A Few Hints for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is evolving at all times. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to present extra information or have steps added to their process. All of this is to ensure the end user is presented with the best data to be had. To stay current with the constantly changing requirements, Metric Appraisals, LLC is constantly testing additional tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for in less time. Since Metric Appraisals, LLC knows that time is important to everyone, here are a few items you can do to lower turn times on any appraisals you order with Metric Appraisals, LLC.

Always order your appraisals online.: By ordering online, you receive automatic e-mail notifications that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! No longer do we have to re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the request.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: 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 include with your request. Even a list of recent sales in 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.
Let us know up front of the property's unique characteristics.: Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique details 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 characteristics of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition put on, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. While these are things that we will find out on our own, knowing them early on makes your report arrive earlier.
Be sure the homeowner knows the the plan.: Confirming an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most inefficient steps in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uneasy with an outsider inspecting every square foot of their home, taking pictures, and making lots of notes. Not uncommonly they think they have to make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection, having the thought that will increase the appraised value. And will choose to not schedule the appraisal inspection until they have cleaned.

Coming from you -- a person they've been working with on their loan -- some 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 decrease the appraisal inspection time. Please feel free to point them to this website, where we have many pages of relevant information for homeowners as well as others about the appraisal process. Tell 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!
Our website is a great resource for verifying 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 is available to you online. There's no faster or easier way to keep track of the status of your report.