Our Employee Spotlight series celebrates the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of our team. By sharing their journeys and expertise, we highlight the people who make our success possible every day.
As Chief Appraiser of the Staff Appraiser Division at Stewart Valuation Intelligence, Teri Zarate brings years of expertise, leadership, and a passion for delivering high-quality valuations. With a career spanning from fee appraising to mentoring and program development, she has been instrumental in shaping the Staff Appraiser Program. Outside of work, Teri enjoys family time, outdoor adventures, and cooking—and most recently, she’s embracing the joy of being a new grandmother
Personal Journey and Leadership
Teri, can you tell us about your journey to become Chief Appraiser of the Staff Appraiser Division at Stewart Valuation Intelligence?
Teri:
My journey to becoming Chief Appraiser has been shaped by extensive experience in the appraisal industry. I started my career as a certified residential appraiser in Salt Lake City, working as a field appraiser for 15 years. During the housing market crash, I transitioned into default mortgage servicing, which expanded my expertise. Eventually, I moved into the AMC space where I honed my leadership and quality control skills.
At Stewart Valuation Intelligence (SVI), I became Chief Appraiser of the Staff Appraiser Division, leading a team of expert staff appraisers dedicated to providing exceptional service for our customers and driving progress in the industry
I was excited to develop the Staff Appraiser Program—something I always believed the industry needed. My vision was to create a team dedicated to our customers and advancing the industry, built on four key pillars: turn time, quality, progress, and exceptional customer service. Drawing from my experience as an appraiser, leader, and advocate for industry growth, I shaped this initiative to deliver high-quality valuations efficiently while fostering a team committed to excellence
Program Vision and Strategy
What inspired the launch of the Staff Appraiser Program, and how does it align with Stewart Valuation Intelligence’s mission and goals?
Teri:
At SVI, our mission is to provide reliable, high-quality valuation solutions. This program helps us do just that by creating more accountability, fostering teamwork and streamlining the process for both clients and appraisers. By leveraging both our panel and staff appraisers, we’re able to be more flexible, ensure consistency, and provide the best possible service—while also giving appraisers the support and resources they need to thrive.
Industry Differentiation
What makes the Staff Appraiser Program stand out in the property valuation industry?
Teri:
What sets our program apart is our focus on quality, speed and accountability. Unlike a standard appraisal panel, our internal staff appraisers work directly with our team, ensuring better communication, faster resolutions and a commitment to excellence.
With this structure, we’re able to:
- Reduce turnaround times significantly.
- Ensure consistent quality—appraisers receive direct training and support.
- Maintain accountability—clients know they’re working with a dedicated, highly trained team.
Impact and Benefits
How does this initiative improve the appraisal process for clients, appraisers and the company?
Teri:
Our initiative improves the appraisal process by leveraging both our dedicated panel and in-house staff appraisers, ensuring high-quality reports, faster turn times, and improved communication.
For clients, this means greater confidence in the process. Whether an appraisal is handled by a panel appraiser or a staff appraiser, they can expect consistent service, timely updates, and reliable valuations. Having staff appraisers in-house adds an extra layer of assurance, reinforcing trust in the accuracy and efficiency of the appraisal process.
For appraisers, the initiative offers stability, professional development, and a collaborative work environment. While panel appraisers continue to operate independently, our staff appraisers benefit from a structured team setting, where they can share insights, refine best practices, and receive ongoing support. Additionally, staff appraisers are relieved of administrative burdens, allowing them to focus purely on valuation work rather than tracking payments or managing paperwork.
For the company, this dual approach strengthens client relationships, enhances service quality, and increases operational efficiency. By maintaining a balance between a strong panel and a dedicated staff, we can better manage demand, maintain consistency, and deliver superior valuation services.
Ultimately, this initiative creates a more efficient, reliable, and seamless appraisal experience for all parties involved.
Future Development
What are the key goals for the Staff Appraiser Program in the next year, and how do you see it evolving long-term?
Teri:
One of our primary goals is to expand our Staff Appraiser Team. We are focusing on key areas that will strengthen our team and enhance our ability to deliver exceptional service for our customers.
Another major focus is adapting to industry changes, particularly with the upcoming Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) redesign. This shift will require appraisers to embrace new technology and methodologies, and we’re committed to providing the necessary training and resources to ensure a seamless transition.
Long-term, we aim to:
- Continue optimizing processes to improve efficiency.
- Test and implement new technologies, including AI-powered tools.
- Strengthen our customer focus and service capabilities.
The industry is evolving rapidly, and SVI is staying ahead of the curve by supporting our appraisers and delivering exceptional service to our clients.
Team Recruitment and Collaboration
What qualities or skills do you look for in staff appraisers, and why should someone consider joining this program?
Teri:
We look for professionalism, strong communication skills, technical expertise and adaptability. Since staff appraisers represent Stewart directly, they need to be able to interact professionally with clients and borrowers, maintain a high standard of accuracy and adapt to the latest industry trends.
Key qualities we value include:
- Quality & Accuracy – Delivering consistent, high-quality reports.
- Customer Service Mindset – Ensuring a positive experience for clients.
- Technical Expertise – Understanding market analysis and appraisal methodologies.
- Adaptability – Being open to learning new technologies and processes.
- Collaboration & Communication – Working effectively within a team and keeping stakeholders informed.
For appraisers, joining this program means stable employment and benefits, ongoing training and the ability to focus solely on valuation work without administrative burdens. It also provides an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking company that values professional growth and innovation.
When away from the office, what activities or hobbies help you stay grounded and motivated as a leader?
Teri:
Spending time with my family is what keeps me grounded and motivated. I also enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, kayaking and bike riding, especially in Arizona’s beautiful landscapes. My family and I love taking our RV along the West Coast to explore new places. Cooking and listening to music at home also bring me a lot of joy and help me unwind. Most recently, becoming a grandmother has been one of the most fulfilling experiences—I never expected how much love and joy my granddaughter would bring into my life!
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