Press Releases

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM INTRODUCES DARTASSURANCE™ CUSTOM APPRAISAL WARRANTY


Plan offers additional insured protection for financial risk mitigation

TROY, MI, June 28, 2010 – In a move designed to build confidence in mortgage lending and reinvigorate private investment, DartAppraisal.com, a leading national provider of residential real estate appraisals, today introduced the DartAssurance™ custom appraisal warranty. The warranty insures mortgage lenders, investors, banks and credit unions against potential loss from home loan default and foreclosure, helping lenders to underwrite collateral with confidence.

“Our strength is in our experience and expertise, “ said Darton Case, president of DartAppraisal.com. “For nearly two decades, we have been the poster child for transparency, accuracy and quality control in the mortgage industry. We also understand the need for all types of risk mitigation amongst our clients. Our custom warranty is designed to help lenders underwrite collateral with confidence. We believe that our product will help stimulate the much needed private investors back into the mortgage market.”

DartAppraisal.com has partnered with an insurance company that is rated “A” for excellent by A.M. Best. The DartAssurance™ warranty is fully insured to provide up to $100,000 in coverage for loss tied to a valuation inaccuracy. For eligible loans, which include first and second mortgages, the appraisal is warranted for 60 months from the date of service and is fully transferable.

DartAssurance™ warranty specifications include a maximum loan amount of $750,000, an LTV/CLTV that doesn’t exceed 100 percent, and a minimum credit score of 620 for the borrowers on the loan. The warranty works in tandem with the company’s industry leading $5 million errors and omissions insurance coverage. The custom warranty fees range from $20 to $30 per appraisal, covering errors in the property appraisal that result in a loss to a financial institution or transferee, through loan default or foreclosure.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. Since 1993, the Troy, Michigan-based company has leveraged innovative technology, stringent quality control measures and localized experience to provide appraisal management services to the mortgage industry. With a network of more than 8,000 certified appraisers covering the nation, DartAppraisal.com offers a full range of HVCC and FHA–compliant appraisal services, including REO, wholesale valuations and post funding audits. Online appraisal ordering provides clients with streamlined technology, from DartLink™ appraisal integration connections and DartExpress™ complete broker HVCC/FHA solution to DartTracker™ and DartTracker Plus™ appraisal pipeline status tools. www.dartappraisal.com

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM NAMED RECIPIENT

OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AWARD BY

CORP! MAGAZINE


TROY, MICH., April 22, 2010 – Darton Case, president and founder of the nationwide real estate appraisal company DartAppraisal.com, accepted a Corp! magazine Science & Technology award at a banquet held April 20, 2010, at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy, Michigan.

DartAppraisal.com received the honors for their superior DartExpress technology, a complete online system for mortgage brokers which ensures compliance with HVCC and FHA regulations throughout the real estate appraisal proces.

“As a company driven by customer need, we have always been committed to innovation and problem solving,” said Case. “We listen, we consider, and we respond. The impetus for many of our technological developments was simply a solution-focused attitude and a client with a problem that needed resolution.”

On May 1, 2009, DartAppraisal.com launched DartExpress on the company Web site. The new technology provides a quick and easy online system to initiate an appraisal order, pay for and track the progress of the order, and finally deliver a copy to the mortgage broker and lender in full compliance with the HVCC and other appraisal guidelines. The system is unique to the marketplace, resolving compliance issues seamlessly for brokers nationwide.

At the time of the DartExpress launch, pressure to conform to the HVCC regulations left mortgage brokers and lenders scrambling for an effective new system for ordering residential real estate appraisals. Many lenders were confused as to how to deal with all the HVCC, USPAP and RESPA appraisal guidelines.

Traditionally driven by customer demand and committed to problem-solving innovations, DartAppraisal.com stepped in with a solution to ease the transition. The company developed a new online technology designed to provide mortgage brokers with a comprehensive and seamless solution to ordering and receiving an HVCC-compliant appraisal.

The keys to the innovation of DartExpress are:
  • it allows for the broker to sign up around the clock on the website, as opposed to limiting usage to business hours;
  • it assigns the appraisal to the lender, adhering to the HVCC regulations;
  • it allows the broker to use a credit card for payment (HVCC compliant);
  • it allows the broker to view the order’s status as it goes through our 6 stage process (HVCC compliant).

