Some Tips for Quicker Turn Times

The appraisal profession is always evolving. Regularly, it seems, appraisers are asked to include extra information or have steps added to their process. All of this is to ensure their client gets the best data possible. In order to keep up with the constantly changing requirements, Cornerstone Property Appraisal Group, LLC is continuously seeking additional tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. At Cornerstone Property Appraisal Group, LLC we know that time is important to everybody, so here are some things you can do to accelerate the process on any appraisals you order from Cornerstone Property Appraisal Group, LLC.

Order your appraisals electronically.: By ordering online, you automatically get e-mail confirmations that the assignment was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. This tip single-handedly will save the most time! We don't have to re-key information from a fax, and nor will you wonder whether we received the order.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: 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 the request. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Tell us up front of the property's distinct elements.: Cookie-cutter houses are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how elements 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's susceptible to flooding. While these are things that we would find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible is likely to make your report arrive faster.
Does the homeowner know what to expect?: One of the most tedious parts of the appraisal process is confirming an inspection date with the current homeowner. Some current homeowners are clearly apprehensive with the fact an unknown persons wants to come in their home, look around, and make abundant notes. Some think they have to make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, under the impression that will make the house appraise for more money. So they choose to not schedule the appraisal inspection until they can get around to cleaning.

Hearing it directly from you -- a person they have been working with on their loan -- some knowledge 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 appraisal inspection time. I encourage you to point your clients to our website, where we have many pages of helpful information for homeowners and others regarding the appraisal process. Advise them to call us if they want to meet our staff and learn more about our services. Remind them it benefits them to set the appointment quickly!
Our website is a great resource for tracking the status of your report.: Why are you still playing phone and fax tag when our website offers up-to-the-minute status updates available online, anytime, 24/7? As we complete each important milestone in an assignment, that information is available instantly to you online. It's never been easier to track your report's status.