5 Steps to Faster Appraisals with Colorado Appraisals, Inc.

Technology has changed a great deal in the real estate and appraisals industry.  If you worked with appraisers 10 years ago, you probably understand what we mean. 

Developments in technology and e-commerce have allowed for improved turnaround times for appraisal assignments, and we are utilizing the faster and more convenient technology for our clients. 

If you would like some suggestions on how to speed up the turnaround time for appraisals, here are some ideas that could be useful:

1. Ordering Appraisals Online:  When you order online, you receive an email acknowledgement that the assignment was recieved in .PDF format.  This allows saving time by not re-typing information received for the order, and you never need to wonder whether or not it was even received.
2. Complete and Accurate Information on the Subject Property:  Even one number off or other small errors can add time to any appraisal assignment.  Any other information that helps to uniquely identify a property (such as a tax parcel number, plat map number, subdivision name) can help to speed up the process for completing an assignment.  If there is any other information on the property that can help to clarify or distinguish it, feel free to pass it along.
3. Up-Front Details about the Property that Could Make it Unique:  "Cookie cutter" homes are relatively easy to place a value on.  What can take more time is determining how various features can contribute or detract from what would normally be a property's market value.  Any up-front information that we have about unique property features (or features of the surrounding area) ahead of time can help greatly to speed the process of the appraisal.  To give an example if there has been a recent addition to the home that is subject to zoning restrictions and prone to flooding...  These are aspects of the property that we will find out on our own anyway, but having the information ahead of time can help the appraisal report to arrive to you more quickly.
4. Making the Home Occupants Aware of What to Expect:  One part of the appraisal process that can prove to be time consuming is making the appointment with the occupants of the home.  A number of homeowners would be understandably uncomfortable with a stranger coming into their home to look around, make notes, etc.  Many people believe that they must make their home spotless before the appraiser arrives, believing that a clean home with increase the appraisal value.  Then they may put off the appointment until they are able to get the home cleaned.  This - of course - would add time to the appraisal process.

   If the homeowners hears a bit about the appraisal process from you (someone that they are familiar with, that they have been working with for their loan), explaining who we are and especially that dusting and polishing will not increase the likelihood that the sale will close, this can go a long way toward reducing the time that it actually can take to inspect the home.  Feel free to point them to our website where they can get information for homeowners about the appraisal process.  If they would like to be more familiar with who we are or our services, you may encourage them also to give us a call.  And let them know that it's in their best interest to set the appointment for the appraisal for as soon as possible!

5. Using Our Website to Track Your Report's Status:  When you enter your appraisal order from our website, you can receive up to the minute status updates online - 24/7.  As each milestone of the assignment is completed that information is available to you from our website.  It's a great way to track the progress of your appraisal quickly and easily!