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. Since 1993, the Troy, Michigan-based company has leveraged innovative technology, stringent quality control measures and localized experience to provide appraisal management services to the mortgage industry. With a network of more than 8,000 certified appraisers covering the nation, DartAppraisal.com offers a full range of HVCC and FHA–compliant appraisal services, including REO, wholesale valuations and post funding audits. Online appraisal ordering provides clients with streamlined technology, from DartLink™ appraisal integration connections and DartExpress™ complete broker HVCC/FHA solution to DartTracker™ and DartTracker Plus™ appraisal pipeline status tools. www.dartappraisal.com

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM ANNOUNCES INTEGRATION

WITH FIRST LENDER’S DATA INC. (FLDI)


Partnership offers FHA and HVCC compliance through FirstClose mortgage technology

TROY, MI, March, 2010 – DartAppraisal.com, the Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations, today announced their integration to FirstClose, a service of First Lender’s Data Inc.(FLDI). Based in Austin, Texas, FLDI provides cutting-edge technology solutions to mortgage lenders nationwide.

“Our alliance with DartAppraisal.com strengthens our commitment to provide our mortgage lending customers with a one-stop solution for all of their mortgage fulfillment needs,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FLDI. “DartAppraisal.com was selected under our ‘Best of Breed’ business philosophy which is to provide lenders with the most efficient and cost effective solutions for all aspects of mortgage settlement services.”

The partnership between DartAppraisal.com and FLDI combines cutting-edge integration technology with the ease and convenience of the FirstClose platform. Users can quickly place appraisal order requests or access appraisal reports anytime, increasing productivity and significantly reducing processing delays.

“FLDI’s integration with DartAppraisal.com was easily implemented at the technology level,” said Corey Smith, Director of Business Development for FLDI. “Our customers now have the ability to receive updated status information on each order which allows for increased communication and efficiency of appraisal orders through our system.”

The integration also offers a seamless solution to appraisal compliance under both the newly implemented Federal Housing Administration (FHA) regulations, which went into effect Feb. 15, 2010, and the existing Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). The new FHA policies seek to create more independence for residential real estate appraisers, allowing them to provide fair and accurate appraisals free from pressure.

“We are pleased to expand our five-year partnership with FLDI to offer their users a seamless solution to FHA and HVCC-compliant residential real estate appraisals,” said Darton Case, president of DartAppraisal.com. “DartAppraisal.com combines leading technology with stringent quality control measures for a comprehensive appraisal.

“We are confident in this undertaking because we recognize both companies are committed to superior customer support and to customizing their client’s service needs and requirements,” Case added. “Together we offer nationwide coverage and competitive pricing on the full appraisal product.”

As part of the DartLink™ appraisal integration connections program, DartAppraisal.com also implemented numerous custom integrations in the past year, including FNC/Appraisal Port, RealEC Technologies, PLATINUMdata Solutions, SharperLending, encompass/Ellie Mae and Mortgage Builder.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 801 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 6,000 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. www.dartappraisal.com.

FirstClose, a service of First Lender’s Data, Inc. based in Austin, Texas, provides cutting-edge technology solutions to mortgage lenders nationwide. In addition to a vast array of mortgage settlement services, FirstClose offers real estate auctions, loan origination systems, automated underwriting, automated decisioning, and more. The company also provides the most robust, yet user friendly vendor management system available. When used in its entirety, duplicate data entry is completely eliminated.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM PARTNERS WITH TOP YAHOO ECOMMERCE PROVIDER EMERCHANT TO STREAMLINE APPRAISAL ORDER PAYMENTS


TROY, MI, January 27, 2010 – In advance of the new Federal Housing Administration regulations which will take effect February 15, 2010, DartAppraisal.com has partnered with eMerchant Inc. of Placentia, Calif., to provide advanced eCommerce integration solutions designed to streamline the appraisal payment process. eMerchant, a leading provider of online payment solutions endorsed by Yahoo small business merchant services, will serve as the financial partner for DartAppraisal.com’ s EZPay™ online payment process, a key component of the DartExpress™ complete HVCC/FHA solution.

DartAppraisal.com released an updated version of its popular DartExpress™ system in November to ensure compliance with all new FHA regulations related to valuations. The addition of eMerchant services allows for maximum utilization of the proprietary technology and systems offered by DartAppraisal.com. eMerchant is one of only four companies nationwide recommended by Yahoo as a popular choice for merchant processing.

“We are excited to provide our credit card processing and gateway services to an industry innovator like DartAppraisal.com”, said Bill Dumont, CEO of eMerchant Inc.

“eMerchant is a strategic partnership that will enhance our commitment to technology, innovation and customer service,” said Darton Case, president of DartAppraisal.com. “Our objective is to ensure a smooth transition to FHA compliance for our clients by expanding and improving our online suite of services.”

