Tag Archives: real estate appraisal software

Class Valuation and Makena partner to help appraisers prepare for UAD 3.6

Class Valuation appraisers can collect better data in less time with real-time ANSI-compliant floor plans, GLA calculations, and discrete, UAD 3.6-ready data capture built into every inspection

TROY, Mich. and NAPLES, Fla., June 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company, today announced a partnership with Makena, a next-generation property data platform designed to help enterprises collect accurate, structured and actionable property data at scale. Through the partnership, Class Valuation appraisers will gain access to InstaPlan®, Makena’s mobile data collection and floor plan application, as they prepare for the wide-scale UAD 3.6 mandate on November 2, 2026.

Image caption: Class Valuation and Makena partner to help appraisers prepare for UAD 3.6.

InstaPlan generates ANSI-compliant floor plans, including real-time GLA calculations, and captures discrete data points as appraisers move through a property. Unlike other mobile data collection apps, appraisers can stop and resume collection at any point and complete all required data fields before leaving the property, making it a practical tool for UAD 2.6 reports today and built for what UAD 3.6 will require. InstaPlan integrates directly with SFREP and supports MISMO-compliant exports for appraisers using other form providers.

“We’re recommending InstaPlan to our appraisers because we’ve seen what it can do, and we’re confident in the technology,” said Chris Flynn, chief operating officer of Class Valuation. “UAD 3.6 is bringing meaningful changes to how appraisers collect and report property data, and we want our appraisers to have the right tools in hand before the mandate. This partnership is a direct expression of our commitment to supporting the appraisers who rely on Class Valuation.”

Class Valuation appraisers using InstaPlan are already seeing meaningful time savings, with average inspection times dropping from 1.3 hours to less than 30 minutes for a standard 3,300 square foot property. Faster data collection reduces revision requests and accelerates report delivery.

“We built InstaPlan to take the complexity out of property data collection so appraisers can focus on their work, not the tools,” said Anthony Guarascio, co-founder and chief executive officer of Makena. “Partnering with Class Valuation is a natural fit because they understand what appraisers need and share our commitment to bringing practical innovation to the industry.”

“As UAD 3.6 preparations ramp up, appraisers need tools that make data collection faster, more consistent and easier to manage in the field,” said Steve Yatko, co-founder and chief technology officer of Makena. “InstaPlan was designed to support that shift with a simple mobile workflow that captures floor plans, photos and room-level data in one pass.”

InstaPlan is available now for iOS through the Apple App Store. Class appraisers can complete InstaPlan training at makenauniversity.com.

About Class Valuation

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) known for fast turn times, exceptional quality, and strong client service. The company brings together skilled professionals, purpose-built products and advanced technology to support lenders across the country. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned recognition as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, visit https://www.classvaluation.com.

About Makena

Makena™ is a next-generation property data platform that helps enterprises collect accurate, structured and actionable property data at scale. Founded in 2022, Makena combines mobile data collection, 3D modeling, and AI-driven analysis on the devices field professionals already carry — serving the appraisal, insurance, construction and facilities management industries with a focus on accuracy, compliance readiness and ease of use in the field. Makena is headquartered in Naples, Fla. For more information, visit https://instaplan.ai.

Tags: @ClassValuation @MakenaAI #appraisal #valuation #UAD36 #lending

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Class Valuation), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/class-valuation-and-makena-partner-to-help-appraisers-prepare-for-uad-3-6/

Class Valuation among early AMCs to receive Collateral Underwriter access

Milestone removes friction from the appraisal review process, driving greater efficiency for lenders and clients

TROY, Mich., Feb. 26, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced that it is one of the first AMCs to receive access to Collateral Underwriter® (CU®), Fannie Mae’s proprietary appraisal risk assessment tool, marking a significant milestone for appraisal review and risk management.

Image caption: Class Valuation.

CU is used by lenders to assess appraisal quality and identify potential valuation risks earlier in the mortgage process. Now, lenders and AMCs can work from a common set of insights, reducing misalignment and unnecessary back-and-forth during appraisal review. This shared framework will lead to fewer surprise revisions and clearer expectations from the outset, creating a smoother, faster experience throughout the entire collateral review process. Earlier insight also supports a more streamlined appraisal review process, with fewer delays tied to appraisal revisions, ultimately reducing time and cost for both lenders and their teams.

Class Valuation expects to integrate CU insights into its overall appraisal review processes in a thoughtful, structured way. The company is reviewing best practices and plans to work closely with key lender clients to ensure alignment on how CU-driven findings are applied within appraisal review expectations, while maintaining strong appraisal quality standards. This shared access creates a new level of continuity between Class Valuation and Fannie Mae, ensuring that appraisal review decisions are informed by the same data and insights, and removing the friction that has historically slowed the process for lenders, appraisers and AMCs alike.

“Access to CU enables us to surface potential appraisal risks earlier, reduce revision cycles and work alongside lenders to drive a more consistent, efficient review process,” said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. “This marks an important advancement for our clients and the industry, reinforcing alignment between Class Valuation and Fannie Mae.”

Class Valuation will continue to engage clients as implementation progresses and will provide additional guidance as best practices are finalized.

ABOUT CLASS VALUATION:

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) renowned for its commitment to fast turn times, exceptional quality and unparalleled client service. The company leverages a powerful combination of skilled professionals, innovative products, streamlined processes and advanced technology to empower lenders in fulfilling homeownership dreams. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for its outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned accolades as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, please visit https://www.classvaluation.com.

