Management - Blogs - MyTown Colorado

New Short Sale Solution Simplifies Process for Real Estate Agents and Their Clients

Posted by Crystal Thomas on October 15, 2010 at 12:00pm

Claremont Information Systems, a leading provider of distressed real estate data and analytics, today launched ShortSaleProLogic.com, the industry’s first short sale solution designed specifically for real estate brokers and agents to create efficiency in identifying, tracking, and closing short sales.

Demand for a simplified and effective short sale process has intensified with the backlog of properties between Notice of Default and Trustee Sale growing exponentially. Potential for the so-called “foreclosure mess” to become full-blown chaos only accelerated last week with Bank of America’s announcement of a nationwide moratorium on foreclosures and sales of foreclosed property.
Short Sale ProLogic was designed to simplify the short sale process and help sellers avoid foreclosure by connecting real estate agents to customized distressed real estate information in real time. The speed and granularity of Short Sale ProLogic’s information represents a complete consultative and closing tool for real estate professionals, whether they’re looking to offer short-sale counsel to potential sellers or present short-sale opportunities to potential buyers.

Built specifically for real estate agents, Short Sale ProLogic represents a comprehensive short sale solution to assist Realtors® across the entire short sale process, including:

• Short Sale Lead Identification—Short Sale ProLogic provides over fifty ways to define a market search, including neighborhood, county, zip code, and property value. Users are alerted by text or e-mail as soon as a Notice of Default is recorded against a property that fits their customized search profile.
• Competitive Market Analysis—The ProLogic Market Report™ completes the story traditional MLS data miss. Short Sale ProLogic provides exclusive access to pre-foreclosures, investor purchases at foreclosure sales, and unlisted bank owned properties in a report format that simply can’t be find anywhere else.
• Effective Short Sale Transaction Management—Short Sale ProLogic, in partnership with PMH Financial, provides an industrial-grade negotiation and transaction management platform that busy Realtors need to get short sales closed. The highly trained and experienced negotiating team, with a proven track record of closing more than 75% of its deals, increases the likelihood of a successful short sale transaction.

“I’ve been at this for a long time, and I know if I’m to stay relevant in this marketplace I have to become a short sale expert,” says Yan Kaminski, a ShortSaleProLogic.com beta client. “Short Sale ProLogic not only helps me get the listing, it helps me get it sold. They’re actually making it easier for me to complete deals so I have the time to find new ones.”
In Colorado, Short Sale ProLogic data covers eight-counties across the Front Range, including Weld and El Paso counties.

Short Sale ProLogic’s data shows that in Denver County alone there have been 3,825 foreclosure filings this year, with 448 being reported in September. And with 12,674 properties in the Metro area foreclosure process and another 4,000 new filings a month being added to the pipeline statewide, there is a tremendous opportunity for Realtors who are able to work smart and streamline the short sale process.

“Short Sale ProLogic was designed to provide a real advantage for Realtors to grow their listing base and present short-sale opportunities to buyers,” says Ryan Lantz, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Claremont Information Systems. “With millions of dollars worth of distressed property entering the market every month in Colorado, the ability to identify and close short sales will put any real estate professional way out in front of the competition.”
Short Sale ProLogic’s ActiveTrack Technology™ stays in constant contact with thousands of properties and notifies subscribers by text or e-mail within minutes of a Notice of Default being recorded in areas defined by the user.

“One of the fundamental building blocks to what we do is strict adherence to extremely accurate and impossibly current information,” says Lantz. “Good opportunities move fast, and the information our clients rely on needs to move faster.”

ShortSale ProLogic, including its robust market reports and a highly skilled negotiation and transaction management service, is available for $49.95 per month. For more information, visit www.shortsaleprologic.com.

