Solidifi and Kirchmeyer complete deal positioning Solidifi as 3rd largest independent provider of residential real estate appraisals

BUFFALO, N.Y., Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Solidifi and Kirchmeyer, two leading independent real estate appraisal management companies, have joined forces in a deal that will see Solidifi become the third largest independent provider of residential real estate appraisals in the country. The company is a trusted, well-capitalized alternative to traditional appraisal management companies servicing more than 50% of the nation's top lenders.

"Following a $22 million financing in 2012, Solidifi is in growth mode and Kirchmeyer is an important part of our overall growth strategy. It is the ideal fit for Solidifi," says Jason Smith, Solidifi's President and CEO.

An industry thought leader, Solidifi is helping evolve the appraisal management business through its technology and analytics platform. In effect, it is using technology to build efficiency throughout the appraisal process, increase quality, drive costs out and improve the client experience. Solidifi's technology identifies the right appraiser for each assignment who will deliver high-quality comprehensive appraisals to the lender.

"Solidifi's technology and broad appraiser network will complement our own network and I and my team are excited to continue to service our current and future customers with these extended capabilities," says James Kirchmeyer, CEO of Kirchmeyer & Associates.

It's a winning value proposition all around: the appraisers are top of their field and are highly compensated for their efforts. The lender receives the right information the first time with no additional costs because the system is streamlined and designed to drive performance. The lender also benefits from Solidifi's and Kirchmeyer's 100% focus on being the best provider of real estate appraisals in the market. Both companies exclusively provide real estate valuations. This approach has allowed the companies to direct all their management and technology resources to outperforming competitors and exceeding their customers' expectations.

"I have worked with both firms and know firsthand that Solidifi and Kirchmeyer value high-quality appraisers," says Kevin Wang from AccuFast Appraisal Services. "The platform and model works. It helps make me successful as an appraiser and ensures the lenders get what they need when they need it."

Solidifi and Kirchmeyer are a cultural match. Both firms value quality, strong appraiser partnerships and exceptional customer service. Existing and new clients will benefit from a stronger, larger team of mortgage industry specialists known for outstanding relationships with lenders and appraisers.

"With our shared philosophy of assigning every order to the most competent appraiser to ensure delivery of a top quality report, the combined companies will continue to raise the bar in terms of service, quality and professionalism," says Andrew Bough, Solidifi's Chief Valuations Officer. Solidifi's elite network of appraisers in every county nationwide will complement the Kirchmeyer panel.

Solidifi has invested more than $25 million to date in its industry-leading technology platform which will further enhance appraisal performance for Kirchmeyer customers. The Solidifi cloud-based technology provides customers with a flexible and scalable appraisal management solution with the highest standards in data security and reliability including redundant servers in SAE16 certified data centers in Dallas, TX and Washington, DC.

Moving forward the combined entity will operate under the Solidifi name.

About Solidifi
Solidifi is a leading next generation provider of appraisal management solutions to the North American financial services industry. The organization offers a flexible technology platform for procuring collateral valuations from an elite network of high quality appraisers who openly compete for business based on quality, speed and price. Solidifi's parent company Real Matters is ranked 21st on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500. Solidifi is located in Buffalo, NY. Additional information about Solidifi is available at www.solidifi.com.

About Kirchmeyer & Associates
Since 1994, Kirchmeyer & Associates has a steadfast heritage of helping lenders nationwide manage appraisal compliance regulations. As a national appraisal and valuation company with licensed appraisers from coast to coast, Kirchmeyer & Associates provides lenders with fast turnaround times on reports focusing on quality and accuracy resulting in reduced risk and lender savings.

SOURCE Solidifi