Our Employee Spotlight series celebrates the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of our team. In this edition, we’re proud to feature Jeff Dickstein, Director of Valuation Policy at Stewart Valuation Intelligence (SVI). With nearly 40 years in the mortgage and valuation industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and insight to our organization.
1. Personal Journey and Leadership
Can you share your career journey and what led you to your current role?
Jeff:
I’ve been in the mortgage and valuation industry for a long time, close to 40 years now. I actually started out in high school working for my dad’s mortgage company. I processed, funded and shipped loans before transitioning into appraising around 1989. Over time I worked across all phases of the loan lifecycle from originations to post-closing, due diligence, REO, loss mitigation and fraud investigations.
When I joined Pro Teck, now SVI, I was hired as Chief Appraiser because of my broad experience not just in appraisals but in compliance and post-loan operations. After the financial crash and the Dodd-Frank Act passed, compliance became a much bigger focus. Eventually, I transitioned into a full-time compliance role. I still hold 19 appraisal credentials and get pulled into appraisal issues often, but my main focus is regulatory compliance at the federal and state levels.
What’s exciting about your role today?
Jeff:
Every day is different. With 51 jurisdictions each having their own rules for AMCs and constant shifts in federal and state regulations, there’s always something new to learn. I like the challenge. I also get to educate clients and work with legislators and industry leaders to help shape policies. That kind of impact keeps the job meaningful.
2. Vision and Strategy
What are your key priorities for SVI and how do you see the company evolving in the next five years?
Jeff:
Technology is the future. We’ve got an aging appraiser population, most are in their late 50s or older, and while some are set in their ways, I believe the next generation will embrace tools like AI, data analytics and custom-built models. I’d love to see a shift away from pinpointing a single value and instead move toward value ranges backed by data. Valuation is a risk tool and our goal should be providing lenders with a clear picture of that risk, not just a number.
How would you describe the culture at SVI and what do you look for when bringing on new talent?
Jeff:
I don’t manage a team directly, but I work closely with people across Stewart in legal, IT, HR and insurance. Being part of the larger Stewart team is fantastic. The collaboration and professionalism across departments is top-notch. If I were to look for talent, I’d want people who are detail-oriented, have a sense of urgency and are eager to learn. This isn’t an industry where you can afford to be passive. You have to move fast and be proactive.
3. Challenges and Opportunities
What are the most pressing challenges in the valuation industry today and how is SVI addressing them?
Jeff:
Regulatory inconsistency and slow legislative reform are huge challenges. For example, we’ve been working for years to fix language in Dodd-Frank that forces AMCs to pay unnecessary fees without the intended return of grant funding. We’re also pushing to update outdated definitions in FHA regulations that exclude licensed appraisers from working on FHA assignments, affecting around 7,000 appraisers nationwide.
At SVI, we’ve taken an active role in engaging with lawmakers through REVAA and other industry groups. We’re not just reacting to policy, we’re helping shape it.
4. Industry Trends and Innovation
With the rapid changes in real estate valuation and technology, what trends or innovations are most exciting to you?
Jeff:
AI and data analytics are the future, plain and simple. There’s a fantastic book called Generative Shift: How Appraisers Can Thrive in an AI World by Jim Amorin. I’ve got notes in the margins, coffee stains and bookmarks. It’s been a game-changer in how I think about the role of tech in valuation.
The technology is out there. But the challenge is cultural. Appraisers have to want to learn and evolve. If they do, tools like AI can help make their work smarter, more efficient and more credible. That benefits everyone, from lenders to investors to homeowners.
5. Advice for Aspiring Leaders
What advice would you give to professionals looking to grow into leadership roles within the valuation or real estate industry?
Jeff:
Someone once told me, you need good people above you and good people below you. And I’ve found that to be true. If you’re surrounded by smart, supportive people who empower you and challenge you, you’ll thrive.
Also, know your stuff. Educate yourself, stay current with the industry and take ownership of your knowledge. No one’s going to hand it to you, you’ve got to go after it.
