Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you monitor state regulatory changes to ensure that you are in compliance?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence is dedicated to monitoring and reviewing all regulatory changes at the state and federal levels. Our team of compliance professionals are well versed in the ever-changing compliance landscape. (more…)

How do you prevent images poor quality images, images taken in poor lighting, etc.?

VALIDITY provides some tips and instructions to the user, but the final acceptance of the photos is the responsibility of the appraiser. If they are not comfortable with quality, they can ask for additional photos.

How do you prevent the user from spoofing their location?

VALIDITY requires the homeowner to take multiple photos of the exterior of the home, including the property address and street photos to the left and right of the property. Additionally, photo location and dates are verified to make sure that they were taken from the subject location and after the homeowner was requested to do the inspection. All of the photo metadata is available to the appraiser, and they review photos versus available satellite/birds eye view images during the review process to confirm it's the same property. Nonetheless, tools that can manipulate GPS location are available to the most determined fraudulent actor.

How long does it take for SVI to respond to a customer service inquiry?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence responds to all customer inquiries within one hour of receipt as a policy. The actual response time has been less than 20 minutes from receipt of the customer inquiry. (more…)

How long have you been completing review products?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence has been completing and delivering Desktop Appraisals since 2000.  (more…)

How often do you pay?

For Partners signed up for direct deposit, all work closed in QC by Friday night will be paid by the following Wednesday (allow up to 48 hours for the funds to show in your account).

I thought I could only use drive-by appraisals for home equity valuations?

Many companies can only provide appraisal-based solutions, limiting your choice. Stewart Valuation Intelligence offers AVM, Agent/Broker and Appraiser derived solutions and can match products to your need and credit-risk policy.

Is Stewart Valuation Intelligence on Ellie Mae Encompass?

Yes, Stewart Valuation Intelligence is integrated with Encompass and can be quickly added to your vendor list. (more…)

Is the application designed to be multi-lingual?

Yes, VALIDITY is designed to be multi-lingual.

Is there a cost-effective way to add interior photos to a solution?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence’s VALIDITY homeowner guided inspection tool can be used in conjunction with many of Stewart Valuation Intelligence’s solutions to give you a view inside the property in question.

Is there an API?

Yes. VALIDITY is a stand-alone application that any party can utilize via the API. It has no dependencies on Stewart Valuation Intelligence, so it can be used by appraisers, AMCs, lenders or investors for appraisals Stewart Valuation Intelligence may not be involved in.

VALIDITY: Are the locations and timestamps for each photos saved?

Yes, provided location services and metadata are enabled on the device taking the picture.

VALIDITY: Are you able to detect images used from the web?

Images from the web would lack the proper date stamp and location data, which means they would fail the photo verification and be open to further verification from the appraiser.

VALIDITY: Do you allow photos from anywhere other than the camera app?

When using a mobile device, the homeowner can only use new photos that have originated on that device. We do provide an option for VALIDITY to be used on a desktop or laptop device to support wider adoption. In these cases, the metadata in the uploaded photo would be used to verify location and time provided it is present. If the photos do not have metadata available, the same warnings, flagging and homeowner required comments would be present so the appraiser would be aware of the situation when they perform their review.

What are your fees?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence offers competitive fees, and constantly studies the market to make sure our fees align with going market rates. We also encourage feedback from our partners and for you to set up your own fee schedule.

What are your products?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence is a national provider of Appraisal Management and residential real estate valuation services. Stewart Valuation Intelligence delivers a comprehensive suite of valuation products including appraisals, desktop appraisals, BPOs, desktop reviews, AVMs, data/analytics and hybrid solutions. (more…)

What do you do?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence is helping to ensure a strong and stable housing market by assisting financial institutions better manage their real estate risk. (more…)

What industry groups do you belong to?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Collateral Risk Network, Association of Appraisal Regulatory Officials and a founding member of the Real Estate Valuation Advocacy Association (REVAA). (more…)

What is an ADI?

Appraisal Desktop with Inspection (ADI) is a desktop appraisal completed by an appraiser in adherence to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The ADI is more economical than traditional field appraisal but retains the expertise of the local market appraiser. (more…)

What is an ARR?

The Appraisal Risk Review (ARR) is an appraisal review that evaluates the credibility of the appraisal relative to compliance with GSE Guidelines, common appraisal methodologies, USPAP and The Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines. (more…)

What is Home Value Forecast (HVF)?

Home Value Forecast (HVF) is our monthly look at real estate trends and market conditions. Not only does it provide our borrowers and customers insight into the current and future state of the U.S. housing market, but it has also proven to be a go-to resource for reporters and journalists covering national housing market trends. (more…)

What is Intelligent Cascade?

Intelligent Cascade is a rules-based valuation ordering platform that uses property, market, loan and borrower characteristics in conjunction with a lender’s credit risk guidelines to provide an automated product selection and upgrade workflow.

What is your coverage area?

Our coverage is nationwide. Stewart Valuation Intelligence has built and maintained a mature network of quality audited and rated Appraisers and Real Estate Agents/Brokers. (more…)