This section is to introduce you, our lender/client, to various technologies designed to enhance the realtionship between our organization and yours. We've always tried to be at the forefront of technology and customer service. The links below are designed to assist you in improving the way lenders and appraisers interact and to facilitate better, faster and more professional reporting. Take a moment and review these technologies available to you on the lender side. These technologies are not specific to a particular appraiser software or lender software and can be implemented throughout your network and are compatible with any appraiser's sofware.

http://www.alamode.com/mercury2/VeryLast.pdf

http://mercury.alamode.com/

Checking Order Status on Online Orders

Once you've placed an order or orders on this website you may be confused as to how to check status of those orders. The greatest feature of this process is the ability to check status at any time without having to chase down the appraiser by phone, fax or even email. The order status is continually updated on this site and the appraisal is delivered to this site and resides there even after you download it the first time. We've put together a brief video tutorial that should familiarize you with the process:

http://www.alamode.com/xsites/tour/onlineordering/order_appraisal.asp

Updates & Recertifications

Oftentimes questions arise as to what constitutes an 'Update' or a "Recertification of Value' of a previous appraisal.  In most cases, as per USPAP, these requests constitute a new appraisal assignment. Please take a moment and read the following Advisory Opinion.

Re-Addressing Appraisals

Another issue that comes up often is when an appraiser is asked to re-address an appraisal originally done for the property owner or borrower and replace the individuals name with the lender's name. The lender should understand that this practice violates the Unifrom Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and is further directly prohibited by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). See this link: http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/financial/2003/fil0384a.html

A lender may not ask that an appraisal be re-addressed, but rather must re-order the appraisal. This constitutes a New Assignment for the appraiser and is subject to a new fee for the service. The effective date of the appraisal may or may not be the same date as was applicable on the original appraisal done for the property owner or borrower. This is determined by the specifics of the Appraisal Request involved in the New Assignment.

Please read the following for additional clarification:

http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/publications/ano/2004/05.asp#story12

Technology Support

Having trouble getting your network to work? Do you have originators or processors who don't understand the software or hardware you're using. Our sister firm, Value-Added IT Services, has principles with over 55 years of computer technology experience and will be glad to consult with your firm to iron out your technology issues.

Call us at 601-946-0633 and we'll be glad to discuss your problem and help you reach a solution.