Mercury Network Acquires Appraisal Scope, Inc

[bnmappraisal]

Once client i still do some work with (ACT) but on a very limited basis since I'm pretty sure my $350 fee with them is too high ... they use Appraisal Scope as their portal and zing me a fee (I'm pretty sure it's $13,50). As a portal, it seems somewhat similar to many out there. I'm not sure Merc Net's angle besides maybe trying to buy out a competitor.

Merc Network charges $14.50 but as Sid mentions, some of the clients/lenders cover this charge (i.e. AXIS covers the fee for any order they place with me)

It seems like both portals let the appraiser set their fees which the lenders/clients can then see and decide who they want to use. I also know Merc tells me the distance of the assignment from my office when I go to accept/decline an assignment.

Merc Network has more than paid for itself (I use it through Total) by random orders throughout the year (just received a $400 order yesterday by a random client through Merc Net). That's never been the case through Appraisal Scope

 

[TRESinc]

don't you have to have a credit card on file with these portals? i know in some cases the lender pays the fees as posted in here but when they don't the appraiser has to pay, and while that fee may be covered in the fee from the lender ($x for appraisal plus $Y for the portal fee = total fee paid to appraiser), don't you still have to have the card on file? do they allow you to write a check for the fees monthly or something similar?

 

[bnmappraisal]

Yes, you have to have a card on file. I don't know of any sort of "pay by check" or "send me a (monthly) bill" from any of these portals. I have a card on file (business debit card) with Merc Net that the fee just automatically gets debited/paid within roughly 24 hrs of the assignment. FWIW, if the assignment is cancelled for whatever reason, that fee is debited back to me by Merc Net

 

[spittman]

... don't you still have to have the card on file? do they allow you to write a check for the fees monthly or something similar?

You have to pay the fee first or the report won't upload. Don't think that will work with a check. I suppose some portals may have a draft option. but most are credit/debit card.

 

[Flakey]

Mercury just started a draft option. No way in hell are they getting into my checking account either by ACH or debit. Credit card only. BTW, AppraisalPort bills monthly on the 1st. Both charge way too much and I continually push my clients to seek better options.

 

[TRESinc]

i guess it works for some, but my position remains the same. if you want to buy a product from me (appraisal) don't expect me to pay someone to deliver

i don't require the restaurant to pay me to purchase food when i dine nor do i require the utility companies to pay me when i order their services so why would i pay anyone to deliver a product ordered from me?

good luck to those of you who do.