I am not doing the 3.6 FORM deal

[Airstream]

I just got back from an inspection and was thinking what would happen to my device out in the rain. Anyone who is already using devices on inspections have tips?

Not a problem. Just get good cases for your IPHONE or IPAD. Don’t go cheap. I have dropped mine numerous times even in the snow. Actually water isn’t your main concern; unless you drop it in the toilet or something. The main concern is dropping it and breaking the glass. That’s why you want to have lots of protection. Also I would buy insurance for your devices for dropping. And if it is pouring rain out, just don’t do the inspection. What happens to paper when it gets wet…?? Also I recommend a backup; either an IPAD or another phone (phones can simply act like an IPAD.) But I have done appraisals in light rain. It works. I tend to take all my pictures first. Then walk around the house and look at it closely. Then go inside and take the notes.

 

[Alsie35]

I understand workflow changes. And as you get older and have done it a certain way it does get harder. I’m 70 so I know what you mean. But if any appraiser is going to stay in this business they will have to change their workflow. It isn’t easy. When I went all mobile I had to change my workflow. It took awhile to figure it out. But as I said after about 20 appraisals it became easy. It might take longer on this one. That’s one of the reasons I probably won’t continue. If I did 5 to 8 appraisals a week it would be a faster learning curve. But I’m just doing 4 or 5 a month. Not enough time to build familiarity. Each one is going to be a slog. Heck by the time I have it figured out I’ll be too old.(sarcasm).

What bothers me more than how to put the data down is the amount of data they want. Do we really need ceiling height?

And here you have touched on the crux of my situation. Stay with me, it won't take too long to illustrate.

1. First off - Hats off to you for your tech-savvy at your age. (You got 6 years on me);

2. I have never used a tablet, much less a laser measuring tool, much, much less tried doing anything appraisal related with the "idiot phone" (hint: Its too small to see - even at the larger size - not to mention it is 100x easier to make a mistake on it, hit something wrong and ... well, you get the idea) ... ...

3. So you have a MEGA learning curve right there (with the added eye difficulty of my weak eyes) BEFORE even getting to the part about "Tackling the UAD 3.6 Abomination";

4. Even if I wanted to shorten my life with stress and tried to learn how to do it (which I do NOT want to do), I'd have to do ALL that, and then STILL spend 2x the time per report I do now, if I am lucky, to do half the work I can do now. Its not worth it. We got options. That's why we worked and saved 7-days a week, month in and month out, the past 10 years.

Nope. When they turn the 1004 lights off - I'm done. (Just revisit that Star Wars meme I crafted especially for y'all on p23 of this thread, illustrating my point of view) Luke didn't give in - and neither will I!

 

[Airstream]

And here you have touched on the crux of my situation. Stay with me, it won't take too long to illustrate.

1. First off - Hats off to you for your tech-savvy at your age. (You got 6 years on me);

2. I have never used a tablet, much less a laser measuring tool, much, much less tried doing anything appraisal related with the "idiot phone" (hint: Its too small to see - even at the larger size - not to mention it is 100x easier to make a mistake on it, hit something wrong and ... well, you get the idea) ... ...

3. So you have a MEGA learning curve right there (with the added eye difficulty of my weak eyes) BEFORE even getting to the part about "Tackling the UAD 3.6 Abomination";

4. Even if I wanted to shorten my life with stress and tried to learn how to do it (which I do NOT want to do), I'd have to do ALL that, and then STILL spend 2x the time per report I do now, if I am lucky, to do half the work I can do now. Its not worth it. We got options. That's why we worked and saved 7-days a week, month in and month out, the past 10 years.

Nope. When they turn the 1004 lights off - I'm done.

I understand. Not everyone will do this. I am done as well. I simply don’t have the stomach at this point to learn an entirely new system. I could do it. I’m tech savvy enough to do it. But I just think the stress of it all is going to be ridiculous. The software will have tons of glitches. Learning an entirely new workflow on a far more complex form is too stressful. I have atrial fibrillation, and I haven’t had an episode for 9 months. I am keeping my stress down, getting plenty of exercise and rest, eating right. I don’t need the extra stress. Not worth it for a few bucks. And I don’t need the money.

All I’m saying is based upon what this form is like, people will need to go with a data collection system like an IPAD or IPHONE. Just too complicated.

