A Rockville, Md.-based appraisal company is gearing up to launch a smartphone application, Coester Connect, that will allow appraisers and servicers to communicate directly with clients and vendors.
Coester Appraiser Group is currently testing the application, and looks forward to its debut in late spring or early summer.
“We’ll be able to get instant feedback from clients and vendors,” Brian Coester, founder of Coester Appraiser Group, told RMD. “If there’s a situation with a file, say, and we need the loan officer to call immediately, we might not have their phone number, but we can do it all through the app.”
Coester says the Coester Connect can track appraisers and servicers using GPS, so if, for example, an elderly client is waiting for an appraiser, he or she can call in and the appraiser can be located immediately. It essentially streamlines the process, cutting out phone calls, web searches, and saving lots of time. It will act as an information hub containing all the data and information anyone in the process might need.
“We wanted to develop a way to get the information we need from appraisers without having to call them all the time,” Coester explained. “We’re dealing with busy appraisers who get lots of emails each day. This enables us to get all that information without actually having to call them. We’ll get instant access to vendors. You can ping me directly with questions, and I can answer in the app.”
Coester estimates the app will launch in April or May. It will be available for five smartphone platforms including iPhone, Google Android and Blackberry.
Written by Elizabeth Ecker