IAS Applying “Distressed” Methodology to Automated Real Estate Valuations

Posted by Erik Keith on May 20, 2009 at 10:56am

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, announced today the availability of a “distressed” valuation feature within the iValue suite of automated valuation products. This new feature is intended to help mortgage servicers around the country more accurately value distressed residential properties and loans associated with such collateral. Industry leaders anticipate an unprecedented volume of distressed properties and fluctuating loan-to-value ratios over the next several quarters as a flood of default and REO properties enter the market. “Financial institutions and mortgage servicers need a fast and affordable way to review their portfolios and make decisions for each individual loan,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “The distressed valuation feature is a way to individualize the value of each property according to the state of the local market and the property-specific factors that may negatively impact value.” iValue already delivers deeper business intelligence than any other single Automated Valuation Model (AVM) source in the market, reporting on subject value, median house price trends, and neighborhood intelligence. The new “distressed” feature extends the AVM to extract and weigh key data points that indicate whether a property is considered distressed within the iValue model. Other AVMs typically overlook a property’s state of distress; resulting in valuation error and greater portfolio risk. The iValue enhancement will identify and flag those properties that are in some state of distress, including notice of default, company-owned, abandoned and sheriff sale. The feature also applies neighborhood analytics to search and select area listings and sales that can be identified as distressed, enabling the AVM to utilize relevant comparables. The distressed methodology isolates and monitors price trends for distressed properties in a local market, allowing the model to accurately establish the spread between retail market value and distressed value. “An intelligent AVM is able to recognize a distressed property state, quantify the price pressure on a given market and value each asset accordingly,” said Ric Miles, CEO of IntelliReal, IAS’s technology partner. “Identifying the distressed value of a property within its local market will give servicers and mortgage traders the ability to more proactively strategize and manage portfolio risk.” iValue is one of several innovations introduced by IAS to assist financial institutions mitigate risk through a fast and low cost solution. The firm recently launched its monthly-reported IAS360 House Price Index last year. IAS’s high-tech and high-touch product lines (www.iasreo.com/iseries.html) offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. About Integrated Asset Services, LLC IAS (www.iasreo.com) is a privately-held Colorado-based corporation specializing in default mortgage services including valuation, reconciliation and full cycle REO disposition. The Company’s advanced valuation and volatility technology combined with its expert professional services help its clients reduce exposure while expediting the entire asset management process. Founded by REO industry experts, IAS provides services that go beyond industry expectations, from the level of integrity of its employees to the measurably better service it routinely provides.

Decline in U.S. House Prices Levels Off in April

Posted by Erik Keith on June 9, 2009 at 4:47pm

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its latest IAS360™ House Price Index. The benchmark for national house prices, based upon the timeliest and most granular data available in the industry, moved up a fraction of a point in April. April’s report reflects the first non-declining numbers for the index in 10 months. The IAS360 had fallen more than 19% from its high-water mark in June of 2007. On a year-over-year basis, U.S. house prices are still down 13.0%, but the volatility of the trend line is less than the previous year, a critical point to industry analysts. More importantly, three of the four U.S. census regions were stable to positive for April. Only the South, which includes several particularly hard-hit Florida communities, was down for the month (0.3%), but there, too, the trend line was flattening. “It’s too soon to call this a turn in the housing market, particularly given all the political and regulatory uncertainties,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “I think that we’re still in for some difficult spells ahead, but we are seeing a certain kind of pricing equilibrium in several important markets. That’s encouraging for the long term.” Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), IAS360 reports that three of the country’s ten largest MSAs—Boston, Chicago, and San Diego—joined Denver, previously the only region in the nation showing gains, in positive territory in April. “Inventory levels are declining and sales are increasing in the lower priced markets through a combination of incentives and low interest rates creating a positive outlook for the entire market,” said Rick Foos, President of SRA Foos & Associates, Inc. “However, if we begin to see rising interest rates and an increase in foreclosures in tandem we could be experiencing a “false bottom”, but if neither materializes to a great degree then it does appear that the market may have bottomed.” IAS360 data also revealed certain evidence of normalization, or at least a return to seasonality, in California, arguably the first and foremost damaged state in the U.S. (six of the 10 hardest-hit counties in the country are in California.) Representative counties up and down the state, including Monterey, San Bernadino, Ventura, Riverside, Sacramento, Sonoma, and King, continue to report convincing upticks in housing prices. For its part, the aforementioned San Diego, down almost 24% from its high in 2007, has reported three straight months of stable prices. “We’re looking at daily information on more than 15,000 market segments across the country,” said McCarthy, “and we’re keeping a keen eye out for trends all the way down to the county and neighborhood level. With the benefit of our uniquely granular and timelier data, the IAS360 will report the turn in the market first.” The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which are rolled up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.

