Software Firms Offer On-Line Appraisals

Two software companies are offering mortgage bankers the capacity to request and receive appraisals on their computers.

The appraisals will be conducted by certified companies and returned to lenders within one to four days, much faster than conventional methods, one of the system's developers said.

Freddie Mac already offers appraisals on its automated underwriting system.

The newest capability is being marketed jointly by United Systems Software, Mesa, Ariz., which developed the program, and Contour Software Inc., Campbell, Calif.

Some 4,000 lending offices will receive a free copy of the appraisal software soon, said Michael Schafer, a vice president at United Systems. He said the arrangement could generate two million requests a year.

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