As a leader in online payment and processing for appraisal services, DartAppraisal.com began accepting credit and debit cards in 1995. The switch to eMerchant for these services complements plans for strategic growth through DartExpress™.

DartAppraisal.com originally developed the DartExpress™ technology in May 2009 to streamline the appraisal process for mortgage brokers while maintaining HVCC compliance. The enhanced system now maintains compliance with all new FHA appraisal policies for FHA-insured loans, as well. DartExpress™ provides a quick and easy online system to initiate an appraisal order, pay for and track the progress of the order, and finally deliver a copy to the mortgage broker and lender in full compliance with HVCC and all new and existing FHA mortgagee letters.

The new FHA policies, adopted from recent HVCC guidelines, seek to create more independence for residential real estate appraisers, allowing them to provide fair and accurate appraisals free from pressure. FHA issued five new mortgage letters explaining the policy changes; the following three letters apply to valuations:

Mortgagee Letter 09-28: Appraiser Independence

Mortgagee Letter 09-29: Appraisal Portability

Mortgagee Letter 09-30: Appraisal Validity Periods

About eMerchant: As one of the leading providers of online payment solutions, eMerchant Inc. has continued to increase their marketshare in the highly competitive merchant services industry. Established in 2002 by well-known industry advocate, Bill Dumont, eMerchant provides a complete suite of eCommerce products including credit card acceptance and processing, e-check services, POS and gateway integration for some of the most visible websites on the net. eMerchant is a registered and licensed ISO (Independent Sales Organization) and has brought nearly 5000 merchants to its portfolio of banking partners. Learn more at www.emerchant.com .

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 801 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 6,000 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM INTRODUCES DARTTRACKER PLUS™ APPRAISAL TRACKING SYSTEM


Online tool offers immediate access to appraisal pipeline status for lenders and brokers

TROY, MI, December 17, 2009 – As part of an ongoing commitment to technological innovation and client service, DartAppraisal.com today introduced the DartTracker Plus™ appraisal tracking system. The new online tool allows clients to visually track all of their appraisal orders on one screen as they move through a six-stage pipeline before final delivery.

Located within the Client Center of the DartAppraisal.com Web site, DartTracker Plus™ is easy to navigate, displaying a pipeline view of all active appraisal orders and their status at a glance. The six stages include Received, Accepted, Scheduling, Appointment Set, Inspected and In Quality Control, with Addendums as needed and an additional Totals column to tally the active orders. Users simply click any stage to view the details of each individual order. The innovative tracking system also displays alerts at each stage to notify clients of any action required to move the order forward.

“We recognize that turnaround time for appraisal orders is a key factor in successful loan processing,” said Marko Berishaj, vice president of DartAppraisal.com and a certified mortgage banker. “The ability to track multiple orders and determine the status of each appraisal within seconds truly increases productivity for our clients. With DartTracker Plus™, clients can view up-to-date status reports, any time of day or night, as well as address any factors that may delay their orders.”

“DartTracker Plus™ is just the latest example of our commitment to innovative technology,” Berishaj added. “As part of the company’s overall strategic plan, we are developing tools that will help streamline loan processing. We plan to expand our order tracking technology to include more tools for our appraiser network in the near future, completing the circle of communication and further enhancing our productivity and service.”

DartAppraisal.com also offers DartTracker™, an online tool used to track the status of a single appraisal order. DartTracker™ can be used without any user log-in or password, and is easily found on the Home page of the DartAppraisal.com Web site. Using the client loan or case number, or the street address of the appraisal order, clients can instantly track one order.

DartTracker™ and DartTracker Plus™ are exclusive appraisal tracking systems from DartAppraisal.com, a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 801 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 6,000 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

MICHAEL DRESDEN NAMED DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

FOR DARTAPPRAISAL.COM



TROY, MICH., December 14, 2009 Michael Dresden – DartAppraisal.com, the Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations, today announced Michael Dresden as director of operations. The announcement was made by Darton Case, founder and president of DartAppraisal.com.

Dresden will manage the customer service and auditing teams, working to standardize service delivery for clients and enabling the sales team to market a consistent product. Additionally, he will manage the supplier network of more than 6,000 nationwide real estate appraisers to ensure high quality services and timely delivery for clients.

Most recently, Dresden served as regional operations manager for Advanced Technology Services in Livonia, Mich. In this role, he successfully aligned company operations and sales departments through combined planning sessions, developing a tool to unify account growth and customer satisfaction strategies across both departments. Previously, Dresden held the positions of field support manager and purchasing manager with Advanced Technology Services.

