In the competitive world of credit unions, smooth processes and strong partnerships are vital—especially during appraisals. Success isn’t just about having the right systems in place; it’s about clear communication, shared goals, and building meaningful relationships. Drawing from my years leading teams at Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs), I’ve seen how collaboration and strategic leadership can simplify the appraisal process. Here’s how credit unions and AMCs can work together for better, faster valuations and results.
Building teams for success
A strong team is the foundation for handling the complexities of appraisals. Over the years, I’ve seen how well-coordinated teams prevent delays and deliver great results. Here’s how credit unions can enhance their teamwork:
- Encourage cross-functional collaboration: Ensure lending, underwriting, and compliance teams are aligned. When everyone understands timelines and requirements, it eliminates confusion and streamlines processes.
- Provide support roles: Administrative support frees up key team members to focus on strategic efforts—such as maintaining relationships with AMCs and ensuring process efficiency.
- Invest in ongoing education: Staying informed on regulatory changes and industry trends is critical. Credit unions that prioritize continuous learning position themselves to adapt quickly and maintain compliance. Partnering with AMCs to provide training can amplify this effort.
- Establish feedback loops: Regular check-ins between credit unions and AMCs create opportunities to fine-tune processes, address pain points, and improve overall performance. Constructive feedback strengthens trust and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Prioritizing communication
Clear, consistent communication can make or break the appraisal process. Credit unions should:
- Set expectations early: Begin with clear guidelines and timelines to ensure everyone—from internal teams to AMCs and appraisers—are on the same page.
- Schedule regular updates: Keeping all parties informed at every stage of the process prevents misunderstandings and builds confidence. This proactive approach ensures issues are addressed before they escalate.
- Designate central points of contact: Designating a go-to person, both within the credit union and at the AMC, streamlines communication, reduces redundancies, and keeps the process moving efficiently.
Strengthening relationships
Strong relationships between credit unions, AMCs, and appraisers lead to better outcomes and faster turnarounds. Here’s how to nurture these connections:
- Tailored approaches: Work with AMCs that understand your specific needs. This ensures processes and appraiser selection align with your goals, leading to high-quality results.
- Mutual trust: A trust-based relationship between the credit union and AMC fosters respect and collaboration with appraisers. When appraisers feel respected and supported, they are more likely to be responsive and produce work that exceeds expectations.
- Partnerships over transactions: Treat AMCs as long-term partners, not just service providers. Engaging in open dialogue and sharing mutual respect can transform transactional relationships into strategic alliances.
The bigger picture
Streamlining the appraisal process isn’t just about operational efficiency—it’s about creating better experiences for your members. By focusing on teamwork, communication, and partnerships, credit unions can benefit by:
- Faster turnarounds: With aligned teams and open communication, appraisal timelines can be significantly reduced.
- Improved accuracy: Trust and clarity reduce the likelihood of errors, leading to more reliable valuations.
- Member satisfaction: A seamless appraisal process ensures members experience minimal delays, reinforcing their trust in the credit union.
Final thoughts
The appraisal process offers credit unions a chance to demonstrate operational excellence and commitment to their members. By prioritizing strong collaboration, clear communication, and meaningful partnerships, credit unions can achieve smoother valuations and better outcomes for everyone involved. In today’s fast-moving financial world, these connections are key to long-term success.
Ashley Silzer
Ashley Silzer serves as the Director of Class Union, the credit union-focused division of Class Valuation.
With more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge across financial institutions, title companies, and escrow services.
Over the past decade, Ashley has distinguished herself in the AMC space, leading high-performing client services teams and building lasting client relationships.
Based in Northern California with her husband and five children, she is deeply committed to providing exceptional communication and cultivating a culture of excellence.
