NorthStar Realty Services saves time with cutting-edge appraisal technology

At NorthStar Realty Services, we have a confession to make. We always have the latest nerdy gadgets. From smart phones and tablets to laser measuring and GPS devices, we are always looking to find better, faster methods for appraising. Call us geeks. Call us nerds. Call us what you will, but by all means, call us at 507-216-7105 for appraisal orders in Olmsted County!

The appraisal process has tremendously evolved in recent years and demands more from appraisers. We offer the highest quality appraisals and cutting corners has never been an option for us — we've found that the best place to save time is in our our workflow. The appraisers that have steadily adopted new technology have been the ones able to consistently satisfy their customers with more accurate reports, better customer service and faster turnaround times.

Experience the difference a tech savvy appraiser can make

Contact NorthStar Realty Services

Simple online ordering

Years ago, most of our orders came in via fax and were confirmed with phone calls once we got back to the office. In this scenario, it might of taken quite a while to hear back to see if the order could be taken. Things are quite a bit different different now. When an order is placed on the site, we get a mobile notification. We often log into our site from the field and send back an email confirmation – including the time and date for the inspection if we've been able to talk to the occupant.

When you order from NorthStar Realty Services you can expect us to be concerned about your deadlines. The less waiting between communications and the faster we can get things done directly effects your bottom-line. This website definitely reduces cycle time for us and our clients by enhancing our communications.

Multiple report delivery methods

The majority of our appraisals are delivered through email as PDF documents. Many clients prefer email because they're accustomed to receiving attachments like PDFs in their inbox. It's much faster than previously, before the days of email. But,we've even been able to enhance report delivery with this website.

Everyone knows how frustrating it is to lose a file. Or have you ever had an attachment blocked because it was too big? We provide a solution for those problems, too. When we send an appraisal, the client receives a link via email to retrieve the PDF. At that point, it doesn't matter if all the extra photos and maps in the report result in too big an attachment. The download link is even good for a full 90 days. So if you lose the file, you can log back into our site and retrieve it without having to wait on us to send it again.

Innovative technology in the field

Gathering the data for an appraisal is an in-depth process.. We spend quite a bit of time gathering both specific information about the subject property and general data about the local market and developing trends. Once again, technology has stepped in to help NorthStar Realty Services.

Instead of using paper forms and pencils and then re-keying all the information at the computer, don't be surprised to see us with a tablet or collecting data using a program for our phone that allows us to sketch a floorplan right on site. Rather than using a clumsy, old tape measure, a large percentage appraisers are employing accurate laser measuring devices, making even hard to reach areas accesible.

We combine all of these different technologies to ensure the final report is complete and accurate, avoiding call-backs and revisions. Our goal is to save you time and money.

Digital work file technology

It would be great if appraisers could complete an appraisal, give it to the client, and never be concerned with seeing that report again. But one purpose of an appraisal is as a legal document outlining the condition of a property on a specific date. Therefore, appraisers are required by law to keep their reports for 5 years, allowing them to recall any appraisal at any time to defend the valuation or to be used in legal proceedings.

Here again, NorthStar Realty Services uses all the technology at our disposal to improve service. We store every part of the appraisal - notes, sketches, supporting documentation, and calculations - along with an electronic copy of the appraisal, we can pull up the entire file whenever it's needed and recall precisely what that assignment was about.

We wanted to give you a bit of insight into how we use technology daily. Using the right tools, along with the appraisal know-how you expect allows the appraiser to collect the right data and finish the report quickly and more accurately. All of which helps keep our costs down, and in turn provide you with faster appraisals.