As a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Dresden remains committed to continuous improvement efforts. At DartAppraisal.com, he will help formulate corporate culture around the company’s four core values: positive thinking, sense of urgency, solution focused and dig deeper. Additionally, he will be responsible for training and continuous improvement; establishing goals and measuring results; managing cost; and building and maintaining relationships. In his previous position, Dresden realized an employee retention rate of 90 percent against the company average of 75 percent. There he was selected by peers as Most Representative of Company’s Culture for two years running.

Dresden holds a bachelor of science from Illinois State University, where he served as president of the Pi Sigma Epsilon marketing business fraternity. He is an active member of the Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, where he serves on the education committee. Dresden also serves on the Wayne County local community committee for the United Way. He resides in Clawson with his wife and two children.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 801 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 6,000 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM OFFERS COMPLETE BROKER SOLUTION FOR FHA APPRAISAL COMPLIANCE


Enhancements to DartExpress technology ensure mortgage brokers adhere to 2010 FHA appraiser independence requirements

TROY, MI, November 4, 2009 – DartAppraisal.com, a leading independent provider of residential real estate valuations, today announced an updated version of its popular DartExpress system to ensure compliance with all Federal Housing Administration mortgagee letters related to valuations. The technology updates come in advance of the FHA policy changes which will take effect January 1, 2010, allowing mortgage brokers, lenders and appraisers an early advantage in compliance.

DartAppraisal.com originally developed DartExpress technology in May 2009 to streamline the appraisal process for mortgage brokers while maintaining HVCC compliance. The enhanced system now maintains compliance with all new FHA appraisal policies for FHA-insured loans as well. DartExpress provides a quick and easy online system to initiate an appraisal order, pay for and track the progress of the order, and finally deliver a copy to the mortgage broker and lender in full compliance with HVCC and all new and existing FHA mortgagee letters.

“We have enhanced our DartExpress technology to now offer the fastest path to FHA policy compliance for mortgage brokers, lenders and appraisers,” said Marko Berishaj, vice president of DartAppraisal.com and a certified mortgage banker. “The Web-based system is a complete solution that ensures our appraisals adhere to all FHA mortgagee letters related to valuations. DartExpress continues to be extremely popular within the industry for HVCC compliant services, and we are confident it will deliver high quality results for users seeking FHA compliance.”

DartExpress users simply register on the DartAppraisal.com secure Web site and receive their own account password. The mortgage broker then picks from a list of FHA-approved lenders that have “authorized” DartAppraisal.com to process the appraisal order. Next the user pays online with a credit card, providing immediate credit verification and processing of the order without many of the common delays associated with consumer appraisal coordination.

Finally, mortgage brokers can track up to seven steps in the appraisal pipeline via the DartAppraisal.com Web site to determine the status of each order in the account. The viewable tracking process includes receipt, acceptance, scheduling, appointment set, inspection, quality control and possible addendums. Notations of any complications which may have arisen within the process are also visible.

Mortgagee Letter 09-28: Appraiser Independence

Mortgagee Letter 09-29: Appraisal Portability

Mortgagee Letter 09-30: Appraisal Validity Periods

DartAppraisal.com com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM PREPARES APPRAISERS FOR HUD REO APPRAISAL REPORTING


TROY, MICH., October 22, 2009 – As the number of properties in foreclosure mounts, DartAppraisal.com is preparing its appraisers to follow HUD REO appraisal guidelines. The Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations has contracted with McKissock LP to offer its Atlanta, Houston and Dallas area appraisers a full day course in REO Appraisal Guidelines.

“As a leading AMC providing services across the nation, it has become increasingly important to us that our appraisers are knowledgeable and up-to-date on the REO appraisal guidelines,” said Marko Berishaj, vice president of DartAppraisal.com. “Maintaining continuing education credits in key areas such as REO appraisal guidelines will further enable our appraisers to provide the highest quality product and service to our clients. This is an investment in our people.”

Through this course, DartAppraisal.com appraisers will:

  • Understand HUD REO appraising guidelines
  • Understand Quick Tips from FHA
  • Understand processing instructions for FHA-insured financing
  • How to comply with ML99-18 and the updated appraisal handbook 4150.2
  • Understand FHA policy regarding responsibility in reporting sales concessions & data verification
  • Understand the updated Fannie Mae forms from March 2005
  • Understanding FHA’s repair and inspection requirements for existing properties
  • Understand HUD changes to Appendix A (REO) & Appendix C (Native American Tribal Trust Lands)
  • Understand common REO Appraisal Reporting Missteps
  • How to determine if HUD REO Appraisal requirements have been met

This is the third year that DartAppraisal.com has conducted REO appraisal training in Texas, and the second year it has offered it in Georgia. A full-day session exclusively for DartAppraisal.com appraisers will be held October 28 at the Hotel Midtown Atlanta. Training was held in Houston and Dallas earlier this month. The REO Appraisal Guidelines course has been approved for continuing education credit through the state appraisers board. Services offered by DartAppraisal.com are compliant to Mortagee Letter 2009-28 and HVCC-compliant.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 6,000 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM ANNOUNCES INTEGRATION WITH FNC MORTGAGE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY


Marriage of innovative mortgage technologies offers HVCC compliance, streamlined order fulfillment

TROY, MICH., August 26, 2009 – DartAppraisal.com, the Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations, today announced their integration to mortgage technology company FNC Inc., a pioneer in real estate collateral information technology. FNC’s clients are among the largest mortgage industry lenders, including MetLife Bank, Union Bank, and Wachovia (a Wells Fargo company).

Most recently, mortgage lenders turned to FNC platforms for help in complying with the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). DartAppraisal.com offers superior technology and proven results for delivery of HVCC-complaint appraisal services.

As a marriage of innovative mortgage technologies, the collaboration between DartAppraisal.com and FNC will create a secure, bi-directional communication link for required data.. The direct interface will transmit necessary data between the two firms and their respective platforms. The integration will also facilitate payment between mortgage borrowers or brokers and DartAppraisal.com.

The direct interface allows DartAppraisal.com to receive appraisal requests from an FNC Collateral Management System (CMS®) client. DartAppraisal.com fulfills the order and then delivers the completed appraisal back to the client through FNC’s AppraisalPort®, an online portal designed to securely deliver appraisal orders and completed valuation products. This partnership eliminates the need for DartAppraisal.com to use the web interface and manually retrieve and deliver FNC client orders and products, streamlining the appraisal process.

“FNC is always excited to have new vendors integrate with AppraisalPort, the nation’s leading portal for delivering secure valuation documents in the AIReady data format required by the nation’s largest residential real estate mortgage lenders,” said Shawn Telford, FNC CMS product manager. “We are happy to be able to offer our lender clients direct, secure access to DartAppraisal.com’s services.”

“The integration of DartAppraisal.com with FNC is an ideal combination of leading mortgage industry technologies,” said Darton Case, president of DartAppraisal.com. “Our stringent quality control measures and streamlined processes offer proven results to our clients.”

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 6,000 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiencywww.dartappraisal.com.

FNC pioneered real estate collateral information technology. Since 1999, FNC has offered solutions that automate appraisal ordering, tracking, documentation and review for lender compliance with OCC, OTS, Federal Reserve, FDIC, and other regulations. FNC's lender clients have realized reduced costs and more efficient loan processing. With its collateral management platforms and collateral-focused data and analytics, FNC provides advanced insight into the property backing a loan from origination to capital markets. No one understands real estate collateral better than FNC. Visit FNC online at www.fncinc.com.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM ANNOUNCES INTEGRATION WITH PLATINUMDATA SOLUTIONS


TROY, MICH., July 21, 2009 – DartAppraisal.com, the Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations, today announced their integration to PLATINUMdata Solutions. Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., PLATINUMdata Solutions is a technology and information company serving the mortgage lending industry.

As a partner of PLATINUMdata Solutions, DartAppraisal.com offers a seamless solution to appraisal compliance under the new Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC).

“We are proud to have linked DartAppraisal.com to our Appraisal Ordering System (AOS),” said Arturo Garcia, vice president of fulfillment and implementation for PLATINUMdata Solutions. “PLATINUMdata Solutions is committed to providing the best technology tools to the mortgage industry, and adding DartAppraisal.com will only strengthen our AOS. Clients will benefit from the seamless appraisal ordering process as appraisal assignments flow between our systems through this interface.”

When ordering an appraisal through PLATINUM’s AOS, lenders can be sure that the process is HVCC compliant. The system randomly assigns the client’s order to a PLATINUM partner such as DartAppraisal.com. The AOS then helps track the status of the appraisal order. For auditing purposes, the AOS also notes when changes are made to the order.

“DartAppraisal.com represents a partner that truly cares about the quality of the appraisal,” said Garcia. “In this market, with so many AMCs claiming to perform quality work, it is hard for our clients to select the best. PLATINUMdata has worked with many AMCs and DartAppraisal.com consistently stands out because of their commitment to solving issues as they arise.”

