A Few Suggestions for Swifter Turn Times

Appraising is an always changing profession. Often, it seems, appraisers are asked to supply additional information or have steps added to their research. All of this is to ensure the end user is presented with the best analysis possible. To stay current with the continuously changing requirements, A. C. T. Heller Appraisal Service (260) 471-1500 is continuously acquiring new tools and improving processes to increase efficiency so we can do more work for you. Since A. C. T. Heller Appraisal Service (260) 471-1500 knows that time is important to everyone, below are some items you can do to hasten the process whenever you order an appraisal from A. C. T. Heller Appraisal Service (260) 373-1710:
  1. Always order your appraisals on the Internet. By ordering online, you receive automatic e-mail acknowledgements that the order was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Ordering online is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! We don't have to re-key information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether the order was received.

  2. Confirm that the subject property data is accurate and complete. 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 along with your assignment. Even a list of recent area sales is welcome — however, remember that professional appraisers must always do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours might differ from yours.

    3. You're always welcome to contact us if you have any questions about your property or an assignment we're working on for you.

  3. Tell us up front of the property's distinct details. Cookie-cutter homes are relatively easy to appraise. What takes time is analyzing how characteristics unique to a property contribute 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 elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, and it's prone to flooding. While these are things that we'll find out on our own, knowing them early on will likely make your report arrive sooner.

  4. What are you doing to make the homeowner of the home aware of what to expect? Confirming an appointment with the homeowner can be one of the most time consuming parts in the appraisal process. We understand that a homeowner may be uneasy with a stranger looking in every corner of their home, taking pictures, and making copious notes. Not uncommonly they think they should make the place spotless before the appraiser comes by, having the thought that will increase the value and will reschedule the inspection until it is cleaned.

    Coming directly from you -- a trusted party with whom they are already working -- some info about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make a significant difference in their home's value, will help move the process along for everyone. Our website has multiple pages of useful information about the appraisal process for homeowners. I encourage you to share it with your customers. Encourage them to call us if they want to become familiar with our staff and services. And tell them it benefits them to set the appointment soon!

  5. Our website is a great resource for keeping tabs on the status of your report. Phone and fax tag are a thing of the past with up-to-the-minute status updates 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 keep track of your report's status.