Depends on the bank. I recently had an appraisal with Chase completed on day 2 and the report was turned in on day 5.  That is pretty darn fast. 

The process remains broken.  Paying a part of a fee for an appraisal is a good reason for them not getting done. Especially when the appraisers have enough local business to put food on their table and pay their mortgage. 

Andrew Mooers - that says a lot about small local banks!

It is the same story at most of the places, I guess.

I've never heard of a four month wait time for an appraisal.  That's just outrageous. 

I recommend mortgage bankers (who underwrite their own loans) vs. the big banks.  Also community banks.  I've found much less hassle with appraisals this way.

All my deals are done with a local bank, and my banker can get the deal done as quick as we can get the title insurance.  Generally about 3 days to a week.

Andrew,

I think it depends on the bank management and their way of doing business. A

 Use a bank with in-house underwriters.

I've never never heard of a four month turn around..would never happen in TX. Local lenders do better here than the bog box like Wells Fargo, Chase and BOA. There is always the exception.

Don't get me started on Appraisals

They're now doing CMA's as appraisals in my area - I'm so not OK with this!

I never understand why it takes so long to get appraiser. Usually it is ready the second day after inspection but lost in the digital mess for a week or two. I like small local lenders as well. 

It is taking 2-3 weeks on appraisal turnarounds. They are regularly holding up the closings in Clarksville TN.

NO BANKS

I use a broker: Jason E. Gordon 

I have not had much of any issues so far.

We typically get better service with a local lender. 

major lender and reputable locally loan officer only.  If  banks can not fund we make buyers or loan officer to pay penalty per diem.  Right now: 21 days max 25 days for closing before penalty applies. No appraisal contigiency.

We are seeing a much better turn around time now with all appriasals, mostly within two weeks.

In our area some appraisals are taking forever unless you pay more for them for a rush job!

We haven't seemed to have much trouble with appraisal turn around times here. They are generally a couple of weeks or less. -Kasey

Direct lenders are always preferable to big banks out here.

here we go again

Appraisal time has not been an issue is areas I have serviced, but have heard some horror stories about out of area appraisers!

How in the world do you manage to capitalize every single word?

we don't have a very long wait for the results of the appraisal.... maybe a week....

We shy away from the local banks, becasue, frankly, there are none to be found in Sarasota, or San Diego.

Third party firms are making a MESS out of appraisals from delays to POOR appraisals. This system is not working

Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA  nailed this one!

On the whole, most of my appraisals are coming in under two weeks all year now.

We have some good local banks 

This only supports my premise of how people & systems complicate it all. 

I always prefer trusted local mortgage loan officers who have a track record.