3 Ways to Speed Up Your Appraisal Orders

When it comes to real estate transactions, time is often the biggest hurdle. Whether you’re a lender, loan officer, or homeowner, delays in the appraisal process can stall deals and create unnecessary stress. The good news is that many of these delays can be avoided. By taking a few proactive steps, you can help appraisers complete their work more efficiently—and get your appraisal report back faster.

Here are three proven ways to speed up your appraisal orders:

1. Schedule the Appraisal Early

One of the most effective ways to prevent appraisal-related delays is to schedule the appointment as soon as possible. Appraisers often have multiple inspections lined up, and waiting too long to book can push your appraisal further down the queue.

Best Practice:

• Place the appraisal order early in the loan process.

• Provide flexible scheduling options to the appraiser.

• Communicate with the homeowner or listing agent to confirm availability.

By getting the appraisal on the calendar right away, you’re setting the entire process up for a smoother timeline.

2. Ensure Property Access Is Ready

Access issues are one of the most common causes of appraisal delays. If the appraiser can’t enter the home or reach outbuildings (like garages or guest houses), the inspection may need to be rescheduled—costing days or even weeks.

Best Practice:

• Confirm that someone will be available to provide entry.

• Make sure gates, security systems, and pets won’t prevent access.

• If the property is vacant, arrange for a lockbox or key exchange in advance.

The easier it is for an appraiser to access the property, the quicker they can complete the inspection and move on to the report.

3. Provide Necessary Documents Upfront

Appraisers rely on accurate information to complete their analysis. Missing documents or late submissions can create unnecessary back-and-forth, slowing the final delivery of the appraisal report.

Best Practice:

• Provide the purchase contract, survey, and any recent improvements upfront.

• Share homeowner contact information immediately with the appraiser.

• For refinances, supply details about upgrades, permits, or additions.

Having all the necessary documents ready means the appraiser can focus on completing the valuation instead of chasing missing information.

Final Thoughts

Speeding up the appraisal process doesn’t require drastic changes—just a bit of planning and communication. By scheduling early, ensuring property access, and providing key documents upfront, you can help your appraisal orders move smoothly and efficiently.

At Maverick Appraisals, we’re committed to providing timely, reliable, and professional appraisal services in San Antonio and Houston, Texas. If you’re a lender, loan officer, or homeowner looking for trusted appraisal support, reach out to our team today.

👉 Have questions about appraisals? Need help evaluating your property?  At Maverick Appraisals, we specialize in residential property evaluations across Texas.

Call Maverick Appraisals today or visit www.maverickappraisals-tx.com to schedule your consultation.