Denver’s IAS Announces Launch of Statebridge

Posted by Erik Keith on August 18, 2009 at 12:25pm

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, announced today the launch of Statebridge. The new company will provide custom, high-touch investor-focused servicing for the mortgage industry. Statebridge’s risk-based servicing will introduce a new adaptive approach designed to optimize investor success through tailored, high-touch servicing that maximizes return on performing and non-performing loans. This new approach to servicing was developed by the team that helped create the market for independent surveillance of mortgage securities. “Statebridge is defining a new category, “investor-focused servicing”, for the mortgage industry”, said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “In association with IAS’ valuation and REO capabilities, Statebridge will be the only servicing company to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for mortgage servicing that is intensely focused on the needs of investors that have grown out of this new mortgage environment.” Responding to changing industry expectations and demands, Statebridge was founded on the principle that a combination of technology, deep industry experience, custom borrower touch, and a contrarian view of servicing can make a significant difference in the performance of mortgage portfolios. Company executives created the firm’s servicing practices from the ground up, relying on years of experience in overseeing hundreds of servicers and roughly three trillion dollars worth of mortgages. “Statebridge is not a company that believes in doing things one way because that’s how they’ve always been done,” said Kevin Kanouff, President of Statebridge. “We work closely with our clients to create a servicing strategy unique to their investment philosophy for the greatest return. We treat borrowers with respect and our clients’ assets as if they were our own.” The company has been designed to provide custom special servicing of both distressed and non-distressed mortgages. In addition to unbiased service advice on existing mortgages, Statebridge experts are equipped to offer collateral analysis, fiduciary review, pool level analysis, and pricing advocacy for new investments in mortgages. With the Statebridge launch, the IAS suite of mortgage servicing products, which already includes REO management and disposition, collateral valuation, conditioned valuation, and mortgage due diligence, will effectively bridge the entire loan life cycle. “Our attitude is that there should always be a solution that is in the best interests of both the borrower and the investor,” said Kanouff. “We’re looking forward to our association with IAS and its “no excuses” philosophy to bring complete and exceptional solutions to the residential asset management industry.”

U.S. House Prices Up 1.6% in May According to IAS360 House Price Index

Posted by Erik Keith on July 14, 2009 at 12:17pm

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuations, today released its IAS360™ House Price Index (HPI). Based on the timeliest and most granular data available in the industry, the benchmark index for national house prices gained 1.6% in May. The latest IAS report, which reflects the largest one-month increase in the IAS360 HPI since July of 2005, follows a fractional gain in April. The index had previously fallen more than 19% from its high-water mark in June of 2007. U.S. house prices are still down 10.5% year over year, but all four of the U.S. census regions reported positive numbers for May. In order of gains, the Northeast was up 3.2%, the Midwest 1.9%, the South 1.1%, and the West 0.9%. The South was the only census region down in April. “Two month's worth of positive data hardly signals a turn in the national housing market," said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services, “but we have to be encouraged by what we’re seeing in several important counties and neighborhoods.” In fact, the IAS360 HPI reported gains in May for nine of the nation’s 10 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), a notable turnaround from just two months ago when Denver was the only region in the nation with positive performance. For its part, Denver added another 0.4% in May, while Boston and Chicago followed solid April numbers with increases of 3.7% and 1.5%, respectively. The gains in the West, meanwhile, were particularly apparent with San Francisco up 3.0%, Los Angeles 2.8%, and San Diego 1.2%. Only the Las Vegas housing market continued to slide with a drop of 0.9% for the month. “We’re seeing a mix shift in home sales and that’s manifesting itself as increased pricing,” said John Burns, CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting. “For a while, the bulk of homes sales were distressed properties in declining neighborhoods. Home affordability combined with tax credits have proven compelling. Sales are shifting back to more traditional submarkets and neighborhoods. That said, there is still a lot of downward pressure on pricing due to foreclosures and recent changes in the appraisal process. We aren’t out of the woods yet.” “With all of the political and regulatory uncertainties combined with rising unemployment and foreclosure inventories, it’s too soon to speculate that a housing recovery is really here,” said McCarthy. “However, I’m confident that the IAS360 will be the first to report a turn in the markets when they start to occur.” The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 neighborhoods, that roll up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.

