First American’s Alan Hummel Named 2017 Valuation Visionary

Collateral Risk Network Awards Long-Time Chief Appraiser, Industry Advocate, and Valuation Educator with its Highest Annual Honor


March 20, 2017, Santa Ana, Calif.

First American Mortgage Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) and leading provider of lender and servicer solutions covering the entire residential loan spectrum, today announced that the Collateral Risk Network (CRN) has named Alan Hummel, chief appraiser and vice president of valuations for First American Mortgage Solutions, the recipient of the 2017 Valuation Visionary award. Hummel will receive the award at Valuation Expo East on March 20, 2017, in Orlando, Florida, where he will be recognized for his long track record as a staunch ally, leader, educator and dedicated champion for advancement of the valuation profession.

Each year, the Valuation Visionary award recognizes a standout collateral valuation professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and professionalism. Winners are nominated by their peers within the CRN.

“I’m humbled to have my name placed alongside the industry-changing leaders who received the Valuation Visionary award before me,” Hummel said. “I’m proud to receive this award from the CRN, where we challenge the status quo, while simultaneously defending the foundations of our profession. Being a ‘visionary’ is not only about looking to the future; it’s about looking inward to identify where we can do better for ourselves and for the communities we serve.”

Over the course of more than 30 years, Hummel has been a true leader and innovator. He has developed and implemented innovative appraiser training programs, efficiency tools and quality control initiatives, and earned a reputation for his commitment to educating appraisers at all stages of their careers. Hummel has testified before Congress on mortgage fraud and appraisal issues, and he continues to be sought after by a wide variety of associations, groups and organizations as a featured speaker on valuation and other industry-related topics. He is a past national president of the Appraisal Institute, past officer of the Appraisal Foundation and an Appraisal Qualifications Board-certified instructor of Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

“Alan and I have known each other for decades. What has always been inspiring about him is not merely how passionate he is about promoting the best interests of this profession, but how he then walks the walk by tirelessly mentoring valuation professionals and developing the next generation of appraisers,” said Joan Trice, CRN founder and CEO of Allterra Group. “He is an educator without peer, and it is his love of teaching that makes him uniquely indispensable at this critical juncture in the evolution of our profession.”

The CRN is a group of valuation experts focused on resolving the many challenges facing the collateral valuation industry. With a broad membership representing lending institutions, Wall Street, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Administration, appraisal management companies, appraisal firms and appraisers, CRN brings influencers together to act as counsel to one another, share experiences and assist one another in solving mutual problems.

About First American Mortgage Solutions

First American Mortgage Solutions, a part of the First American family of companies, provides comprehensive solutions for residential lenders and servicers covering the entire loan spectrum. First American Mortgage Solutions, together with First American’s broader capabilities, serves as a single source for title and settlement, data and analytics, fraud and verification, regulatory compliance, valuation and collateral risk, quality control, fulfillment services, and default services. More information about First American Mortgage Solutions can be found at www.firstam.com/mortgagesolutions.

About First American

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust and investment advisory services. With revenues of $5.6 billion in 2016, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In both 2016 and 2017, First American was recognized by Fortune® magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com.