Ellie Adds Appraisal Tool to ePASS

Ellie Mae Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., has launched ePASS Appraisal Connection, which it says will allow mortgage brokers and loan officers to locate any licensed appraiser in the United States and then order and receive appraisals directly from their desktop.The tool allows third-party originators to order appraisals electronically, receive order confirmations and completed appraisals, upload appraisals into their loan origination software, and communicate directly with their appraiser via instant messaging capabilities, the company said. The instant communication and message archive capabilities are an alternative to faxing documents and communication via telephone, voicemail, or fax. The new features work directly with the originator’s LOS, eliminating the need to re-enter information into the LOS after the appraisal is received. Ellie Mae’s website address is http://www.elliemae.com.