U.S. House Prices Keep Climbing with a 1.2% Rise in June

Posted by Erik Keith on August 11, 2009 at 10:41am

Integrated Asset Services(www.iasreo.com) today released its IAS360 House Price Index (HPI). Based upon the timeliest and most granular data available in the industry, the index for national house prices moved ahead another 1.2% in June. With June’s gains--the fourth consecutive positive month--the U.S. housing benchmark advanced 2.7% for full second quarter 2009, virtually offsetting the 2.6% decline across the first three months of the year. The IAS360 HPI is still down 16.7% from its high in June 2007. Like May, all four U.S. census regions reported positive numbers for the month and in like order. For June, the Northeast was up 1.9%, the Midwest 1.8%, the South 1.2%, and the West 0.4%. While values showed improvement in neighborhoods across the country, most upper end counties remained mired in a deep slump. In June, price declines continued to accelerate for Putnam County, NY, Morris County, NJ, and Howard County, MD. “I think that a lot of this valuation disparity reflects the immediate effects of Washington's housing-rescue plan,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “Everything so far has helped spur sales of lower-priced homes, which, at least in the short run, is producing winners and losers.” Among the nation’s 10 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) reported, only the Las Vegas housing market continued to slide with a drop of another 1.8% for the month. Boston and Chicago followed solid May numbers with increases of 2.9% and 1.3%, respectively, as did the big California MSAs, with Los Angeles gaining 2.2%, San Francisco up 1.7%, and San Diego 1.4%. “The improvement in the more traditional neighborhoods is encouraging, but it’s easy to think there may be trouble lurking further up the food chain,” said McCarthy. “If there is to be another decrease in home prices, my bet is it’s going to come from the top. One way or the other, the IAS360 will be the first to report it.” The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 neighborhoods, that roll up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.

IAS360 House Price Index Marks One-Year Anniversary

Posted by Erik Keith on June 30, 2009 at 9:57am

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, this month celebrated the first anniversary of its IAS360 House Price Index (http://www.iasreo.com/ias360_update.html). The IAS360 HPI remains the only index to track U.S. housing trends at a county level. The index tracks monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences in more than 15,000 “neighborhoods” across the U.S., then rolls the data up to 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The timeliness of the data, which is based on all arms-length transactions occurring in underlying neighborhoods, makes the IAS360 HPI a leading indicator for housing price trends in the U.S. The index was recently awarded Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award. “The granularity of the IAS360 HPI takes it deeper into U.S. housing data than other observational tools” said David McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “And given the timely monthly reporting, we’ll be the first to see the markets turn at the county level.” IAS’ methodology integrates multiple data sources beginning with familiar Census Block, most Multiple Listing Services, Bureau of Labor Statistics, HUD, and county recorder data. These feed to an automated valuation model for individual home value index designed to track housing prices for banks and investors. The IAS360 HPI measures median sales price trends at multiple areas within a county to report price performance within an individual market. The index covers only single-family homes, though IAS does provide a separate report on condos. IAS’s innovative methodology has been well-received by a demanding marketplace. With its timely and granular data, the IAS 360 has been receiving increasing press attention since its first appearance 12 months ago. In addition to its recognition by Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine, the index has received increasing coverage by leading industry media outlets like The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, U.S. News &World Report, Business Week, Reuters, ABC News Radio, CBS News Radio, Housing Wire, Mortgage Banking Magazine, Mortgage Servicing News, and National Mortgage News. “The better housing price indexes are all useful at the Metropolitan Statistical Area level,” said McCarthy. “The IAS360 adds another level of information with its neighborhood data. That, plus the fact the index captures seasonality, makes it quite valuable to homebuyers, lenders, and investors.” For the financial services industry, the IAS360 HPI provides the logic to determine value, risk, and volatility for loss mitigation and short sale negotiations. This data gives lenders an indication of market movement and sets a median price range covering the previous six quarters. Regression testing of the IAS methodology has proven that the IAS360 HPI index and forecasts are extremely accurate.

October Housing Market Down in Denver Metro Area 1.2%

Posted by Erik Keith on December 10, 2008 at 11:00am

Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS, www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its IAS360™ House Price Index for October 2008. The monthly report, which includes the most current and granular data available in the industry, showed a 1.7% decline in house prices on a national level in October, with an annual decline of 12.9% versus a 13.3% decline in September.Denver, MSA house prices were down 1.2% in October and 15.3% year-over-year. Adams County saw an uptick of 0.2% in October but continues to decline year-over-year at a rate of 20.3%. Denver County continued to add to an already weak housing market with a decline of 2.5% in October and 21.4% year-over-year (see table below for more Denver metro area counties).Housing prices at the national level continue to look bleak. At the census region level, results for October show all four U.S. Census regions experiencing declines in house prices, with the South and West experiencing double digit declines year-over-year of 10.2% and 18.7%, respectively. Compared to October of 2007; Midwestern, Northeastern and Western regions saw a slight improvement in the rate of decline during October 2008, posting 1.5 %, 1.8% and 1.4% declines in house prices respectively. Finally, the Southern region continued to fall amid a weakened housing market.During the month of October, all nine U.S. Census Divisions posted declines. Mountain, Pacific and South Atlantic census divisions posted double digit year-over-year declines of 12.4 %, 20.0% and 10.6%, respectively. East North Central and West South Central divisions continued to hold steady with slight annual declines of 2.4% and 1.7 %.“We’re continuing to see a decline in housing prices across the country and at the county level. That said, we’re also seeing some signs of strengthening in counties that are located in ground zero states of the housing crisis,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “With the IAS360 and the other granular Integrated Asset Services iMVI data, we are keeping a close eye on the counties within hard hit states, because it’s the counties that will be the harbinger of signs of a market recovery.”States that have been hard hit by the housing crisis, such as Arizona and Florida, are seeing some counties appreciate in house prices.The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which is rolled-up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.Leveraging real time data and nationwide resources, Integrated Asset Services' high-tech and high-touch product lines, (www.iasreo.com/risk.html), offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. IAS reports on "neighborhood" level house price trends, residential market climate and collateral valuation. Integrated Asset Services also provides traditional valuation products and full service REO Management and Disposition.

