What an ECD Is
An Estimated Completion Date (ECD) tells NMFS and the client the exact date you plan to complete an inspection.
Submitting an ECD is your acknowledgment that you:
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Saw the inspection
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Understand the due date
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Accept responsibility for completing it
The ECD is required on every inspection except Insurance Loss inspections.
“By signing the NMFS Independent Contractor Agreement, you have already agreed to complete all inspections assigned within your coverage area. There is no option to reject a work order; accepting the assignment is part of your contractual responsibility.” However, life happens. If you find that you cannot complete our inspections, let the Vendor Manager know in the comments section of that work order.
(There may be a reassignment fee involved.)
Why ECDs Matter
Banks and clients rely on ECDs to:
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Track inspector performance
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Assign or reassign work
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Send updates to mortgage servicers
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Verify coverage in each ZIP code
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Determine whether NMFS is meeting service-level expectations
Missing ECDs delay client reporting and can affect future work for both you and NMFS.
When ECDs Are Required
You must enter an ECD:
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Within 24 hours of receiving any new inspection
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Immediately if an inspection is already past due when assigned
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Anytime a work order requires a scheduled appointment
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Whenever NMFS sends a Follow-Up requesting an ECD
ECDs are mandatory for all inspection types except Insurance Loss.
Insurance loss inspections require an appointment using the Events tab at the top of the inspection after you open it.
The Rule for Setting an ECD
Use this simple rule:
ECD = 3 days out OR the due date — whichever is later.
Examples:
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If the inspection is already past due:
Set the ECD to 3 days from today. -
If the inspection is due in 1 day:
Still set the ECD to 3 days from today. -
If the inspection is due in 6 days:
Set the ECD to the due date. -
Never set an ECD earlier than the due date when you don’t have to.
Do not cut yourself short.
ECD Consequences
If an ECD is not entered:
At 24 hours:
You receive a system warning message from the NMFS ECD Coordinator.
Do not reply — simply fix the missing ECD.
At 48 hours:
Chargebacks begin automatically.
After 3 days with no ECD:
Your inspector account is terminated and you will no longer receive work.
NMFS depends on strict ECD compliance to keep clients satisfied.
Where to Enter ECDs
For all normal inspections:
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Check the box to the left of the work order
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Scroll down
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Click “ECD Tools”
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Enter your date and save
For Insurance Loss inspections:
Do not use ECD Tools.
Instead:
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Open the inspection
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Go to the Events tab
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Select Left Message or Appointment Set
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Enter appointment details as required
Insurance Loss inspections use Events instead of ECDs.
Summary
ECDs are the first and most important action you take after receiving a new inspection.
They protect you, NMFS, and our clients by confirming when work will be completed.
Missing ECDs result in chargebacks and possible removal from the inspector network.
If you’re ready, say: