GPS with multiple stop and route optimization

[DJ Starr]

Is there any GPS with a better way to get the addresses from the computer other than hand keying them?

 

[TRESinc]

Magellan has it hands down. I've used for 6-8 comps. Enter the addresses hit "optimize route" you're done. Very intuitive interface. My wife has a Garmin and I could never figure out how to do a multiple stop route

it's even easier than that on a garmin. enter your destination address; enter each comp and choose "add it to route" not "enter as new destination". it will auto-calculate the route for all entered addresses as you enter them (adding them into the route automatically).

 

[stangtime]

This has been an evolving task for many years on the forum, everyone seems to do it a little differently. For me I pick the sales in the office that I want to see. Then I print out directions straight out of the MLS; I like to have a printed page in my hand of the map with little marks where the sales are and little pictures of what they look like. Then in the car I chose my desired route based on the grouping of the sales. Then I use the GPS in the phone to go to them.

In the past I've loaded them all up, had the computer or phone try and design the best route, but after a lot of trial and error the best way seemed to be to use my head to decide the best route. After 20+ years of covering the same area you sorta get used to the layout too.

Dan

 

[Peter LeQuire]

I don't need navigation software since the appraisal allocation algorithm that my lender clients use won't assign me any work outside my area of geo competency, which they have determined is my subdivision. If I stray beyond the SD, I generally follow the blaze marks I've made on previous outings when I was geo competent in six counties.

 

[jrichmond182]

I work nation wide in MF in a different area every week, many places without cell service. I did weeks of research before finding the Garmin Nuvi 55. I can enter up to 30 addresses in it and have it optimize the order. Works well, sometimes it will send me past some due to divided hwys ect, and it throws everything off if you enter the same address twice, but it has saved me tons of time. If I have over 30 comps, I sort them by zip (when Im working on Market Studies).

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I wonder what GPS device will plot a destination by coordinates. My first GPS could, but my current one won't and I've not found an app that says it does yet.

 

[jrichmond182]

I wonder what GPS device will plot a destination by coordinates. My first GPS could, but my current one won't and I've not found an app that says it does yet.

The Garmin Nuvi 55 does

 

[Elliott]

Is it only me, or do appraisers not know their market well enough that they can't figure out the efficient order of inspections and comps?

 

[jrichmond182]

Is it only me, or do appraisers not know their market well enough that they can't figure out the efficient order of inspections and comps?

Some firms choose to specialize in fields that local appraisers would not have the competency to complete without years of experience solely in that field, much less enough market work to justify the training and paperwork. Said firms often have depts. dedicated to finding and confirming comps, contacting relators, city hall ect., across the country. The fact that some appraisers have expanded beyond their "market", is no reason to ridicule.

 

[Elliott]

jrichmond, so 'firms' have developed a method that doesn't require the necessary local experience and training to 'complete' reports, rather they confirm comps and contact realtors as a substitute. Sort of 'expansion by economies of scale.' I didn't think I was ridiculing so much as wondering if they just lacked simple organization skills or can't figure out where they are at.