“DartAppraisal.com combines leading technology with stringent quality control measures for a comprehensive appraisal,” said Darton Case, president of DartAppraisal.com. “While mortgage lenders and brokers navigate through this rapidly changing industry, innovative companies like PLATINUMdata Solutions and DartAppraisal.com are leading the way with integration partnerships that offer proven results.”

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM’s), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 3,500 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. DartAppraisal.com reduces cycle time and offers proven results.www.dartappraisal.com.

PLATINUMdata Solutions is a provider of next generation mortgage technology tools. The company was founded to provide innovative, flexible and easy to use technology solutions, meaningful property analytics and reliable real estate information designed to serve the mortgage industry.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM ANNOUNCES INTEGRATION WITH MORTGAGE BUILDER SOFTWARE


First AMC partnership on Mortgage Builder LOS® system

 

TROY, MICH., May 14, 2009 –

DartAppraisal.com, the Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations, today announced their integration to Mortgage Builder’s® LOS system. Mortgage Builder Software, Inc., based in Southfield, Mich., is a provider of end-to-end mortgage banking software.

DartAppraisal.com is the first appraisal management company (AMC) to integrate with Mortgage Builder. The AMC offers a seamless solution to appraisal compliance under the new Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). The federal code went into effect May 1.

“We are pleased to partner with Mortgage Builder Software to offer their users a seamless solution to HVCC-compliant residential real estate appraisals,” said Darton Case, president of DartAppraisal.com. “As their first AMC integration, DartAppraisal.com combines leading technology with stringent quality control measures for a comprehensive appraisal. While mortgage lenders and brokers navigate through this rapidly changing industry, innovative companies like Mortgage Builder and DartAppraisal.com are leading the way with integration partnerships that will save clients time and money.”

“We chose DartAppraisal.com as the first appraisal management company to be fully integrated with Mortgage Builder LOS,” said Keven Smith, president and CEO of Mortgage Builder. “Their commitment to innovation and technology, as well as a hard-earned reputation for providing quality and value in the marketplace, makes them a leader in the appraisal process. The comprehensive system integration with DartAppraisal.com will create a cost and marketing benefit to both companies and provide more value to our users.”

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM's), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 3,500 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency.

About Mortgage Builder

Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Mortgage Builder Software, Inc. has been providing industry-leading loan origination software (LOS) to mortgage bankers, community banks, credit unions and financial institutions for more than eleven years. An innovator since its earliest days, Mortgage Builder was the first LOS to provide its full capabilities in Application Service Provider (ASP) form, as Software as a Service (SaaS) and in the traditional licensed, server-based configuration, providing complete flexibility to suit all clients’ business models. Mortgage Builder is an end-to-end lending solution for both retail and wholesale mortgage production channels, delivering pre-qualification tools, processing, underwriting, closing, post-closing, final document tracking, secondary marketing, warehousing, delivery, interim servicing and construction loan tracking. Electronic document management and compliant loan documents are included at no additional cost to lenders along with many other features that bring new levels of efficiency and cost savings to clients. Third party originator web portals and consumer-facing web tools are also available, enhancing flexibility. Mortgage Builder maintains the highest customer retention rate in the industry, as well as the highest implementation success rate. The company was named by Mortgage Technology Magazine as one of the industry’s Top 50 Service Providers in both 2007 and 2008, was a finalist for Mortgage Technology’s prestigious 2007 Help Desk Award, and was the winner of the 2008/2009 Help Desk award, recognizing outstanding customer service and the industry’s best technical support. For more information, visit ww.mortgagebuilder.com.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM LAUNCHES COMPLETE BROKER HVCC SOLUTION

 

TROY, MICH., April 30, 2009 – As mortgage brokers, mortgage lenders and residential real estate appraisers all brace for the impending HVCC changes coming Friday, one appraisal management company is launching new Web-based technology to help smooth the transition.

DartAppraisal.com, a leading nationwide provider of residential real estate valuations, has developed DartExpress™ technology to streamline the appraisal process for mortgage brokers while maintaining HVCC compliance. DartExpress™ provides a quick and easy online system to initiate an appraisal order, pay for and track the progress of the order, and finally deliver a copy to the mortgage broker and lender in full compliance with the HVCC. DartAppraisal.com will launch the system May 1, 2009 on the company Web site.

“Under the new HVCC code, mortgage brokers are losing a certain amount of control over the appraisal process,” said Marko Berishaj, vice president of DartAppraisal.com and a certified mortgage banker. “Our new DartExpress™ is a complete HVCC broker solution that allows the mortgage broker to not only place orders 24 hours-per-day via the DartAppraisal.com Web site, but also track their orders easily to determine the status of each file. Mortgage lenders are assured they are using a safe, secure system which conforms to all new HVCC regulations.”