OBERMEYER ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO OPEN NEW OFFICE IN DENVER

Posted by Erik Keith on October 15, 2008 at 5:01pm

Obermeyer Asset Management Company (www.obermeyerasset.com) announced today the opening of its new Denver Colorado office at 3200 Cherry Creek South Drive, Suite 480.Located in the heart of the Cherry Creek business district, the office will allow the Aspen-headquartered discretionary asset management firm to expand its presence in the Colorado market. Obermeyer manages the wealth of affluent individuals, families, foundations and corporations by developing investment portfolios tailored to their individual circumstances.Company president Wally Obermeyer, recently named one of America’s Top 100 independent advisors by Barron's magazine, said the new office demonstrates the firm’s commitment to serving Colorado’s affluent investors. “Over the years, we’ve built a solid reputation around the Roaring Fork Valley for delivering solid investment returns and world class service,” said Obermeyer. “We’re pleased about this office opening and the increased investment opportunities it affords the entire Colorado community.”Obermeyer, who entered the investment business in 1994 with $1 million under management, has grown the firm’s asset base to more than $600 million today. The investment team builds and manages a diverse range of equity, fixed income, and alternative investment strategies for about 250 families and their associations.“As our reputation grows, so does the need to serve the investment community here in the Metro Area and around the state,” said Lonny Kandel, Denver Region Vice President and Director of the Cherry Creek office. “Obermeyer has a tremendous wealth management legacy, and I’m very pleased to build on that legacy in Denver.”

Falling House Prices in August Adds Pressure to an Already Volatile Economy

Posted by Erik Keith on October 14, 2008 at 4:00pm

Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS, www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its IAS360 House Price Index for August 2008. The monthly report, which includes the most current and granular data available in the industry, showed a 0.2 % decline in house prices on a national level in August, and an 11.6% decline from August 2007 to August 2008.The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data at a “neighborhood” level, which is then rolled up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.“As the economy continues to weaken everyone is watching the housing market for signs of a recovery,” says Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “The IAS360 HPI’s ability to gauge housing volatility on a granular level and in a timely manner makes it the most essential house price index available for investors, lenders and consumers during these tumultuous times.”At the broader census region level, results for August show three out of four U.S. Census regions experiencing declines in house prices, with only the Northeast region continuing to show a marked improvement, up 1.3%. Showing the most significant loss among the four census regions is the West with a year-over-year double-digit decline of 18 %.Results for the month of August at the census division level showed five out of nine U.S. Census Divisions posting gains during August. New England led the way with a 2.4% appreciation and Mountain, Middle Atlantic and West South Central posting 1.1%, 0.4% and 0.2% appreciation respectively. That said all nine census divisions posted declines year-over-year with Pacific and Mountain divisions maintaining double digit declines.

