Join Our Appraiser Panel

Rural 1st offers financing for home loans, construction loans, vacant lots and land purchases in rural and some suburban areas. We are currently looking to expand our Appraiser Panel in the states where we do business, which include:

  • Eastern Arkansas
  • Southern Colorado
  • Central or Southern Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Eastern Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Southeast Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Wyoming
Map of active Rural 1st financing areas in the United States

Are you an appraiser in one of these areas? Then we’d like to hear from you. Please fill out the form below.

Why Work with Rural 1st?

 

Personal Touch

A Rural 1st team member will contact you about opportunities and be available throughout the process.

 

Set Your Own Price

We understand that rural properties can be complicated. Appraisers have the flexibility to set their own fees.

 

Get Paid Quickly

As experts in rural lending, our skilled team members and streamlined systems make the loan process simple and stress-free.

What Others Are Saying

“Working with Rural 1st is the relationship that every appraiser strives to find with a client. The process is unique in that the appraiser isn’t burdened by a low-fee, high-maintenance atmosphere. Instead, the Appraisal Management Services team maintains a hands-on approach that allows the appraiser independence and freedom to create his or her schedule and fee structure. This company is the benchmark by which all clients should be measured, and all should strive to achieve.”

Morgan Smith, Tennessee

“In today's appraisal industry, maintaining the right clientele is vital. Rural 1st understands the value in engaging and receiving quality appraisals on a variety of property types. They also treat the appraiser as a professional in all aspects. Rural 1st is the perfect client for quality appraisers.”

Jeremiah Pierce, Tennessee

“I enjoy working with the Rural 1st because of the professionalism of the staff with which I work. Their lines of communication with me as an appraiser are outstanding. Rural 1st is truly a first class operation.”

Michael Mangen, Ohio

“Our Appraisal Company has been working with Rural 1st for several years and has a great working relationship. I would highly recommend them to any organization. Their professionalism is top-notch, which makes the relationship easy. They truly understand what it takes to maintain a successful relationship with their clients.”

R.D. Peters, Ohio

“Rural 1st is hands down my favorite client to work with! I'm honored to have worked with several of their in house team members on numerous projects, and it's always a pleasure. They are kind and friendly and respond quickly by email or phone with questions that may pop up during my research for a project. What sets them apart is that they truly work together there as a team, and treat me as part of their family as well. They are super fast to pay invoices too. No waiting for weeks for receive payment from this group! I'm honored to be a part of this team and look forward to continue working together in the future! Thank you Rural 1st!”

Janet Emery, Indiana

“Rural 1st is a pleasure to work with. The people are great, and the organization treats its clients with the upmost respect.”

Kyle Bolyard, Indiana

“I have had the opportunity to do work for Rural 1st for over 25 years. I value this relationship very highly and it has been my honor and privilege to complete appraisals for this company. As a small business, it is a pleasure to do work for a company that actually pays you within 30 days of completion of an assignment. I appreciate the fact that the review appraisers that work for Rural 1st are knowledgeable in the market that they are discussing when a question arises on an appraisal report. As an appraiser, it is nice to be able to pick up the phone and discuss a concern rather than spending hours writing addendums.”

George Gantte, Tennessee

“It is always a pleasure to get a call from Margaret Jakubwicz asking if we service an area that she has needs for a client. The order comes precise and full of all the details needed to proceed with an Appraisal Report. Never have an issue that cannot be handled. We wish all of our lenders were so easy to work with. We look forward to continue our working relationship.”

Barbara Duncan, Kansas

“Our company has been working with Rural 1st for many years and it has been a pleasure. The staff is great and they make it very easy to work with. We are proud to be one of the appraisal firms that has the opportunity to work with Rural 1st.”

Sharon L. Speichert, Indiana

“As an appraiser I feel the Rural 1st staff is incredible to work with on appraisal assignments. Their staff is courteous and professional. Any appraisal issues are handled by qualified professionals that understand the complexities of working on rural residential and agricultural properties. They understand the necessity of adjustments that may exceed typical underwriting guidelines if the adjustments are supported and explained. The appraisal fees are consistent with the market and paid in a timely fashion. Even though I am an independent contractor, I feel like I am part of the Rural 1st team.”

John Massanet, Nebraska

Inquire Today

Rural 1st values your privacy and the security of your information. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

Common Questions

  •  
    Is Rural 1st an appraisal management company?

    No, appraisals are ordered by, and prepared for, Rural 1st. We do not order appraisals on behalf of other clients or third-parties.

  •  
    May individuals who are associate/trainee appraisers participate on Rural 1st appraisal assignments?

    Yes, provided the report is signed or co-signed by the supervisory appraiser. We also permit associate/trainee appraisers to perform site inspections without the supervisory appraiser when permitted by USPAP and your state’s licensing laws.

  •  
    Do appraisal reports prepared for Rural 1st conform with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac guidelines (e.g., UAD)?

    No, Rural 1st will provide a detail engagement lender to identify necessary appraisal requirements (i.e. assignment conditions). Rural 1st appraisals need to meet the needs of FCA and Agribank and not the secondary market. UAD formatting is not required, but we will accept reports prepared under UAD guidelines.

  •  
    Does Rural 1st select the appraiser based on the cheapest report fees?

    No, we work with very competitive fees. While total fee and turn time is important, we place heavier weight on the quality of the work product and dependability of the appraiser. We understand there are complex assignments and take that in consideration when requesting bids.

  •  
    Other lenders and appraisal management companies check in constantly. What is the format for updates Rural 1st prefers?

    There are no daily updates/needless updates required of the appraiser. The only updates we ask is the day before the report is due to make sure we are on track and can update the parties involved.

  •  
    Does Rural 1st require an income approach?

    Only if there is data available to support an income approach.

  •  
    Does Rural 1st require a cost approach?

    The cost approach is required for all proposed construction appraisals. On all other requests, the approach is only required if the appraiser determines it is necessary for credible assignment results.

  •  
    Do I need to report a contributory value and remaining economic life for improvements?

    Yes, we require an individual identification for value and remaining economic life for any structure that contributes to the total appraised value. This does not include personal property.

  •  
    How does Rural 1st receive reports?

    There is no clunky upload system, just email the appraisal PDF directly back or we also accept it through Mercury Service.

  •  
    If I have a question or just need help talking through a Rural 1st assignment, is there anyone I can speak with for help?

    The Appraisal Management Team is staffed with appraisers who review all reports that are completed for Rural 1st. They are also available for questions and needed direction that may arise in the course of an assignment. We understand there can be difficulties in appraising various property types in the rural markets we serve.

Questions? Call us at 1-855-510-9065, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern time.