What do appraisers and detectives have in common?
More than you might think. When Jeff Hogan, Valligent’s Chief Appraiser, asked Michelle Rogers, Chief Valuation Officer at New American Funding, what career she would have pursued if she hadn’t entered the valuation profession, her verdict was clear: law enforcement! That led to an interesting realization: whether you’re investigating a case or analyzing a property, success often comes down to gathering facts, connecting the dots, and making informed conclusions. In Episode 5 of ValTALK, Jeff sits down with Michelle to discuss how the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6, structured data, and AI are reshaping the valuation industry, and why the future of appraisal isn’t just about new forms but about unlocking the power of better data. Drawing on her experience leading valuation operations for one of the nation’s largest independent mortgage lenders, Michelle shares how lenders are preparing for a data-driven future, why appraisal data is becoming a strategic asset, and how appraisers can turn disruption into opportunity. What you’ll uncover in Episode 5:
A new era of valuation is here. Driven by data, technology, and innovation, the biggest opportunities may belong to those willing to evolve with it. As Michelle explains, the future isn’t about replacing appraisers; it’s about empowering them with better tools, better data, and new ways to create measurable value. |
"I really think that [the appraiser] will continue to have a really important, almost irreplaceable role in the valuation process. The business is definitely going to evolve. Reporting will be more standardized, more data driven, and more automated. But real estate itself is complex. Properties age, market shifts and values fluctuate, and that's where the appraisers opinion is really gonna matter."
Watch episode here or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on what’s coming up next.
Chapters & Time Stamps
Featured Guest
Michelle Rogers
Michelle Bailey Rogers, SRA, is a seasoned real estate valuation executive with over three decades of experience in residential appraisal and collateral risk management. She currently serves as Chief Valuation Officer at New American Funding, where she leads valuation strategy, quality assurance, and risk oversight initiatives.
Michelle began her career in banking appraisal operations in the early 1990s and has held a range of roles, from staff and production appraiser to national fraud review appraiser and independent valuation specialist. Her deep expertise spans appraisal review, regulatory compliance, forensic analysis, and valuation product development.
An active leader in the appraisal profession, Michelle holds the SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute and has been a certified California appraiser since 1991. She is also a member of The Appraisal Foundation’s Industry Advisory Council (IAC), contributing to discussions that help shape valuation policy and standards. In addition, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Appraisal Institute’s Southern California Chapter and participation in key industry groups such as Fannie Mae’s Collateral Risk Advisory Forum.
Recognized for her commitment to advancing industry standards and professional excellence, Michelle was named an Appraisal Institute Volunteer of Distinction in 2023.