MASTERPIECE SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES ART GALLERY SOFTWARE UPGRADE

Posted by Erik Keith on October 10, 2008 at 11:27am

Masterpiece Solutions, the leader in comprehensive point of sale and business management software for art and antique galleries, artists and other independent retailers, today announced the upgrade of its Masterpiece Manager software and the introduction of its innovative Masterpiece Success Package. The advancements give galleries and artists a state-of-the-art, integrated gallery management solution, including advanced inventory controls, customer management, point-of-sale and web integration combined with an effective service program.Utilized by more than 5,000 independent retailers, Masterpiece Manager was designed for gallery owners by gallery owners to increase the operating efficiency and simplify processes to give gallery owners and artists the freedom to focus on the art and not the paperwork. For nearly 15 years, Masterpiece Manager software has integrated point of purchase with inventory and customer relationship management. The newest version of Masterpiece Manager has advanced those features with a more customer-friendly interface, enhanced reporting capabilities and additional sales tools, while also enhanced capabilities to manage and synchronize the bricks and mortar store front with the online store front.“Masterpiece Solutions is the one-stop-shop business solutions provider for gallery owners and artists,” said Kevin Warr, CEO of Masterpiece Solutions. “Our long history of serving the gallery and artist market combined with what is certainly the most advanced and affordable POS and business management software, Masterpiece Manager, makes us the best business partner for galleries to save time, make money and improve their retail and online image.”As a complement to the new version of Masterpiece Manager, Masterpiece Solutions has also introduced the Masterpiece Success Package, simplifying the relationship and extending a galleries’ visibility online. The Masterpiece Success Package includes:• Free upgrades forever• Unlimited phone and online technical support• QuickLink — The system easily synchronizes in-store and website inventory, so galleries can accurately track inventory• Free listing on ArcherExchange — With more than $300 million in inventory on ArcherExchange, it has become one of the most visited art websites. Current galleries on ArcherExchange have claimed that it has increased their qualified lead generation by as much as 30%.To learn more about Masterpiece Solution’s products and services, visit www.masterpiecesolutions.com or call 303-225-0330 today.

MASTERPIECE SOLUTIONS OFFERS GALLERY OWNERS AND ARTISTS ASSISTANCE DURING RECESSIONARY TIMES

Posted by Erik Keith on November 13, 2008 at 10:28am

Masterpiece Solutions , the leader in comprehensive point of sale and business management software for art and antique galleries, artists and other independent retailers, today announced a comprehensive program that offers assistance during this tough economic climate. The recently released Masterpiece Success Package offers much more than back-end software by offering a suite of products that helps small organizations stay above water during retail slowdown.“Masterpiece Manager can do two critical things: drastically reduce operating expenses AND significantly expand reach to consumers via Archer Exchange and a personalized website,” said Kevin Warr, CEO of Masterpiece Solutions. “When every dollar and minute counts, our valuable service package helps galleries and artists stay in business by letting us take over their time intensive back-end work and marketing efforts.”In one push of a button, Masterpiece Manager effectively cuts out time, money and manpower to achieve measurable results. On the back end, the savvy software handles inventory management, synchronizing online and in-store supply, data entry and more. To reach customers more swiftly, Masterpiece Solutions also offers comprehensive web services and listings on Archer Exchange (http://archerexchange.com/), the fastest growing online marketplace for fine art.“Over a decade of developing our suite of services has led us to knowing precisely how to contain costs and drive sales,” added Warr. “It is in recessionary times when business owners have the opportunity to take a hard look at how to maximize their time and outsource with confidence.”Utilized by more than 800 independent retailers worldwide, Masterpiece Manager was designed for gallery owners by gallery owners to increase the operating efficiency and simplify processes to give gallery owners and artists the freedom to focus on the art and not the paperwork. For nearly 15 years, Masterpiece Manager software has integrated point of sale software with inventory and customer relationship management.The Masterpiece Success Package includes:• Free upgrades forever• Unlimited phone and online technical support• QuickLink — The system easily synchronizes in-store and website inventory, so galleries will never again lose customers due to a website displaying wrong information• Unlimited listings on ArcherExchange — With more than $300 million in inventory on ArcherExchange, it has become one of the most visited art websites. Current galleries on ArcherExchange have claimed that it has increased their qualified lead generation by as much as 30%.To learn more about Masterpiece Solution’s products and services, visit www.masterpiecesolutions.com or call 303.225.0330 today.

County Level IAS360 House Price Index Data Shows Promise Amid Worsening Housing Market in September

