Apprise by Walker & Dunlop
Data-Powered Property Valuations Redefined

Apprise is transforming the valuation advisory industry with the first-ever purpose-built, 100 percent web-based solution for property appraisals.

Drawing on the vast experience of Meghan Czechowski and six other valuation industry veterans, along with the support of Walker & Dunlop’s C-Suite, including CEO Willy Walker, Apprise tackles the inefficiencies and inconsistencies inherent in traditional appraisal methods, which often rely on manual data entry and fragmented tools like Microsoft Word and Excel.

Apprise streamlines the entire appraisal workflow, from data collection to report generation, guaranteeing consistency and accuracy across all stages. The platform’s web-based nature ensures that all data points and assumptions are preserved and readily available for future use, further enhancing efficiency and reliability.

“Apprise, like our broader W&D platform, is driven by people, brand and technology. I am thrilled that we are creating tremendous value for our clients and partners every day by providing appraisal and valuation services with increased accuracy, efficiency and reliability,” says Willy Walker, chairman and chief executive officer at Walker & Dunlop.

“Appraisal is a relationship business—you want to be the trusted vendor providing exceptional client service.”

A key aspect of the platform is its data aggregation capabilities. “Aggregated data is the foundation of credible valuations, which drive daily decision-making in commercial real estate,” says Czechowski, senior vice president and head of Apprise. “By providing clients with faster access to this information, we empower them to make informed choices and keep the capital markets moving.”

This is done by seamlessly integrating industry-standard resources and public record aggregators, providing appraisers instant access to an extensive database of over 2.5 million property records. Data aggregation includes parcel-level assessment and tax information spanning seven years, as well as land records and sale leads.

Appraisers can quickly synthesize vast amounts of data, bolster property records and comparables, and deliver faster, more credible appraisals for lending, acquisition or portfolio monitoring purposes. This streamlined approach has proven invaluable to its clients and appraisal professionals, with 95 percent of multifamily appraisal reports processed through the Apprise Application.

Innovation Extends Beyond Data Aggregation

More than just data, Apprise’s comprehensive approach to appraisal recognizes that accurate valuations demand a deep understanding of an asset’s financial performance. To achieve this, it offers a suite of innovative tools designed to streamline the traditionally time-consuming process of rent roll and profit and loss (P&L) statement analysis, which can encompass hundreds to thousands of units and years of historical data.

A prime example of the innovation is a proprietary rent roll and P&L parser, a powerful tool that automates the extraction and organization of granular financial data from Excel and PDF formats. By simply dragging and dropping these documents into the platform, appraisers eliminate tedious manual data entry and reduce the risk of human error. The rent roll parser quickly calculates unit mixes, providing a clear understanding of the property’s composition. In contrast, the P&L parser automatically organizes three years of historical operating data into a standardized chart of accounts, ensuring accuracy and consistency across financial categories and enhancing the reliability of appraisals through a detailed analysis of a subject property’s history compared to market comparables.

A comprehensive financial analysis, coupled with the expansive property database, provides appraisers with a holistic and accurate perspective on an asset’s value and performance. The platform’s seamless integration of the entire appraisal workflow, from data input to report generation, further enhances efficiency and consistency. This allows appraisers to focus on their core competencies of analysis and valuation while leveraging the platform’s sophisticated analytical tools to deliver timely and reliable results.

Blending Human Expertise with Technology

While technology forms the foundation of Apprise’s methodology, the company firmly believes human expertise is vital for top service.

“Appraisal is a relationship business— you want to be the trusted vendor providing exceptional client service,” states Czechowski.

Apprise achieves this through a best-in-class model blending cutting-edge tech with seasoned appraisers, including MAI-designated experts with deep local market knowledge. Their nuanced insights enrich data-driven valuations. By pairing these local specialists with unparalleled data access and efficient tech, Apprise elevates its ability to provide comprehensive, personalized valuation services. This client-centric philosophy is further exemplified by Apprise’s dedication to proactive communication, market intelligence and advisory roles.

Such efficiency gains are valuable for clients managing large portfolios, with Apprise consistently delivering appraisals in the same or less time than competitors. Apprise’s technology-driven approach proved its mettle at the peak of transaction volume in 2021, consistently facilitating their appraiser’s delivering reports a full week faster than market standard turn times. This ability to provide prompt service without sacrificing quality is a testament to its commitment to innovation and client satisfaction.

Empowering the Future of Appraisal

Quality and compliance are the core tenets of Apprise’s operations. The platform includes a sophisticated bias check feature that identifies and addresses any potentially biased language within reports to ensure objectivity and fairness.

The web-based platform allows far more control in quality assessment and updating methodologies. In response to the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) guidelines on biased language in appraisal reports, it developed a feature highlighting flagged terms, allowing appraisers to review and extinguish their usage. This feature acts as a safeguard, prompting the appropriateness of the language before generating the final PDF report for clients.

Apprise also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. It regularly updates its methodologies to reflect the latest market trends and best practices, keeping its comparables and market participant surveys recent and relevant, and aligned with industry standards.

Actively ensuring compliance, particularly with government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) clients, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability in its appraisals.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of appraisers, the company established an analyst pool and trainee program that allows aspiring professionals to learn and grow within a supportive and collaborative environment. Equipping them with the latest technology and training in Apprise’s innovative methodologies helps build a more diverse and inclusive appraisal industry.

Apprise is not just adapting to the evolving landscape of commercial real estate appraisal but reshaping it. By harnessing the power of data-driven insights, cutting-edge technology and a steadfast commitment to client collaboration, it is redefining what’s possible in the industry. It empowers clients with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the market, make informed decisions and ultimately drive success.

Apprise’s vision is clear—a future where technology and human expertise seamlessly converge to unlock a new era of appraisal credibility, efficiency and reliability.