Designed to be a complete HVCC solution for mortgage brokers, users simply register on the DartAppraisal.com secure Web site and receive their own account password. The mortgage broker then picks from a list of lenders that have “authorized” DartAppraisal.com to process the appraisal order. Next the user pays online with a credit card, providing immediate credit verification and processing of the order without many of the common delays associated with consumer appraisal coordination.

Finally, mortgage brokers can track up to seven steps in the appraisal pipeline via the DartAppraisal.com Web site to determine the status of each order in the account. The viewable tracking process includes receipt, acceptance, scheduling, appointment set, inspection, quality control and possible addendums. Notations of any complications which may have arisen within the process are also visible.

Early this year, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Finance Authority agreed on a revised code of conduct that aims to improve the reliability of appraisals on mortgage loans purchased by the two home funding companies. The amended home valuation guidelines (HVCC), which go into effect May 1, 2009, seek to create more independence for residential real estate appraisers, allowing them to provide fair and accurate appraisals free from pressure by mortgage brokers.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM's), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM TO FEATURE EXPERTS IN LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT IN LAUNCH OF DARTBOARD E-NEWSLETTER

 

TROY, MICH., April, 2009 –

Get Centered. Aim High. A simple message that is right on target for DartAppraisal.com as the growing Michigan-based company launches its new quarterly e-newsletter, DartBoard.

By creating the DartBoard concept as a leadership tool and resource, as opposed to a traditional company newsletter, DartAppraisal.com founder and President Darton Case aims to share meaningful content with his readers. The newsletter will include the insights of leading experts in management, work/life balance and innovation.

By featuring commentary from business consultants, personal mentors and colleagues, DartBoard provides practical advice and solid tips for improving any office culture or workplace. Readers will gain insights into creating a harmonious balance between personal and work priorities, and learn to recognize how these facets are innately intertwined.

“The insights that I have gained from my network of business associates and friends has both inspired and educated me,” said Case, an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization since 1996. “Ultimately, it has enabled me to create the company that I envisioned, without the sacrifices or trade-offs that can often lead to negative repercussions in our lives. Now, I’d like to share some of the wisdom that has been imparted to me. Through DartBoard, I’m giving a voice to my company and to those who have helped create our culture.”

The premier issue of DartBoard, Spring 2009, features Rand Stagen of the Stagen Leadership Institute, Bob Shenefelt of iMatter, and Emma Isaacs, a fellow member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization:

  • Is Technology Giving You ADD? Attention Management: Part One of a Three-Part Series by Rand Stagen
  • The Myth of Balance: Three Steps To A Harmonious Life by Bob Shenefelt
  • Set Them Free! Management vs. Leadership by Emma Isaacs

To receive the DartBoard e-newsletter, compliments of DartAppraisal.com, or to preview the first issue, visit www.dartappraisal.com/News/dartboard-e-newsletter. Get centered and aim high with Dart Board.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM's), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 3,500 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. DartAppraisal.com reduces cycle time, while saving its clients time and money. www.dartappraisal.com

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH ELLIE MAE FOR NEW HVCC-COMPLIANT APPRAISAL SERVICES PROGRAM

 

TROY, MICH., March 18, 2009 – DartAppraisal.com, the Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations, is expanding its ongoing partnership with Ellie Mae.  Ellie Mae is a leading provider of loan processing software for mortgage bankers, brokers and other third party originators.

Last week, Ellie Mae announced its HVCC-Compliant Appraisal Services, a new program designed to help banker, lender and broker clients fully comply with the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) that goes into effect on May 1, 2009.

Several of the industry's most widely accepted and leading appraisal management companies (AMC) have partnered with Ellie Mae to participate in the HVCC-Compliant Appraisal Services program.   DartAppraisal.com is one of four AMCs participating who are already integrated into the Ellie Mae network.

"The new program initiated by Ellie Mae, combined with the pending HVCC regulations, will serve to elevate the level of independence and transparency between appraisers and mortgage brokers or lenders," said Darton Case, president of DartAppraisal.com. "This independence will help to reduce opportunities for bias throughout the industry. Furthermore, it will serve to enforce the strict standards which DartAppraisal.com already has in place and extend those same standards on this platform."

"DartAppraisal.com acts as a firewall between the lender and the appraiser," said Case. "Our licensed appraisers are experienced and free from outside influence.  Their reports are reviewed by our quality control department, resulting in high-quality, independent property appraisals. DartAppraisal.com is proud to have partnered with Ellie Mae for more than four years to provide independent property appraisals."