P.S. I am starting to get some cataracts which blurs my vision a bit in one eye. So I get it the eye issues.

 

[Sadie]

I just got back from an inspection and was thinking what would happen to my device out in the rain. Anyone who is already using devices on inspections have tips?

You can get cases for them. I will need because I am sure I will drop it at some point.

 

[Sadie]

Not a problem. Just get good cases for your IPHONE or IPAD. Don’t go cheap. I have dropped mine numerous times even in the snow. Actually water isn’t your main concern; unless you drop it in the toilet or something. The main concern is dropping it and breaking the glass. That’s why you want to have lots of protection. Also I would buy insurance for your devices for dropping. And if it is pouring rain out, just don’t do the inspection. What happens to paper when it gets wet…?? Also I recommend a backup; either an IPAD or another phone (phones can simply act like an IPAD.) But I have done appraisals in light rain. It works. I tend to take all my pictures first. Then walk around the house and look at it closely. Then go inside and take the notes.

Not working in the rain would be unemployed in my area.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Hey I got good with a slide rule in Chemistry!! Do they still even make these things? You may have an antique!!!

I still have my Post wooden slide rule from back in 1969

 

[Sandra Koutsopoulos]

I understand. Not everyone will do this. I am done as well. I simply don’t have the stomach at this point to learn an entirely new system. I could do it. I’m tech savvy enough to do it. But I just think the stress of it all is going to be ridiculous. The software will have tons of glitches. Learning an entirely new workflow on a far more complex form is too stressful. I have atrial fibrillation, and I haven’t had an episode for 9 months. I am keeping my stress down, getting plenty of exercise and rest, eating right. I don’t need the extra stress. Not worth it for a few bucks. And I don’t need the money.

All I’m saying is based upon what this form is like, people will need to go with a data collection system like an IPAD or IPHONE. Just too complicated.

P.S. I am starting to get some cataracts which blurs my vision a bit in one eye. So I get it the eye issues.

Get the best eye surgeon you can for the cataract surgery. I had an excellent one, but I have heard horror stories. My hubby's doc says his cataracts aren't "ripe" yet, but I'll be happy when he has the surgery b/c he's got 1/2" bottle-glass lenses, and I've told him with the new cataract lens replacement implants he won't have to wear glasses most of the time. It would be a new experience for him. I knew it was time for my surgery as the lights in my work area were growing dimmer and dimmer, and one day I was sitting under a street sign in Blythe, and literally couldn't read the sign! Fresh eyes gives you a fresh view of life! I opted for the near/far/in-between lenses so I rarely need glasses for anything.
re: the AFIB, yeah, got that bugger too, and stress certainly does set it off. ....I've had to slow down on the caffeine too.

 

[Fernando]

I still have my Post wooden slide rule from back in 1969

I still have my unused new HP12 calculator in my drawer since I bought it 25 years ago. Didn't need to use it when getting my MBA.
Calculator on iphone comes in handy.

 

[Fernando]

Don’t tell me you use a Fannie Pack!!! Actually I used one for awhile.

SHOULD I GET AN IPHONE SOCK FOR MY IPHONE?

The Apple Issey Miyake iPhone Sock launched today

Apple has partnered with Issey Miyake to launch the iPhone Pocket, aka the iPhone Sock, and the internet is having a lot of fun with it.

mashable.com

Apple's Issey Miyake iPhone Sock launched today, but it's not as random as it sounds​

The iPhone Pocket Sock comes in two sizes (short and long) and can be held in your hands, worn cross-body, or wrapped around a bag handle — priced at $149.95 and $229.95. Even many Apple fans were put out by the price, as $230 is a big ask for a phone holder, especially in this economy.

Of course, those aren't unheard of prices for designer accessories, especially from a brand like Issey Miyake, and Apple has proven time and again that if Apple builds it, people will buy it. (With the possible exception of the Vision Pro, of course.) As of this writing, the iPhone Sock is completely sold out in all colors at the online Apple Store, but customers may still be able to snag one at select Apple Stores IRL.

 

[Dublin ohio]

I still have my unused new HP12 calculator in my drawer since I bought it 25 years ago. Didn't need to use it when getting my MBA.
Calculator on iphone comes in handy.

No affordable portable calculators when I was in college. Only a couple of models and cost around $400