Earlier this year, ServiceLink released the latest of many enhancements to its EXOS® Valuations platform. For more than five years, the platform has enabled borrowers and property contacts to digitally schedule their appraisal appointments. Users instantly receive appointment confirmation, based on the actual availability of qualified local appraisers. Now, in addition to scheduling via web platform, users can make appointments via SMS text messages. Read on for five ways this update up-levels today’s valuation experience.

1. Uses seamless calendar sync: ServiceLink’s scheduling solution is the only one in the industry that relies on real-time appraiser availability and calendar syncing. While others may offer scheduling via text, ServiceLink’s solution is unique in that borrowers are able to select an exact date and time – rather than a range – and receive instant confirmation via text message. ServiceLink’s appraisers share their calendars to enable this functionality.

2. Meets borrowers where they are: A survey by Reviews.org shows that the average American checks their phone 205 times a day. This functionality folds scheduling their appraisal appointment into their daily routine. They don’t have to open a web browser or email application. Instead, with a single keystroke, they can schedule their appointment.

3. Provides proactive communication: ServiceLink also delivers proactive communications via text leading up to the appraisal appointment. Immediately after scheduling, borrowers receive instant confirmation, which includes details about their appraiser. Confirmation includes the appraiser’s name, contact information and even the make and model of their vehicle.

The borrower will also receive information about what to expect during the appraisal appointment and reminders in the days leading up to it. On the day of the appointment, they’ll receive a text when the appraiser is on their way, including a GPS-coordinated estimated time of arrival.

4. Addresses security concerns: In this era of heightened cybersecurity vigilance, many consumers exercise caution about clicking links and downloading apps. SMS scheduling functionality removes the need for borrowers to engage with any platform but their native text message application, alleviating anxiety around cybersecurity.

5. Accelerates timeline: Data shows that lenders using ServiceLink’s scheduling solution have experienced faster turn times, driven by reduced friction in the scheduling process. Specifically, instant scheduling functionality reduces the time from order placement to scheduling by days. It also cuts down the time between scheduling and the actual appointment, as consumers are likely to select the first date and time presented to them. This accelerated workflow contributes to meeting consumers’ expectations for efficient origination.

Learn more about ServiceLink’s valuation solutions here.

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