AUTOMATED VALUATION MODEL (AVM)
Appraisal MC offers access to AVM modules as a service. The AVM is a statistically based summary derived from a program that uses information available for real estate transactions such as comparable sales, property characteristics and local market trends to provide an estimate of market value for a specific property. These tools can assist as a supplement to manage risk for collateral valuations.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Our Story
The real estate industry is built upon relationships; and what better relationship to build a company’s foundation on then that of family. A brother-sister duo, Alex and Mariella Massa saw the housing market’s need to improve the appraisal process. They began their careers in the appraisal industry while in college and saw great opportunity to do things different and better. The siblings partnered to build their first appraisal company, Initech Appraisals, in 2005 which eventually led to the growth of Appraisal MC. They now operate one of the largest independently owned nationwide appraisal management companies in the industry. Their unique synergy and respect for each other and the appraisal industry as certified appraisers are just a few of the numerous things that make Mariella and Alex Massa successful in today’s appraisal world. Alex and Mariella complement each other in that they have strengths on different sides of the spectrum. Mariella is an industry thought leader and guides the company as a big picture visionary while Alex increases operational efficiencies and serves as a subject matter expert in appraisal compliance. They combine their strengths to develop and implement processes that serve Appraisal MC’s clients and purpose well.
More about Mariella
Mariella Massa is a founding partner and serves on the Board of Directors. Prior to her role on the board, Mariella served as CEO and was integral in helping Appraisal MC achieve its rapid growth. Her career spans over 15 years of successfully operating companies in the financial services sector with a focus in real estate and technology. She is still involved in helping the company achieve its mission and goals. Mariella is the 2020-2021 HMBA President, serves on the NAHREP Houston Board of Directors and serves on the TMBA as well as the MBA advocacy committee. Mariella attended Harvard Business School and the University of Houston’s entrepreneurship program.
In her free time, Mariella enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and serving as a board member on the Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation to help find a cure for breast cancer.
More about Alex
Alex Massa has been in the appraisal industry since 1999 and serves as Chief Executive Officer for Appraisal MC. As CEO of Appraisal MC, his duties involve building upon the mission as well as keeping focus on the company’s core values. He is also one of the nation’s leading subject matter experts in the appraisal industry. Alex is involved in resolving compliance matters through educational training as well as implementing better processes to improve efficiencies. He strives for great communication with vendor partners and clients to allow for a stress-free appraisal process. He spends his time educating and training Appraisal MC’s staff to allow them to progress in their careers and believes the most important part of Appraisal MC is the incredible processes put into play that allow the team to be efficient and productive. Alex received his entrepreneurship degree from the University of Houston and continued taking appraisal classes at Columbia Institute.
In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys playing golf, surfing and being outdoors when he can.
From helping fight cancer to green initiatives at the organizational level, Appraisal MC has a long history of advocating causes that help make our world a better place. We believe it is our responsibility to make community engagement a significant part of our mandate and work hard to develop and foster partnerships with grassroots non-profit organizations. Throughout the year, we get involved in many community events and are proud to have team members who share our passion for giving back.
APPRAISAL MC MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Go Green — Our team at Appraisal MC is passionate about reducing our carbon footprint. From limiting paper usage by going digital, using energy efficient bulbs and sensors in the office and implementing office recycling programs we are making strides to go green.
Shred for Independence — We make sure that we can make a difference in everything we do. While we strive to Go Green there are times paper needs to be printed. All of our paper is sent to Shred for Independence to support a unique business owned and operated by individuals with intellectual disabilities. The program was started by an amazing Appraiser and his family in the Houston area and we are proud to support them. If you would like to donate or request more information please visit their site: http://summerhousehouston.org/shred-for-independence/
Team and Lender Causes — At Appraisal MC we are a family and an extension of your team. When a member of our family feels strongly about a cause such as the American Heart Association Heart walk or our client is doing a mission trip in Guatemala, we support them. Our team is actively involved in different causes and we always step up to support them and do our best to communicate those causes so others have the opportunity to get involved.
Breast Cancer Research — Our CEO serves on the Board for the Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation. The Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation is organized primarily to fund one or more qualified public charities that support education, care and research for breast cancer. Since 2002 the organization has raised over 1.4 million dollars to fund breast cancer research to the world’s leading research institutions such as MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist Hospital with the collaboration of real estate professionals in Houston. If you would like to donate or request more information please visit their site: http://www.nancyowens.org/
COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP
ALEX MASSA
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Massa serves as Chief Compliance Officer for Appraisal MC and division President for the valuation department. As CCO he is responsible for setting, maintaining and implementing compliance objectives for the company. He ensures that Appraisal MC maintains efficient processes for delivering credibly supported valuation products that conform to client and investor requirements as well as federal regulations.
In 2002, Alex founded one of the largest appraisal firms in the country prior to joining Appraisal MC.
Alex graduated from the entrepreneurship program from the University of Houston’s business school and has worked in the appraisal industry since 1998.
MELISSA SANDERS
Chief Operations Officer
Melissa serves as Chief Operations Officer for Appraisal MC. As COO, she is responsible for the execution and oversight of the internal organizational processes that enable the departments to reach their goals and objectives. She provides the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that the company has the proper operational controls.
Prior to Appraisal MC, Melissa worked in senior management positions in logistics, operations, and production in both China and the United States.
Melissa has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas and has been a member of the executive team and board since 2012.
DAVID McCOMB
Chief Technology officer
David McComb serves as Appraisal MC’s Chief Technology officer. David’s role is to streamline the company’s processes by ensuring that Appraisal MC stays on the cutting edge of all the new technology. He creates and implements policies within the company designed to keep Appraisal MC and it’s clients safe, secure, and efficient.
Prior to Appraisal MC, worked with several B2B and B2C leaders including Prudential Financial, Compaq and Insource. He has extensive experience in network services, programming and software architecture.
David has a Bachelor of Computer Science from Stephen F. Austin University.
LINDSAY STOISITS
Chief Financial Officer
Lindsay Stoisits serves as Senior Accountant for Appraisal MC. Lindsay is responsible for ensuring accuracy and effectiveness in all of our accounting tasks. She takes the lead on Appraisal MC’s integrity of accounting information by recording, verifying, consolidating, and entering transactions.
Prior to Appraisal MC, Lindsay served as an Accountant for several companies and interned with Merrill Lynch.
Lindsay graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Accounting and has been with Appraisal MC since 2015.
JULIE WOLPERT
Operations Manager
Julie Wolpert serves as Operations Manager for Appraisal MC. Julie is responsible for managing the appraisal process by ensuring all reports are accurately completed to the highest standards. She takes the lead on setting, maintaining and implementing compliance objectives for the company and focuses on guiding the team towards the company’s vision and culture.
Prior to joining Appraisal MC, Julie was first introduced to the appraisal business working for a real estate appraisal company.
Julie graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Business and has been with Appraisal MC since 2013
ANNETTE ERNSTEIN
Business Development Manager
Annette serves as Business Development Manager for Appraisal MC. Annette is responsible for planning and overseeing new marketing initiatives. She also focuses on establishing rapport with potential clients and strengthening relationships with current clients.
Prior to Appraisal MC, Annette worked closely with a mortgage company. She has extensive experience in marketing and providing unmatched service to clients.
Annette graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Education and has been with Appraisal MC since 2018.