Posted by Erik Keith on November 12, 2008 at 9:30am

Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS, www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its IAS360™ House Price Index for September 2008. The monthly report, which includes the most current and granular data available in the industry, showed a 2.1% decline in house prices on a national level in September, with an annual decline of 13.3%. However, the data also shows bright spots at the individual county level with 75 of the 360 counties showing month to month improvement in September.“Housing prices at the national and MSA levels are still seeing declines, but we’re seeing positive signs at the county level, and even more encouraging signs at the neighborhood level,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “A review of the IAS360 House Price Index county level data, which is an aggregate of the 15,000 neighborhoods we track, provides insights into pockets of the country that may be showing signs of improvement.”The national picture continues to look challenging. At the census region level, results for September show all four U.S. Census regions experiencing declines in house prices, with the South and West experiencing double digit declines annually of -11.2% and -19.0%, respectively. Compared to September of 2007, Western and Midwestern housing prices improved slightly while Northeast and South continued to weaken.Results for the month of September at the census division level, all nine U.S. Census Divisions posted declines. West South Central led the way with a decline of 4.5% and New England, South Atlantic, Pacific posting declines of 3.0%, 2.5% and 1.9%, respectively.The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which is rolled-up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.Leveraging real time data and nationwide resources, IAS' high-tech and high-touch product lines offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. IAS reports on "neighborhood" level house price trends, residential market climate and collateral valuation. IAS also provides traditional valuation products and full service REO Management and Disposition.

Tailspin Continues for U.S. Housing Market

Posted by Erik Keith on March 10, 2009 at 1:17pm

Integrated Asset Services®, LLC (IAS®) (www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its latest IAS360™ House Price Index. Based on the timeliest and most granular data available in the industry, the index showed a staggering 3.5% plunge in house prices for January, the worst single-month decline since its peak in November of 2006.January’s drop by itself represents more than $610 billion in reduced value of U.S. housing stock and brings the total loss from the start of the economic meltdown last September to roughly $2.4 trillion. Following a 1.1% decline in December, the national housing index has now fallen 24.7% from its peak in November of 2006.At the U.S. Census region level, the Midwest, which has been particularly impacted by the economic turmoil, fell another 4.5% in January bringing the region’s total decline since September 2008 to 12.4%. The other three census regions were down in line with the national drop of 3.5% for the month, though the West, not too surprisingly, far outpaces the rest of the country with what is now a 23.4% decline for the last 12 months.IAS 360’s granular data indicates the areas that experienced the largest gains during the housing bubble, California and Florida in particular, are continuing to be hit the hardest. Three counties in Florida—Charlotte (Punta Gorda), Hernando (Spring Hill), and Pasco (New Port Richey)—are now down more than 50% from their highs in 2006.The January IAS360 report also reveals the nation’s wealthiest counties have not at all been insulated from the national decline. Three Virginia counties—Loudoun, Stafford, and Prince William have each fallen more than 30% from their respective peaks.“These are unprecedented times to say the least,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “We’re seeing house prices plummet at a rapid pace throughout the country. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the data for signs of a bottoming out.”The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which is rolled-up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.Leveraging real time data and nationwide resources, Integrated Asset Services' high-tech and high-touch product lines, (www.iasreo.com/iseries.html), offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. IAS reports on "neighborhood" level house price trends, residential market climate and collateral valuation. Integrated Asset Services also provides traditional valuation products and full service REO Management and Disposition.Editor’s Note: Additional IAS360 data, charts and interviews are available upon request. Data for full year 2008, since the peak of 2006 at levels from national to MSA to neighborhood level are available.About Integrated Asset Services, LLCIAS (www.iasreo.com) is a privately-held Colorado-based corporation specializing in default mortgage services including valuation, reconciliation and full cycle REO disposition. The Company’s advanced valuation and volatility technology combined with its expert professional services help its clients reduce exposure while expediting the entire asset management process. Founded by REO industry experts, IAS provides services that go beyond industry expectations; from the level of integrity of its employees to the measurably better service it routinely provides.###This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding future results of operations and market opportunities that are based on IntelliReal and IAS’ current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the company and its industry. Investors are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements as a result of the success of IAS’ branding and consumer awareness campaign and other marketing efforts; competition from existing and potential competitors; and IAS’s ability to continue to develop and integrate new products, services and technologies. Due to the timeliness of the data, the IAS360 House Price Index is subject to revisions on a monthly basis.

Five Reasons for Art Galleries and Artists to Embrace Technology during Tough Economy

