Apex Appraisal Service (Apex) and Value Trend Solutions (VTS) have announced a strategic partnership and planned merger of business operations to offer a unified appraisal management solution, the companies announced in a news release.
All key individuals from both companies will continue to support the merged business, which plans to operate under the Apex brand.
“VTS has a great team in place with proven operational systems and processes that will help us as we continue to scale,” Apex Appraisal Service owner/Chairman Tim Hamilton said in the release.
Although Apex and VTS customers will not see any immediate changes, they will benefit from incremental improvements as best business practices from each company are standardized and integrated into a single appraisal management solution, the companies said.
“Customers should expect industry-leading service, communication, and integrity,” Greg Bernstein, the new chief operations officer of Apex and former managing partner at VTS, said.
Bernstein is committed to his continued role in the success of daily operations. On a larger scale, both companies recognize that the industry is evolving.
“Apex has a seasoned leadership team with a holistic approach that will help us navigate upcoming changes in appraisal regulation and fluctuating market conditions,” Bernstein, who will work closely with Apex CEO Gabriel Hern, said. “Our companies complement each other very well. This strategic partnership will expand and strengthen our resources. As a combined company, we will be able to provide our customers with unmatched quality, service, stability, and value across the country.”
Apex will remain headquartered in Northern California and VTS personnel will continue to operate out of their Phoenix location.
“Our goal is to make the merger as seamless as possible for our customers,” Bernstein added. “In some markets, we will continue to operate under the VTS name as a division of Apex, and customers will continue to work with the same VTS employees they know and love.”
This includes former VTS Partner and Certified Residential Appraiser Jay Josephs, who will continue on as Apex’s Southwest Region chief appraiser.