: Having just one number incorrect 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 great information to pass long with your assignment. We even welcome lists of recent sales in the area — remember, however, that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Be sure to tell us about the unique features of this property.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how differing elements 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 recently had an addition built on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we'd find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible makes your report arrive quicker.
Did you make the occupants of the home aware of what to expect?: Confirming an inspection time and date with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming tasks in the appraisal process. Many homeowners are justifiably apprehensive with the idea a stranger wants to come in their house, look around, and take abundant notes. Some think they ought to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, under the impression that will increase the appraised value. So they put off the appraisal inspection until the house is cleaned.

Hearing 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 likely shorten the time it takes to inspect a home. I encourage you to point your clients to our website, where we have several pages of useful information for homeowners and others about the appraisal process. They can even call us if they want to become familiar with the staff and our services. Remind them it's to their advantage to set the appointment without delay!
Why not our website as a resource to verify your report's status?: 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 can be viewed instantly online. It's never been easier to track the status of your report.