Palm Coast, Fla., April 15, 2020 — ACI®, a member of the First American (NYSE: FAF) family of companies, today announced the launch of OpenHouse, an innovative valuation technology that allows appraisers to remotely collect property information and integrate collected information directly into an appraisal report. ACI OpenHouse supports social distancing and recent temporary measures by permitting desktop and exterior-only inspection for greater flexibility in the appraisal process.
With ACI OpenHouse, appraisers facilitate an exchange with an inspection contact to collect property information directly from the ACI platform. OpenHouse allows the secure transfer of photos and responses from a series of questions, ensuring a comprehensive perspective of the current condition of the subject. Once complete, pertinent information is populated back into the ACI platform, allowing appraisers to make fewer assumptions and ultimately a more supported appraisal report.
“Appraisers today face a unique challenge of supporting the health and safety of all involved in a real estate transaction while acquiring relevant property data to create credible appraisals,” said Alan Hummel, chief appraiser at First American Staff Appraisals, LLC. “ACI OpenHouse allows appraisers to collect the detailed, contemporaneous property information they need through an efficient, automated process for a safe, seamless experience for both the appraiser and inspection contact.”
“We see this as an opportunity to improve the appraisal workflow above and beyond the current climate,” said George Opelka, general manager at ACI. “ACI OpenHouse provides an avenue to gain valuable insights into the properties being appraised earlier, reducing the time it takes to manage the inspection process.”
Current ACI customers can immediately access OpenHouse from the eServices menu by running a standard software update (WebUpdate). For more information, contact the ACI OneCall team at support@aciweb.com.
About ACI
ACI specializes in creating innovative workflow solutions for real estate appraisers, appraisal management companies and financial institutions. Backed by analysis-driven tools and industry expertise, ACI’s cloud-based and enterprise software applications empowers stakeholders with a streamlined approach to managing forms, rules and data, while operating with audit-ready transparency and compliance. Through visionary leadership and dedication to client service, ACI has served as a reliable and driving force in the valuation industry for nearly forty years. Headquartered in Palm Coast, Florida, ACI is a member of the First American (NYSE: FAF) family of companies. For more information, visit www.aciweb.com.
About First American
First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust and wealth management services. With total revenue of $5.8 billion in 2017, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2018, First American was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the third consecutive year. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com.
Media Contact:
Marcus Ginnaty
Corporate Communications
First American Financial Corporation
(714) 250-3298