Common questions from lenders and appraisers. If you do not see what you need, call us — a person picks up.
Tell us what needs to be appraised and where. A manager scopes the job with you on the same call.
Not an algorithm. A local manager who knows the market selects the right appraiser for the specific property.
You have the manager's direct line throughout. No status pages. No ticket system. Just a phone number.
Every report is read by a manager before it reaches you — checked for the things automated review will never catch.
Optatus, is an Appraisal Management Company (AMC). The AMC acts as an unbiased intermediary between interested parties and an appraiser during an appraisal transaction. Optatus handles all communication between lenders and appraisers to ensure compliance and standardize the appraisal process.
An appraisal is a report completed by a trained and state-licensed appraiser that assesses the market value of a real estate property in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Appraisals are used as the foundation for mortgage loans. The opinion of market value in an appraisal can also act as guidance for other real estate decisions.
Yes, Optatus is available to assist private clients who only need to order one appraisal. See Order an Appraisal on our ‘Contact’ page to get started.
Please note that fees vary based on property complexity and regionalized market trends. Optatus strongly believes in compensating appraisers fairly in order to secure the most timely and accurate appraisals possible. Feel free to contact Optatus staff directly for more information on fee schedules as well as typical fees for rush options and other products.
The Optatus client is always responsible for payment of the appraisal. However, it should be understood that in many cases our client will require payment or reimbursement by the borrower for the appraisal.
At Optatus the typical turn time for a standard appraisal is 5 business days. However, we offer multiple rush options that will guarantee delivery of the appraisal in anywhere from 1-4 business days. The turn time of an appraisal includes inspection of the subject property, the research and preparation of the report, and a unique Optatus quality review. Please note that turn times may vary due to property complexity and location.
The lender authorizes the appraisal, but the lender personnel do not select the appraiser. Appraiser selection is manual, always performed in compliance with Appraiser Independence Requirements (see below). This means that all appraisal orders are arms length transactions where the lender is unaware of the appraiser’s identity until the final copy of the appraisal report is delivered. In turn, the appraiser is only provided the client name and address to facilitate appraisal form completion and is never provided the loan officer, processor or any other originating personnel contact information by Optatus.
Optatus always expects the highest quality of appraisals. If there are believed to be any errors or omissions that are material to the appraisal, our client should contact Optatus immediately to review options for correction or clarification.
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