Order intake and acknowledgment
- Today
- An order email arrives, and someone copies the address, due date, fee and contacts into a log, sets up a folder and types a confirmation.
- With a workflow
- The order details are captured once, a new assignment folder is created, client instructions are shown with the order, and an acknowledgment is drafted.
A person decidesWhether to accept the assignment, at what fee, and what scope.
Due dates and inspection scheduling
- Today
- Due dates go on a calendar by hand, and inspection times are worked out through several calls and texts with the homeowner.
- With a workflow
- Report and inspection dates are added to the calendar, rush orders are flagged, and the homeowner receives approved time choices, a reminder and a request for access details.
A person decidesThe appraiser’s schedule, and how to handle a missed or blocked inspection.
Property data conflicts
- Today
- Order details and public records are checked side by side by eye, if there is time.
- With a workflow
- Facts from the order and public records are placed side by side with their sources, and anything that disagrees, like living area or bedroom count, is flagged.
A person decidesThe appraiser verifies which information is correct.
Photo filing and completeness
- Today
- After an inspection, photos are renamed and dragged into folders one at a time, and a missing shot is noticed while writing the report.
- With a workflow
- Photos are renamed to a standard pattern, filed to the assignment, and checked against the photo list the client requires.
A person decidesWhether a return visit or another photo is needed.
Revision and reconsideration tracking
- Today
- A request arrives by email and its due date lives in someone’s head until it is answered.
- With a workflow
- Each request is logged to the right assignment with its due date, relevant files are gathered for review, and it stays on the open list until it is closed.
A person decidesThe appraiser decides how to respond and whether anything in the report changes.
License, education and E&O reminders
- Today
- Renewal dates live on a sticky note or in last year’s calendar.
- With a workflow
- License, continuing education and insurance dates are tracked, and the right person is reminded well before each one comes due.
A person decidesThe renewal itself and any coursework choices.