Industry News

 

 

ACI Acquires Real Estate Exchange Depot™

 

Palm Coast, FL—ACI, a leading innovator in technology for the valuation industry, announced the acquisition of the Real Estate Exchange Depot™ (REXDepot™), an Internet-based management platform for appraisers.

Marking ACI’s fourth acquisition during the Microsoft Windows era, REXDepot™ rounds out an already robust product portfolio. REXDepot™ will continue to expand as a product under the guidance and control of ACI and will serve as a vehicle to further extend ACI’s leadership role in the appraisal technology industry.

“ACI is a dominant force in the world of appraisal software. REXDepot™ needed the vision, leadership, and commitment of an industry leader like ACI to reach the next level,” said Steve Smith, founder, REXDepot™. “As both the founder and as a customer of REXDepot™, I’m excited for my appraisal business and for all of the customers using the system.”

REXDepot™ was designed to improve operational efficiencies for appraisers and their clients. It boasts a complete, web-based, appraisal office management system, allowing appraisers to easily coordinate assignments, communicate with clients, track accounts receivables, prepare payroll reports, and more.

“REXDepot™ represents another exciting addition to the services that ACI provides to appraisers,” said Dave Roberts, President, ACI. “With this acquisition, we are committed to advancing the REXDepot™ platform for the benefit of both ACI clients, as well as non-ACI brand users.”

Interested parties may contact ACI Sales at 800-234-8727 for further information.

 

 

ITA/Kaplan and HomeSafe offer Enhanced Infrared and Acoustical Home Inspection Training

 

 

Oxford, MS—HomeSafe and Kaplan/ITA announce the Enhanced Infrared and Acoustical Home Inspection Training course. Students will be trained in the American Society of Non-Destructive Testing’s (ASNT) Level I Thermography and then delve far deeper, learning real-world practical applications and problem-solving specifically related to IR usage in home inspections. The course covers:

 

• Infrared Physics and Thermodynamics
• Infrared Data Interpretation
• ASNT Thermography Level I
• Specialized Preparation for Optimal Infrared Scanning Conditions
• Infrared and EIFS Inspection
• Infrared and Roofing Inspection
• Infrared and Moisture Detection
• Infrared and Electrical Wiring/Hot Spots Inspection
• Infrared and Energy Loss Inspection
• Infrared and Mold Evaluation
• Infrared and Termite Detection
• Infrared and Internal Structural Inspection
• Thermal Performance of Home Building Materials
• The Physics of Sound
• Acoustical Termite Detection
• Wood-Destroying Insect Reporting

 

The course is taught using technology from HomeSafe Inspection. HomeSafe utilizes one of the most powerful, sensitive, high-resolution infrared cameras available to home inspectors. However, the Enhanced Infrared and Acoustic Home Inspection Training course is inclusive, and training applies to appropriate usage of all types of infrared equipment in home inspections.

 

Upon completion of the Enhanced Infrared and Acoustic Home Inspection course and passing an examination, trainees will be qualified to receive Specialist – Infrared Residential Inspection (S.I.R.I.) certificates at one of two levels:

 

Specialist – Infrared Residential Inspections - Designates that the trainee has met requirements to provide limited Infrared Home Inspection services appropriate to IR technologies with restricted capabilities

 

Specialist – Infrared Residential Inspections (Advanced) – Designates that the trainee has met more stringent requirements to provide a full range of advanced Infrared Home Inspection services utilizing HomeSafe’s high-powered, customized IR technology

 

For more information, please visit www.homesafeinspection.com or www.kaplan.com

 

 

Contact:            Jennifer Lange                                 Director of Public Relations                                 NADAguides.com                                 www.NADAguides.com                                 (949) 916-4820 - Direct                                 jlange@nadaguides.com

NADAguides.com Enhances Online Manufactured Housing Information

Costa Mesa, CA—NADAguides.com (http://www.NADAguides.com), the industry leader in manufactured homes pricing and information, announced it has made enhancements to the online manufactured housing section of its Web site. The enhancements include an easy-to-use online pricing request form, an informative buyer’s guide for people interested in purchasing manufactured homes, a comprehensive tips and advice section, important industry contact information including national and regional associations, as well as information that outlines the difference between mobile, manufactured and modular houses.

“We’re extremely excited about the launch of our newly enhanced online manufactured housing information,” said Sherrie Weller, manufactured housing editor, NADAguides.com. “Understanding what manufactured homes are all about, and then buying a home that fits your needs, can be a difficult process. We’ve taken the guesswork out of that process by providing valuable and convenient online resources, including tips and advice and pricing information, to help people make the best home purchasing decisions possible.”

At the click of a mouse, visitors to the manufactured housing section of the NADAguides.com Web site can request a pricing report of their home, and have that pricing report delivered in a variety of ways, including fax, email or standard mail. Visitors can also access one of the most comprehensive guides to buying a manufactured home, as well as in-depth manufactured housing tips and advice where people can learn about manufactured housing ratings; national, regional and state association information; home maintenance tips and a complete manufactured housing maintenance checklist.

Finally, manufactured housing appraisers can take full advantage of the Web site’s online services, including access to appraiser value request forms, national appraisal systems definitions, national appraisal systems bulletins and instructions about how to become a certified appraiser in the manufactured housing industry.

“NADAguides.com offers a significant amount of manufactured housing data in one convenient location,” said Weller. “And we will continue to expand our products in this section of our Web site because we understand just how important information is…information is power, and we empower millions of online consumers each and every month.”

To learn about the company’s Manufactured Housing enhancements, log onto NADAguides.com and click on the Manufactured Homes tab at the top of the website’s home page at http://www.NADAguides.com.

 

           

NAIFA Responds to International Valuation Standards Committee (IVSC) 

 

Chicago, IL—The National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) along with The Appraisal Institute (AI), the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, (ASFMRA) recently provided comments to the “Proposal for the Restructuring of the IVSC” issued in January.

 

The need for high quality valuation standards and the reconciliation of differences in the approaches and detailed requirements of different jurisdictions has become more intense as the capital markets become more global. Consequently, valuations that follow generally accepted valuation principles and valuations prepared by qualified valuation professionals are essential in meeting the increasing use of fair value measurement in financial statements.

 

The pressure for global convergence in standards and regulatory systems from users of financial information, regulators and others continues to grow, with many jurisdictions committing to the convergence of international standards. A clear set of internationally recognized and accepted valuation standards, consistent approaches, methodologies and definitions would eliminate the need for constituents to consider guidance in multiple national standards.

 

NAIFA, AI, ASA and ASFMRA are pleased with the IVSC and the governance group on the vision of a single set of valuation standards encompassing all assets and liabilities for the world markets. The groups collectively agree that the functions of a responsible international valuation standard setter must include an independent decision-making structure, appropriate due process, and sufficient technical capabilities. Further, the groups support the proposal to establish an independent international valuation standards board.

The Association