STAFF
General reference queries should be directed to (504) 862-3222 or reference@amistadresearchcenter.org.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kara Tucina Olidge, PhD is a scholar and arts and educational administrator. She is the former Deputy Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a branch of the New York Public Library based in Harlem. Her scholarly work focuses on the intersection of art, critical cosmopolitanism, and community activism. She graduated from Spelman College in 1992 with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy with a minor in Art History. Dr. Olidge received a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of New Orleans in 2000, where she received the Marcus B. Christian Graduate Scholarship. In 2000, Dr. Olidge was one of four emerging arts administrators selected for the National Arts Administration Mentorship Program where Edmund Cardoni, Executive Director of Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, mentored her. She received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) in 2010, where she was awarded the Mark Diamond Research Grant for her doctoral work, Critical Cosmopolitanism and the Intellectual Work of Alain Locke.
Who developed this technology?
Upraze was developed by Top Appraisers and Realtors from all over the country. We wanted expertise on how to correctly articulate the value that home improvements (or lack thereof) have on a homes' value. This is something that the technology today did not offer.
How effective is it?
In our own independent study of over 1,000 addresses from all parts of the country, Upraze was MORE accurate than the leading online home valuation tools 7 times out of 10, making Upraze the absolute most accurate home value tool today.
How did you determine that it was more accurate?
Simple! We compared data from the leading real estate websites and the opinions of Realtors and Appraisers and found that Upraze was within 2-5% of the homes actual value nine times out of ten! The rest were off by anywhere from 5-15% more than HALF of the time.
What is the Algorithm?
Well of course that is proprietary to Upraze but what I can tell you is that every single home improvement adds a different value to a home depending on the quality, when the improvement was made and the location of the property. All of those factors are considered when updating a homes' value once that information is entered into the app.
Do I have to submit photos?
Absolutely not. Upraze offers three levels of value...good, better and offer. You can get a "good" idea just by entering your addresses and answering a few questions. You can obtain a "better" idea of the value by submitting any improvements that you have made since purchasing the home and of course if you want an OFFER, you may submit photos for a Certified Uprazer to present you a no-obligation offer for your home.
What is a "Certified Uprazer"?
A Certified Uprazer is someone that has been trained by our team of Top Appraisers and Realtors to know what to look for in a home and how to place a dollar value to them.
What does this cost?
Absolutely nothing! You may go through the good, better and offer steps and receive an offer for your home within 24 business hours at exactly no cost or obligation to you!
I put in my address and Upraze was not able to find it?
This happens sometimes and is unfortunate when it does because in all of our studies we find that we have data on 97% of the homes in the United States. From time to time, if you have a unique property or your home is nearly new then we may not have the data.
I don't agree with the value it is displaying, now what?
Although we strive to be perfect, we can't always be right, so when this happens we suggest you continue to follow through the process of the app and submit your photos for review. If you are not confident that the number is close to what you think it's worth, be sure to leave that in the comments and one of our Uprazer's will take a closer look and/or reach out to you to get more information about your property.
Can I check out the value of my neighbors home?
How long does it take to get my Offer?
It takes anywhere from 24-48 business hours and you will receive a mobile notification as soon as it's ready!
Does your app take any information from my phone?
Absolutely nothing more than you give us permission to have. In fact, unlike other apps, all we need access to is your location and your camera!
Will you have access to my photos and other personal information on my phone?
Absolutely not, the only photos we can see are the ones you send us and the only information we have is the information you enter. Everything else is pulled from over a dozen data points to gather information to help us determine your homes value.
What is your privacy policy?
You can read our privacy policy at www.upraze.com/privacy.
How does the Upraze Offers process work?
Can I still sell my home if it does not meet the program parameters?
I’m not ready to commit to selling my home - can I still get a Upraze offer?
Will Upraze offer market value for my home?
Can I receive a Upraze offer if my home is already listed for sale?
I received my Upraze offer- what do I do now?
Does every home receive a Upraze Offer?