In January 2014, the new Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) Valuations Rule takes effect. Among other things, this rule requires that lenders must provide a copy of any automated valuation model (AVM) used in the mortgage lending process to applicants, even if the AVM was only used in a supporting role and not as the primary source of value. This will impose added expenses to an already burdensome process and may lead to increased confusion on the part of applicants. Valuation Research LLC, a provider of tools and analytics for valuation professionals, has developed solutions to help both appraisers and lenders deal with this new regulation. The company has created cost-effective technology that enables valuation professionals to develop more accurate, defensible value conclusions that can be easily shared. The technology can also help individuals determine if specific value conclusions are reasonable.