4 Hints for Shorter Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply additional information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All of this is to guarantee the end user has the best data possible. To stay current with the always changing requirements, Alaska Real Estate Appraisal is constantly researching additional tools and tweaking processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since Alaska Real Estate Appraisal knows that time is important to everyone, below are a couple of things you can do to hasten the process on any appraisals ordered from Alaska Real Estate Appraisal.

Use our website to request a fee quote.: When you request a fee quote, you will receive a reply almost immediately. By filling out the short form with your address and reason for the appraisal, we can begin the first step right away and get you a quote and turn time very quickly.
Complete and accurate subject property information is crucial.: There's nothing like being one number off on the street address to unnecessarily delay an appraisal assignment. And if you have a tax parcel number, plat map number, subdivision name or anything else that uniquely identifies the property, please pass it along. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — remember, however, that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.
Be sure to let us know about the property's distinct characteristics.: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter home. 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. At the time you order your report, be sure to let us know if there are unique details of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's had a recent addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we would find out on our own, knowing them as early as possible makes your report arrive faster.
Do the occupants know what to expect?: One of the most time consuming parts of the appraisal process is confirming an appointment with the current homeowner. We understand that a homeowner may be apprehensive with a stranger looking in every square foot of their home, taking pictures, and making abundant notes. With the notion that it will increase the appraised value, many homeowners feel they must make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by and will want to delay the inspection until the house is cleaned. This isn't necessary, it will only delay the report turn time.

Appraisers need clear access to each room of the subject property to take photos and accurate measurements. They also need clear and uninhibited access to the outside perimeter of the home and any out buildings for photos and measurements.