FAQ
Why is Cotality launching a new review solution?
Cotality is building a brand new, robust valuation review solution to prepare for the changing industry landscape and regulatory requirements. The new solution, Collateral Investigate, will improve upon existing functionality, features, workflow, and user experience while fully supporting the modern UAD 3.6 format.
What kind of files does Collateral Investigate support?
The new review solution is exclusively for files submitted in the new UAD 3.6 format. If you have legacy reports, you'll continue to use your current review product, such as GAAR or RealView.
How does this solution remove custom build dependencies?
We're creating a unified workflow and rules engine for all valuation review, regardless of the platform (CMS, Mercury, Appraisal Scope) you use. This design removes the need for custom builds by development when you have customization requests.
Will I be able to manage my own valuation rules?
Yes, absolutely. We're putting you in control to manage and update your own rules, review assignments, escalation paths, and more. This is a core value proposition of Collateral Investigate.
What makes the user experience better?
The solution features an intuitive Dashboard for pipeline management. You can quickly see orders in the queue, completed orders, and Flagged Orders. Message banners keep you up-to-date, showing orders at a standstill or needing review resumption.
How quickly do accepted appraisal findings occur?
Data indicates that accepted findings average just 2.3 rounds of review until acceptance, showing enhanced efficiency for appraisal professionals. This efficiency is tracked via robust reporting in Collateral Investigate.
Queue
How does the Get Next Order feature prioritize files?
Get Next Order automatically opens the highest-priority file in your queue based on assignment due dates and rush status. This lets you move through work without manual selection. Your organization can customize this prioritization logic in a future release.
Why can I not change the assigned reviewer filter?
The assigned reviewer filter remains fixed to your account to streamline your view. This ensures you only see the files assigned to you when you navigate your workspace.
How do I view child orders associated with my files?
You can view child orders by clicking the expandable arrow icon in the first column of the Queue Grid.
Can I save my preferred page size for future sessions?
No. When you adjust the dropdown to change the number of files shown per page, your selection only persists for your current session. You must select your preferred page size again when you start another session.
Files
What is the difference between the Orders and Queue tabs?
The Orders tab displays all files accessible to you, including those assigned to other reviewers whom you have visibility to (this requires specific permissions). The Queue tab displays only the files assigned directly to you and is available to all reviewers.
How do you open a loan file from either list view?
You can open a file by clicking the Loan # link on the left side of the table or by selecting the View button on the right side of the table.
What does the red dot indicator next to a file mean?
The red dot indicates that something has changed in the file since you last viewed it. This indicator displays on all applicable tabs within the order to help you quickly identify where changes have occurred.
Can legacy files be worked within Collateral Investigate?
No. Legacy files in non-UAD 3.6 formats, such as 1004MC or 2055, must continue to be worked in RealView or GAAR within your existing platform.
How do you manually assign an unassigned file?
In the Orders tab, click the unassigned loan file and select a reviewer from the drop-down menu to complete the manual assignment.
How do you reassign a loan that is already assigned to a reviewer?
Open the assigned loan file, select the More Actions control, and choose a reviewer from the available options to reassign the file.
Review Findings
Can I use bulk actions to decision High severity findings?
No. Bulk Actions are available for Low and Medium severity findings only. You must work and decision all High severity findings individually to ensure proper review and documentation.
Why is the decision option for Revision Needed or Escalation Needed disabled?
These two options are mutually exclusive to prevent ownership conflicts on review files. You cannot set a finding to Revision Needed if other findings on the file are in Escalation Needed status, and you cannot select Escalation Needed if other findings are in Revision Needed status.
What is a Faulty Finding decision and when should I use it?
Select the Faulty Finding decision when a rule has fired incorrectly for the appraisal report. This decision flags the finding for Cotality review and removes it from your metrics calculations.
How do I obtain a second opinion on a finding without escalating the entire file?
You can share an individual finding by clicking Share Finding on the finding detail panel. Select the colleague you wish to consult and enter your message. The review remains in your queue, and you can view their response on the Messages tab once they reply.
What is the Review Artifact and where can I find it?
The Review Artifact is a stacked PDF containing the complete review record, including risk scores, findings, comments, and the appraisal report. Once you finalize your review and click End Review, you can download the PDF by clicking the cog wheel icon in the top right corner of the Final Review page and selecting Review artifact.
What happens when I escalate a file?
When you escalate a file by clicking Escalate, you transfer ownership of the review to the receiving reviewer or tier. The file is removed from your queue, and you will no longer have access to it.
Is a comment required for every finding decision?
Yes, for Dismiss decisions, you must enter a justification comment to explain why the finding is cleared. For Accept decisions, comments are optional (and your organization may disable this option entirely). For manual findings, you must always enter a detailed description and justification.