The Valuation Link Difference
Maintaining the health and safety of our clients, employees and our communities at large is of the utmost importance to our company. As situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, Valuation Link also remains committed to ensuring that we keep our clients’ real estate transactions moving forward by producing reliable, fully compliant valuation management and settlement solutions.
Business Continuity Considerations
Clients can rest assured that the Valuation Link team is fully operational nationwide, serving clients with high-quality reports and record-low turnaround times. We’re taking extraordinary measures to incorporate proper precautions to conduct home appraisals in a safe and secure manner, including:
Lender/Client Considerations
Our valued lender clients can be assured that Valuation Link panel appraisers are following the latest COVID-19 mitigation guidelines established by local governments and GSEs, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Furthermore, our service team is actively working toward maintaining low turn times and fees to secure you with the best possible due date.
- Please contact your borrower before the appraiser schedules the inspection appointment to establish that no one in the household has knowingly been exposed to COVID-19 nor is anyone in the house currently sick.
- Explain to your borrower that during this time period, the appraiser will be changing typical inspection protocols to minimize risk.
- For instances where in-person appraisals are still required, we’ve ensured lenders that no one is conducting an appraisal who shouldn’t be – based on their recent travel, interactions, health symptoms, etc.—while understanding and following all CDC guidelines.
- In cases where lenders are allowing alternatives to an interior inspection by the appraiser, Valuation Link is fully capable of performing exterior and desktop appraisals that can be supplemented with the latest homeowner led inspection technology that aides in a fraud reduction. Regardless of the scope of work, Valuation Link will provide an accurate valuation with the highest level of professional service.
- Per Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and certain portfolio lenders, we ask that you communicate with our team if exterior inspections are permitted on an order.
Appraiser Considerations
Safety for appraisers who are still conducting business is our chief concern. As lenders continue to add leniency to enable more desktop and alternative valuation products, we’ll ensure that our panel appraisers are aware of these options.
Valuation Link has administered several communications to our panel appraisers in return for adherence and mitigation of any risks:
- Appraisers will contact entry contacts prior to the appraisal order to determine that no one in the household has knowingly been exposed to COVID-19, nor are they currently ill.
- Appraiser will re-confirm prior to scheduled appraisal that no changes in the health of the persons providing property access have transpired since initial outreach.
- Persons providing property access will leave all lights on and doors open prior to inspection.
- Appraisers reserve the right to request documents ahead of time that provide support for legal descriptions, dimensions, easements and measurements to be included in the appraisal report—including home improvements and surveys.
- All panel appraisers will wear Personal Protective Equipment per CDC guidelines while inspecting the home, including face masks, gloves, eye protection, and hygienic shoe covers. They will have a supply of hand sanitizer and not touch any surfaces, door handles or light switches.
- Homeowners are expected to maintain social distancing while the inspection takes place.
- If there are any concerns at a property, appraisers will contact the Valuation Link support team immediately.
Homeowners: What To Expect At Your Appraisal Or Closing Appointment
During these extraordinary times, we’re taking extraordinary measures to ensure your real estate appraisal is completed in a safe and secure manner. To make these precautionary measures as effective as possible, we need your support. Thank you for your support and understanding.
CONTACT BY APPRAISER
The appraiser will contact you to schedule the inspection and ask about your health or recent international travel. We respect your privacy and don’t need any personal details, but if you think you may be sick, or if you’ve visited an area with active outbreaks, please let us know and we’ll happily come back at another time.
APPRAISER ARRIVAL
When a Valuation Link panel appraiser arrives, they’re going to ask to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet, and they will not shake your hand. This isn’t because they’re unfriendly, it is because they’re following CDC guidelines to maintain proper safety, which includes wearing PPE such as face masks, gloves, eye wear, hygienic shoe covers and sanitizer.
COMPLETING REPORT
We’re eager to get your appraisal report completed for you as quickly and easily as possible, but our primary commitment during this time is to keep you, our team members and our communities safe.
Resources
Regional Guidance and Safety Directives
Valuation Link remains in compliance with the directives established by authorities across individual markets. Follow the link below to review up-to-date information about current actions set in place from each state.
Click your state to learn more about the governmental actions and orders that are currently in place.
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