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Finance Authority recently agreed on a revised code of conduct that aims to improve the reliability of appraisals on mortgage loans purchased by the two home funding companies. The amended home valuation guidelines (HVCC), which go into effect May 1, 2009, seek to create more independence for residential real estate appraisers, allowing them to provide fair and accurate appraisals free from pressure by lenders or brokers.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM's), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 3,500 state licensed appraisers and is  committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. DartAppraisal.com reduces cycle time, while saving its clients time and money.  www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

DARTAPPRAISAL.COM LAUNCHES Dart Tracker™  WITHIN NEW WEB SITE, DELIVERS NATIONWIDE ORDER STATUS IN SECONDS

 

TROY, MICH., January 21, 2009 – DartAppraisal.com, the Troy, Mich.-based provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations, today announced the launch of a new company Web site.  The new www.dartappraisal.com is designed to increase the delivery and tracking speed of client appraisal orders. The announcement was made by Marko Berishaj, vice president of DartAppraisal.com.

"We are excited to introduce the many new enhancements at www.dartappraisal.com," Berishaj said.  "Our updated Web site revolutionizes the way appraisal reports are received by our clients. With Dart Tracker™, simply entering your loan number on the home page will produce your order status in just seconds.  Reducing clicks is vital to enhancing efficiency and productivity," he added.

DartAppraisal.com increases efficiency by centralizing the order and delivery of valuations products and services.  To reduce cycle time for clients, the company's national panel of appraisers adheres to stringent timelines for processing reports, setting appointments within 24 hours of assignment.

The new DartAppraisal.com Web site features the following tools to bring more relevant data to clients faster, with greater ease and fewer clicks.

Dart Tracker Plus™ Appraisal Tracking System

Displays a clients' entire appraisal pipeline sequentially from "order received" to "In Quality Control." If there are alerts as to missing or incorrect borrower data that need to be addressed, this will be shown here as well.

Dart Tracker™

Displays a single appraisal file for quick information as to its status and progression in the appraisal process. Access to data requires a loan number or Dart file number. Express Tracker™ is located on the main homepage of the DartAppraisal.com website. No login is needed and requires fewer clicks to access your file's status information.

Dart EZ Pay™ Online Prepayment System

Dart EZ pay provides instant prepayment capabilities after an appraisal order has been placed. This tool reduces overall appraisal turnaround times and eliminates cancellations by ensuring that the borrower is ready to move forward with their application. Moreover, the system accepts all major credit cards allowing greater flexibility.

Dart Link™ Appraisal Interface Connections

Dart Link is a technology interface protocol that allows for the direct connectivity of the loan origination or management software products (listed below). The benefit of using these platforms is the ease of data entry and less keying time into a system that is familiar.

  • Encompass by ePASS
  • Mortgage Builder
  • Sharper Lending
  • Lending Xpress
  • First Close by FLDI
  • HomeTracker

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM's), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 3,500 state licensed appraisers and is committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. DartAppraisal.com reduces cycle time, while saving its clients time and money.  www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

VICE PRESIDENT OF DARTAPPRAISAL.COM NAMED CERTIFIED MORTGAGE BANKER

 

TROY, MICH., October 19, 2008 - Marko Berishaj, Vice President of DartAppraisal.com, received the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association on October 19, 2008.

 Achieving the designation represents the epitome of dedication and expertise in the real estate finance industry.  Prior to taking written and oral tests, CMB candidates must amass 150 points through professional experience, secondary education, and industry sponsored education including the School of Mortgage Banking through the Mortgage Bankers Association.

"The CMB designation demonstrates to our clients that our team is made up of people who strive to gain vast knowledge about their business, so that we offer the best solutions available to the market," a DartAppraisal.com spokesperson said.

DartAppraisal.com is a leading independent provider of nationwide residential real estate valuations. The Troy, Michigan-based company provides appraisal management services, automated valuation models (AVM's), and other custom valuation solutions for more than 800 clients. DartAppraisal.com uses leading edge proprietary technology to manage a panel of 3,500 state licensed appraisers and is  committed to providing the highest quality and efficiency. DartAppraisal.com reduces cycle time, while saving its clients time and money.  www.dartappraisal.com.

# # #

Questions or Comments? Call 888.327.8123 or send us and email. 2010 Corp! Science & Technology Award Winner

Login

> Forgot Password

Dart Tracker™

Enter any of the following info to display your appraisal status.