Posted by Erik Keith on February 2, 2009 at 2:22pm

1. It’s Time to Break Out of Your Four Walls. An individual or brick-and-mortar establishment has boundaries. However, with the vast reach of the Internet, there are endless opportunities to sell your art to consumers across the globe. Millions of consumers are embracing online art research and consumerism. Whether you use your own website or a site like www.masterpieceonline.com to promote your artwork, it’s time to get in the game!2. Recession isn’t a Time to Waste Time. Inventory tracking alone can be confusing, tedious and time consuming. Allowing software to manage your inventory process will give you back time and sanity to channel into other parts of your business.“Masterpiece enables me to be in all of my galleries every day. I can tell what sold and what is in inventory, out on approval, etc. at the touch of a button,” said Zelma Legendre, owner of Thornwood Gallery (two in Houston and one in Dallas). “With the Masterpiece server, all of my galleries are connected. If we get an e-mail inquiry we can answer it immediately without calling the other galleries. This makes us more efficient with our time and easier for our customers to get answers quickly.”3. It’s Time to Eliminate Operator Error. Humans are prone to error. Have you ever forgotten to log a sale? Do you have too many artists to manage consignments effectively? Do you use archaic systems for ringing in sales that result in more work on the back end? Technology is not as intimidating as many people seem to think. Instead, it can be helpful, and will simplify tasks that often lead to mistakes.4. You Deserve a Business Team. Money is tight; margins are slim. Not many galleries have business managers, marketing teams, web developers and accountants. Paying those salaries would sink most small businesses. But the solution is simple – and affordable.Masterpiece provides business support at the click of a mouse. With Masterpiece Solutions, websites can be customized to display and sell your artwork to online shoppers. When you run into a problem, Masterpiece’s technical support team will walk you through the solution. “Our clients constantly tell us that we have the best website and we love the technical support! When we need them, they are there,” added Zelma.5. Informed Decisions = Better Decisions. With art to sell and a business to run, there are “must haves” and “nice to haves.” Reporting often falls in the latter category. However, the intelligence that business reports provide can be invaluable. Tracking trends such as customer buying history, seasonal sales and profit and loss can drastically impact your business decisions. In fact, most insurance companies want client businesses to have a system for inventory. With Masterpiece, the system is in place and will help to lower your costs in the long run.“Through Masterpiece Solutions, you can have an all-in-one marketing and business team that can increase your business potential exponentially,” said Kevin Warr, CEO of Masterpiece Solutions (http://www.masterpiecesolutions.com). “From an effective website that engages your consumers to an effective inventory management system to point-of-sale and reporting capabilities, financially, there is no way to go wrong.”Utilized by more than 800 independent retailers worldwide, Masterpiece Manager was designed for gallery owners by gallery owners to increase the operating efficiency and simplify processes to give gallery owners and artists the freedom to focus on the art and not the paperwork. For nearly 15 years, Masterpiece Manager has integrated point of sale software with inventory and customer relationship management. Independent artists also find tremendous value in their artist-specific software: visit http://www.masterpiecemanager.com/artistfnb.html .To learn more about Masterpiece Solution’s products and services, visit www.masterpiecesolutions.com or call 303.225.0330 today.

IAS360 House Price Index Rises Again, Up 0.9% in July

Posted by Erik Keith on September 9, 2008 at 11:53am

Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS, www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its IAS360 House Price Index for July 2008. The monthly report, which includes the most current and granular data available in the industry, showed a 0.9% appreciation in house prices on a national level in July, and a -11.4% decline from July 2007 to July 2008.The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data at a “neighborhood” level, which is then rolled up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.“The IAS360 HPI is unique in that it’s not a seasonally adjusted or smoothed index,” says Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “This combined with its timeliness and granularity give lenders, investors and consumers a peek at the raw changes in home price forecasts from the front lines.”At the broader census region level, results for July show three out of four U.S. census regions experiencing gains in house prices, with only the West region continuing to show a decline. On a year-over-year basis, however, all four census regions are still posting losses, the most notable being the West, the only region with a double-digit decline.Results for the month of July at the Census Division level showed six out of nine U.S. census divisions posting gains during July, but only two—East North Central, which posted the largest jump in July, and West South Central, which posted the largest decline—have appreciated year over year.IAS also provides “neighborhood” level house price trends through its iMVI product. More information on iMVI can be found on the IAS website, www.iasreo.com/cs.html.*Due to the timeliness of the data, the IAS360 House Price Index is subject to revisions on a monthly basis.About Integrated Asset Services, LLC.IAS (www.iasreo.com) is a privately-held Colorado-based corporation specializing in default mortgage services including valuation, reconciliation and full cycle REO disposition. The Company’s advanced valuation and volatility technology combined with its expert professional services help its clients reduce exposure while expediting the entire asset management process. Founded by REO industry experts, IAS provides services that go beyond industry expectations; from the level of integrity of its employees to the measurably better service it routinely provides.###This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding future results of operations and market opportunities that are based on InteliReal and IAS’ current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the company and its industry. Investors are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements as a result of the success of IAS’ branding and consumer awareness campaign and other marketing efforts; competition from existing and potential competitors; and IAS’s ability to continue to develop and integrate new products, services and technologies.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.