X: @ClassValuation #appraisal #valuation #lending @FannieMae

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/class-valuation-among-early-amcs-to-receive-collateral-underwriter-access/

Class Valuation launches next-generation appraisal review solution designed to enhance compliance and reduce repurchase risk

TROY, Mich., June 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today the launch of Class Valuation Analysis (CVA), a next-generation appraisal review solution engineered to bring greater transparency, compliance and confidence to residential property valuations.

Image caption: Class Valuation.

CVA delivers a comprehensive review of original appraisal reports that complies with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Each review is conducted by a licensed appraiser who analyzes the original report, leverages analyst-assisted automated valuation model (AVM) tools, and provides supplemental comparables or revised valuations as needed.

As the largest valuation provider in the nation, Class Valuation is committed to delivering best-in-class, customized solutions that meet the evolving needs of its partners. CVA was developed to provide capital market and lender clients with a direct, trusted source for appraisal reviews, eliminating the need to rely on third-party vendors.

“In today’s market, uncertainty is expensive, and lenders can’t afford to second-guess their valuation data,” said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. “Class Valuation Analysis delivers what our partners need most—clarity, confidence and compliance—especially when making high-stakes trading decisions tied to mortgage servicing rights. By combining licensed expertise, AVM-backed analysis and actionable reporting, CVA helps our clients validate collateral quality and mitigate risk across the loan lifecycle.”

Lenders can use CVA at multiple stages of the loan lifecycle, including forensic appraisal reviews, internal control audits, construction validation and even for GSE post-board evaluations. With rapid turnaround times, detailed compliance checks and supplemental comparables where needed, CVA ensures that each report not only holds up under scrutiny but actively strengthens decision-making processes.

Each CVA review includes:

A risk-based appraisal assessment by a licensed appraiser
Validation of comparables, adjustments and disclosures
Optional revised valuation or supplemental comparables
A clear, actionable report to support the next steps in lending

CVA is Rating Agency Accepted, which meets the due diligence and appraisal review standards expected by leading credit rating agencies. This designation gives lenders confidence that each review aligns with the requirements of secondary market participants and institutional investors.

CVA offers a streamlined alternative to a full review, delivering timely, USPAP-compliant reviews that help lenders manage risk and maintain loan quality. To learn more about CVA and how it can support the lending process, visit classvaluation.com/cva.

About Class Valuation:

Tags: @ClassValuation #CVA #appraisal #valuation #lending #duediligence

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/class-valuation-launches-next-generation-appraisal-review-solution-designed-to-enhance-compliance-and-reduce-repurchase-risk/

UniversalCIS Announces Acquisition of SharperLending

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- UniversalCIS, a market leader in technology and solutions to the mortgage industry, is pleased to announce the acquisition of mortgage technology provider SharperLending. The SharperLending transaction, which follows the merger of Universal Credit, CIS Credit Solutions, and Avantus, provides further enhancements to the technology platform for UniversalCIS.

SharperLending provides a product extension into software solutions for the residential and commercial appraisal markets through Appraisal Firewall and related products, optimized settlement and bundled services solutions, as well as direct income verification and mortgage credit reporting technology.

SharperLending will operate as an independent business unit as a wholly owned subsidiary of UniversalCIS. The strategic financial technology initiatives between the combined companies will provide deeper systems integrations, faster loan origination and processing, better leverage to loan operating systems, strong technology partnerships with the GSEs, and other technical integrations to banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and channel partners.

Perry Steiner, Chairman of UniversalCIS, stated, "The acquisition of SharperLending is a critical building block for the UniversalCIS technology platform, and it represents our entry into the real estate appraisal software market. This partnership will provide enhanced workflow tools for our clients, and provide greater value and a deeper level of integration in the mortgage origination process. Our primary focus will be to accelerate the level of technology investment in SharperLending's software products."

David Chiappe, President of SharperLending, stated, "This transaction represents a unique opportunity to combine our software platforms with a technology and solutions leader in the mortgage industry. As an independent subsidiary of UniversalCIS, SharperLending will be able to offer a greater level of resources and investment to all of our clients."

Dave Black, founder of SharperLending continued, "As a private company for over 30 years, we were very careful and deliberate in choosing our partner for our future growth, and we anticipate great things together with UniversalCIS."

Jerry Haftmann, CEO of UniversalCIS stated, "We welcome all SharperLending customers and employees to our business. This partnership represents a natural extension to provide residential and commercial appraisal software, and SharperLending will continue to independently support its mortgage credit industry clients. We plan to integrate and leverage the SharperLending technology in all aspects of our business as we continually strive to increase efficiency in the mortgage origination process."

About UniversalCIS

UniversalCIS is a market leader in mortgage technology, credit reporting, and related products and solutions for mortgage originators. UniversalCIS has over 4,000 clients ranging from the largest bank and non-bank mortgage originators to credit unions and mortgage brokers. UniversalCIS prides itself on the best technology, solutions, and service in the industry. UniversalCIS was created through the merger of Universal Credit Services, CIS Credit Solutions, and Avantus.

For more information, please visit: http://universalcis.com/

About SharperLending Solutions

SharperLending is a leading technology provider to the mortgage industry. SharperLending provides financial technology software solutions to channel partners and lending institutions to increase efficiency, mitigate risk, and offer affordability. The company's proven technology has processed more than two billion secure mortgage transactions. The company has three major platforms under its corporate umbrella: Appraisal Firewall appraisal platform, the XpertOnline credit platform and the EPN loan origination and settlement service platform.

For more information, please visit: http://sharperlending.com/

UniversalCIS, a market leader in technology and solutions to the mortgage industry, is pleased to announce the acquisition of mortgage technology provider SharperLending. The SharperLending transaction, which follows the merger of Universal Credit, CIS Credit Solutions, and Avantus, provides further enhancements to the technology platform for UniversalCIS.

Related link: https://universalcredit.com/