Please Add A Timer

[SillyMe]

I really like to track the time spent on each report and it would be very beneficial if we could do it in the software that way it stays with the work file.

Thank You

 

[Joe Flacco]

A lot of the time spent on the appraisal takes place outside of the software so I don't know how the software would track it. Most of the development takes place outside of the software. Sometimes I need to think about the problem that has to be solved for hours or sometimes days. I am not in the software but I still consider that spending time on the appraisal report.

 

[SillyMe]

Then that feature may not be beneficial to you Joe. I asked because it would be very beneficial to my office and our work process. I have many clients that are billed by the hour.

 

[Artemis Fowl]

I totally understand where that is coming from but...

If such a thing was standard in appraisal software, FRT clients/AMCs will start asking for it. Latest letter from CU: "Our information reveals that you spend 1.89 hours longer per assignment than is typical. You have been labeled statistically deviant and we are watching you. "

Or, inevitably, cheapest/fastest types' time metrics will be compiled by cheapest/fastest type AMC's to establish C&R. Let's not go there.

 

[hastalavista]

I'm no tech-guru, but I have to imagine there is some software program out there (off the shelf) that will track activity on your computer and in a specific program.
Those programs are available to firms who track the computer activity of their computers. Seems to me you could adapt it to your specific use.

 

[gregb]

Some assignments there is no way I want to know how lowly my per-hour pay is. Local MAI, who tends to take on the most challenging assignments, figured that on her most recently completed assignment, she maybe made $37 an hour, but I think she is exagerating.

 

[BRCJR]

http://www.online-stopwatch.com/

http://download.cnet.com/Free-Desktop-Timer/3000-2350_4-75415517.html

 

[bnmappraisal]

Latest letter from CU: "Our information reveals that you spend 1.89 hours longer per assignment than is typical. You have been labeled statistically deviant and we are watching you.

Are you serious??? that's scary IMO

 

[bnmappraisal]

Back to the OP ... there are times I wouldn't mind knowing what time I spend on a particular file, but more often than not, I would NOT like to know (sort of along the lines of GregB's post #6)
But I can see if:

I have many clients that are billed by the hour.

It would make sense to have some sort of measurement/proof of time spent on a file

 

[bnmappraisal]

Devil's advocate? Many times I'll leave a file open when I leave to go do an inspect and may be gone for hours ... I guess the software would have to have some sort of "no activity" type feature to "stop the clock" ????

Also, as Joe states:

A lot of the time spent on the appraisal takes place outside of the software so I don't know how the software would track it

Calling agents to verify MLS info and/or condo info with the management company, etc??? There is a lot of "non report" typing/software time spent on an appraisal. How would that be tracked? (i.e. inspection time, travel time, research...)

I think if you're charging by the hour, the client may just have to trust your quoted hours