About Us

Company

First Choice Appraisal Management, Inc. is an independently owned appraisal management company. Founded by a Certified Appraiser with over 16 years in the business, our mission is to preserve the integrity of the appraisal industry while providing a valuable service to the lenders who choose to work with us. Although we are identified as an “Appraisal Management Company” we feel our job is one of protecting appraiser independence and not one of micro-managing a highly competent professional.

In such a volatile real estate market, lenders need to have reliable appraisals for management of risk. We have opted to partner with lenders who appreciate our dedication to quality, respect, accountability and reliability. This business is also about RELATIONSHIPS…it’s what has made lending work efficiently for the last 20 years. Because we understand the dynamics between lending and appraising, we have developed our new business relationships on values such as respect, trust, accountability and honesty. We have developed several solid relationships with appraisers in different markets across our coverage area. The way we treat the appraisers, have allowed us to develop relationships where appraisers become a member of a team, instead of just another person on a list. We continuously work on reaching out the appraiser who has decided that the industry they love no longer needs them.

It is because of our dedication to the local appraisal industries, we do not provide national coverage or additional services such as escrow title, BPOs, etc. We believe a small regional company dedicated to just appraisers and operated by appraisers is the best alternative for those lenders who do not wish to maintain an in-house panel of approved appraisers. We currently cover Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona for small correspondent lenders.

Our small, boutique style allows us to customize our panels for each lenders specific needs and requirements. Whether the lenders need us to manage an existing panel, utilize our current panel or a combination of the two, our hands-on approach to appraisal vendor management allows them the ability to still have a competitive edge in this new lending environment.

Team Profile

Meet our Management Team

Jeff Richards - Chief Appraiser/Vice President

Oregon Certified Appraiser, CR00164 / Washington Certified Appraiser, 1702498 Oregon Licensed Real Estate Broker, 891200160

Jeff has an extensive background in business and real estate. This includes Residential and Business/Commercial sales, custom home framing, building & remodeling, business start-up and a business/economics degree.

Jeff started appraising real estate in the early 90s. Highly esteemed both personally and professionally, Jeff has excelled as an appraiser. His former employer entrusted him to training new appraiser assistants, starting a branch office and managing the company in his absence. From years of working with Jeff, his clients know that they get a reliable and honest appraisal. His areas of expertise include: FHA/Hud approved appraiser, million+ value homes, relocation appraisals and multi-family.

With the May 1, 2009 implementation of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) looming, in early 2009 Jeff was encouraged to start an Appraisal Management Company for the Oregon/Washington area.

Disheartened by the apparent cannibalism of the appraisal industry by large national bank-owned AMCs, he strives to prove that a company that values the appraiser professional can make a difference. He is fully dedicated to preserving the appraisal industry and encouraging appraisers to reach for a higher level of service, dedication and expertise. Jeff handles the management of the appraisal panel, client relationships and regulatory compliancy.

Taunya Richards - Operations Manager/President

Taunya has been involved with the appraisal industry since 1993 when she married Jeff Richards. She is fully dedicated to preserving the appraisal industry and cares about making a genuine difference in the lives of those she meets. It is her belief that people will choose quality over low-cost that shaped the policies of FCAM today.

Trina Harings – Accounting Manager

Trina handles the day-to-day operation management of the accounting department. Trina has been working in the appraisal industry since 2004. She has extensive experience with appraisal management, accounting and client relations. As the third member of our executive management team, Trina keeps our company focused on the positive and bright side of our industry.

Shannon Roche – Order Coordinator

Shannon has brought dynamic energy and friendly customer service to our team! She facilitates the appraisal ordering process from fee quote to assignment to final submission of the files. Her upbeat and positive attitude is contagious and makes those “hard days” fly by!

Lori Ann Culbertson – Conditions Coordinator

Lori Ann handles all the conditions requests from underwriting. With an extensive background in mortgage lending and processing she has been a fantastic addition to our team here at FCAM. Her sense of humor keeps us laughing and she is able to make a tough situation seem a little less heavy.

Stefanie Paulson – Accounting/Quality Control Assistant

Stefanie helps Trina with the management of accounts payable as well as an initial quality control review of basic facts within an appraisal report. She has experience within the mortgage industry as a processor as well as mortgage broker. Stefanie is a dedicated, highly organized individual. Her drive and energy keep us going and make us feel like we can “Take on the world!”

Joelle Yarberry – Office Manager/Appraisal Panel Management

Joelle is the newest member to our team. She is the first helpful voice you’ll hear at FCAM. She handles the daily phone inquiries, customer client emails and processing of the appraisal applications. She has an innate ability to diffuse difficult situations by making people feel comfortable in a short period of time. When you hang up the phone, you know Joelle is working on solving the problem!

David Beard – Quality Control Manager

Core Values

Organizational Core Values

Accountability- We say what we do, do what we say, and perform with the highest level of integrity. We are responsible to our customers, our community, and each other for our personal and organizational decisions.

Service Above Self- We operate with the understanding that business functions efficiently and effectively when all parties work together to reach the final goal. As a partner in the lending transaction, we will deliver results by accessibility, proactive communication, timely responses, and a positive attitude.

Excellence- We recognize our success is directly attributable to our clients, their customers, and our vendors. We treat all parties with respect, and we strive to exceed expectations in all areas of the appraisal process.

Knowledge- We are available at any time to answer questions, solve problems, and provide direction. We foster a workplace environment that supports and encourages personal and professional education and growth.

Community Share

Community Non-Profits

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