InHouse Inc., a provider of appraisal technology for banks, lenders, credit unions and other mortgage originators, is turbocharging its online presence to reflect changes within the industry and make the appraisal process easier for lenders and appraisal professionals alike.

According to Jennifer Creech, president and chief executive officer of InHouse Inc., keeping informed is one of the best ways to improve the appraisal programs of most lenders — and her company is well positioned to help. InHouse not only provides one of the industry’s most advanced appraisal management technology platforms, it also operates its own nationwide appraisal management company (AMC), InHouse Solutions.  Being situated to work with lenders, with other AMCs and with appraisal companies (and their individual appraisers), Creech said her company has become a point of intersection for industry professionals with a stake in appraisal quality and information. 

“We have redesigned our website to leverage our unique position as a technology provider and a national AMC,” she explained. “We have appraisal professionals on our staff to provide quality control services and we deal with appraisers daily as we handle orders for lenders. Our technology staff is expert on appraisal process management and knows a great deal about helping lenders automate as much of their appraisal programs as possible to save money and stay compliant.

“We have added blog entries, access to industry resources, information on business partners and an improved navigation experience to make finding relevant information easier,” she said. “We are building our web presence into a true resource for industry professionals interested in valuations.”

At the same time, InHouse is expanding its social media reach. 

“Social media is no longer just a trend, it’s a tool,” she said. “Our new Twitter page is designed to bring InHouse experts closer to our users and others who will benefit from their extensive knowledge.”  InHouse can be followed @InHouse_USA.

Creech added, “Our LinkedIn company page will also be bringing our experts closer to our users, and will be constantly refreshed with articles and insights aimed at appraisal management and field appraising professionals.

“Just as InHouse Connexions raised the bar for appraisal management technology, oversight and tracking, we intend our new web presence to provide informational tools that the industry needs to stay on top of the issues that affect it every day,” she said.

The website’s blog addresses topics such as the critical concerns of appraisers as they perform their functions within the appraisal independence requirements (AIR), and under renewed scrutiny. Lender issues are also explored, as they operate under the microscopes of numerous regulators and are hard pressed to keep up with changes and requirements from CFPB and others. 

“We’re right in between, and see our role as one of bringing lenders and appraisers together not just to do business, but to share concerns and find solutions to common problems,” Creech said. “The website and social media are effective tools toward accomplishing those goals, and they are a major component of our industry benefit and value proposition.”