Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a lender/investor have a configured instance?

The VALIDITY app is configurable so a lender/investor can configure their own instance with customized question sets, instructions and required photos.

Can you integrate with my platform?

We have integrated directly with many clients including proprietary platforms, leading Loan Operating Systems (LOS) and 3rd party platforms. (more…)

Do you display the locations on an overhead image of the property showing location of each photo?

Overhead images of properties are typically not detailed enough and lack the dimensional attributes to make this practical. VALIDITY does offer the appraiser a 'roll over' mechanism for viewing the metadata (GPS coordinates, map location, photo date).

Do you have a process to deliver printed copies of completed reports to borrowers?

Yes, we have a compliant process for delivering completed reports to borrowers if required. (more…)

Do you have hybrid valuation products?

Yes, we have several hybrid valuation products. Finding the right product depends upon your goals, risk tolerance and regulatory environment. (more…)

Do you require location services to be enabled on the device?

VALIDITY recommends that location services be enabled on the device for the photo verification steps and prompts the user to do so. VALIDITY will not stop the homeowner from completing the inspection without location services, but will continually warn them that the photos cannot be validated. The appraiser and lender can clearly see which photos have passed all stages of verification and which ones have only partial or no verification. The system was designed this way so not to create a roadblock should a homeowner not have location services on their device or are unable to enable them.

Does it cost more to use Intelligent Cascade?

No, there is no additional cost for using IC. Schedule your consultation today so you can begin saving time and money tomorrow.

Does the appraiser receive the information in a format that can be easily stored in their workfile?

Yes. The appraiser receives a PDF with all of the inspection data, including PDF-friendly versions of the images and all commentary from the homeowner. Additionally, the appraiser can click a link to download a zip file with all of the original image files.

Does the user provide an attestation or certification upon submission of the data?

VALIDITY does require that the homeowner or property contact attest that the provided information is representative of their property and condition at time of inspection. VALIDITY also warns the homeowner for each uploaded photo that 1) does not contain metadata, 2) the metadata indicates the photo was taken prior to the inspection, 3) the metadata indicates the photo was taken from a location other than the subject property or 4) the photo is a duplicate of another photo provided. The homeowner is prompted to replace the photo in question but can override with a required explanation. All photos that don't meet these checks are flagged with the homeowner's explanation when delivered to the appraiser. The appraiser also has an opportunity to review all photos and information provided and can mark with questions and return an email link to the homeowner to provide clarification and/or additional information. This two way communication is a differentiating feature from competing apps and is all contained within the VALIDITY application. The homeowner and appraiser can perform multiple submission and review sessions until the appraiser is satisfied with the inspection results.

How do I order when using Intelligent Cascade?

You just order, there is nothing different that needs to be done on your side. Once Stewart Valuation Intelligence receives the order we use your criteria to deliver the best product.

How do you know the person is authorized to provide the information?

The lender provides the homeowner contact information with the appraisal order. The appraiser has specific instructions on how to contact the homeowner and is responsible for verifying who will be providing the required information and when the homeowner will complete the inspection.

How do you prevent images poor quality images, images taken in poor lighting, etc.?

VALIDITY provides some tips and instructions to the user, but the final acceptance of the photos is the responsibility of the appraiser. If they are not comfortable with quality, they can ask for additional photos.

How do you prevent the user from spoofing their location?

VALIDITY requires the homeowner to take multiple photos of the exterior of the home, including the property address and street photos to the left and right of the property. Additionally, photo location and dates are verified to make sure that they were taken from the subject location and after the homeowner was requested to do the inspection. All of the photo metadata is available to the appraiser, and they review photos versus available satellite/birds eye view images during the review process to confirm it's the same property. Nonetheless, tools that can manipulate GPS location are available to the most determined fraudulent actor.

How long have you been completing review products?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence has been completing and delivering Desktop Appraisals since 2000.  (more…)

I thought I could only use drive-by appraisals for home equity valuations?

Many companies can only provide appraisal-based solutions, limiting your choice. Stewart Valuation Intelligence offers AVM, Agent/Broker and Appraiser derived solutions and can match products to your need and credit-risk policy.

Is Stewart Valuation Intelligence on Ellie Mae Encompass?

Yes, Stewart Valuation Intelligence is integrated with Encompass and can be quickly added to your vendor list. (more…)

Is the application designed to be multi-lingual?

Yes, VALIDITY is designed to be multi-lingual.

Is there a cost-effective way to add interior photos to a solution?

Stewart Valuation Intelligence’s VALIDITY homeowner guided inspection tool can be used in conjunction with many of Stewart Valuation Intelligence’s solutions to give you a view inside the property in question.

Is there an API?

Yes. VALIDITY is a stand-alone application that any party can utilize via the API. It has no dependencies on Stewart Valuation Intelligence, so it can be used by appraisers, AMCs, lenders or investors for appraisals Stewart Valuation Intelligence may not be involved in.

VALIDITY: Are the locations and timestamps for each photos saved?

Yes, provided location services and metadata are enabled on the device taking the picture.

VALIDITY: Are you able to detect images used from the web?

Images from the web would lack the proper date stamp and location data, which means they would fail the photo verification and be open to further verification from the appraiser.

VALIDITY: Do you allow photos from anywhere other than the camera app?

When using a mobile device, the homeowner can only use new photos that have originated on that device. We do provide an option for VALIDITY to be used on a desktop or laptop device to support wider adoption. In these cases, the metadata in the uploaded photo would be used to verify location and time provided it is present. If the photos do not have metadata available, the same warnings, flagging and homeowner required comments would be present so the appraiser would be aware of the situation when they perform their review.