ACI, a member of the First American companies, launched its tool OpenHouse, an innovative valuation technology that allows appraisers to remotely collect property information and integrate collected information directly into an appraisal report, ACI announced in a press release.

ACI OpenHouse supports social distancing and recent temporary measures by permitting desktop and exterior-only inspection for greater flexibility in the appraisal process.

With ACI OpenHouse, appraisers facilitate an exchange with an inspection contact to collect property information directly from the ACI platform. OpenHouse allows the secure transfer of photos and responses from a series of questions, ensuring a comprehensive perspective of the current condition of the subject, the company said.

Once complete, pertinent information is populated back into the ACI platform, allowing appraisers to make fewer assumptions and ultimately a more supported appraisal report.

“Appraisers today face a unique challenge of supporting the health and safety of all involved in a real estate transaction while acquiring relevant property data to create credible appraisals,” said Alan Hummel, chief appraiser at First American Staff Appraisals, LLC. “ACI OpenHouse allows appraisers to collect the detailed, contemporaneous property information they need through an efficient, automated process for a safe, seamless experience for both the appraiser and inspection contact.”

ACI specializes in creating innovative workflow solutions for real estate appraisers, appraisal management companies and financial institutions.

“We see this as an opportunity to improve the appraisal workflow above and beyond the current climate,” ACI General Manager George Opelka said in the release. “ACI OpenHouse provides an avenue to gain valuable insights into the properties being appraised earlier; reducing the time it takes to manage the inspection process.”