Aivre

[Flakey]

Anyone tried this or thinking about it? Not thrilled about the idea of cloud based software. I like to keep my own files and databases. However, if this can assist in producing reports in the short term until I get all the nuances, it might be worth paying for a year. Does anyone know if these reports are downloadable?

 

[Fargo1]

I've been looking into all the software options. The price of new software for a sole proprietor is getting insane. Especially some of these AI offerings. I had a 10 year contract with alamode for $350 a year that just expired last year. It now renews at $500. OK I get it, there is inflation. But then Aivre comes along and is $1500 - $3500 per year! But that's not even the worse. I can't even remember the name of the new comer that was more expensive it was so ridiculous. Who can afford to operate and single person shop at these rates. Its crazy. Sorry, I digress.

To your questions. If you want an installable appraisal software where everything is maintained on your own computer, you have 2 choices. Alamode and SFREP. Everyone else is moving to the cloud. I've been using alamode, but I think I'm going to switch to SFREP. They did a complete 64 bit re-write of their software about 5 years ago and it looks way better than alamode. Even now alamode is just patching together an upgrade on their old 32 bit system. So it doesn't feel nearly as solid as SFREP.

Now for the cloud offerings. I was very excited about Aivre when I first heard about it several months ago. They were promising the best UI (user interface) and the lowest price. Well, they have come in with one of the most high prices and their UI really needs some work. My biggest complaint is that you can't just tab between fields. You'll usually get a tab between a couple of fields and then the cursor will jump outside of the form and you find yourself moving between window options instead of being within the form. To operate the software you pretty much need to keep one hand on the mouse at all times.

The cloud software that most interest me right now is Freedom Appraise. But I haven't had a chance to really use it yet to see how well it works.

I think in regard to database and files, I think most of these companyies allow you do download work files and a finished xml. But not sure about a database. But the reality is that database is worthless if you don't have access to the software than runs it. Which is only offered in the cloud.

AI is another question all together. I've played around with AI enough to know how often it hallucinates and how unreliable it is. I really don't want AI writing my reports. It might take longer, but I think I can write a more accurate report myself then letting AI write up my report and then I try to review it to catch errors. If there is one thing AI is good at, it is making a statement that sounds fully researched and true. But it is in fact all completely fabricated. So it seems like it could take more time to research and verify everything the AI put together than it would to just do it all the old manual way to begin with. My thoughts are exactly the opposite of yours. I'd like to learn the new forms inside and out before I ever let AI pick up some of the work. How will I know what the AI is doing if I don't have a deep understanding of the new layout first? I fear AI is going to create a lot of lazy appraisers who let the AI do all the work and just sign the report without doing a good review of what AI has put together.

Never forget your liability in all of this. It is you name that gets signed on the report. AI and the software companies will not carry any liability for errors created by AI. You sign the report, you carry all the responsibility for any errors.

My best thought is that we all need to proceed very cautiously. These new form changes and all the technologies are not designed for the benefit of the appraisers. They are designed for more efficient data collection and processing by their representative companies. Look at the companies behind the software. Are they trying to help the appraiser or are their interest more closely aligned to benefit an AMC or other big banking data institution.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Anyone tried this or thinking about it? Not thrilled about the idea of cloud based software. I like to keep my own files and databases. However, if this can assist in producing reports in the short term until I get all the nuances, it might be worth paying for a year. Does anyone know if these reports are downloadable?

You would have to have the capability to save a report somewhere else than the provider's "cloud". Otherwise, how could one comply with the record keeping rule. Nighthawk is cloud based, but as long as I start the report on line, I can continue to work on it off line

 

[Flakey]

Otherwise, how could one comply with the record keeping rule.

Just why I was asking

 

[DWiley]

Otherwise, how could one comply with the record keeping rule.

The RECORD KEEPING RULE only requires access; it does not require possession.

 

[Flakey]

Not sure if leaving your workfile in the custody of the internet is considered appropriate retention

 

[Artemis Fowl]

AI is another question all together. I've played around with AI enough to know how often it hallucinates and how unreliable it is. I really don't want AI writing my reports. It might take longer, but I think I can write a more accurate report myself then letting AI write up my report and then I try to review it to catch errors. If there is one thing AI is good at, it is making a statement that sounds fully researched and true. But it is in fact all completely fabricated. So it seems like it could take more time to research and verify everything the AI put together than it would to just do it all the old manual way to begin with. My thoughts are exactly the opposite of yours. I'd like to learn the new forms inside and out before I ever let AI pick up some of the work. How will I know what the AI is doing if I don't have a deep understanding of the new layout first? I fear AI is going to create a lot of lazy appraisers who let the AI do all the work and just sign the report without doing a good review of what AI has put together.

There are project rulesets you can establish that greatly affect the resulting product. Won't fabricate or speculate if you specifically tell it not to. I've used it to help with my Demonstration Report. No way it can produce an entire report on it's own tho. I had it perform different individual tasks and assembled them myself with great results. Big difference in results from paid to free versions too.

 

[Surf Cat]

Anyone tried this or thinking about it? Not thrilled about the idea of cloud based software. I like to keep my own files and databases. However, if this can assist in producing reports in the short term until I get all the nuances, it might be worth paying for a year. Does anyone know if these reports are downloadable?

I've been looking into it a little bit.

Aside from Aivre, there's AutoMax AI & ValueMate. Both are a "per report" usage fee as opposed to Aivre with its steep annual fee. I believe $20 bucks per report.

https://www.automax.AI/

https://www.valuemate.AI/#product

AutoMax is being sued by True Footage so, don't know how that's going to effect them. If you join AutoMax's Hybrid staff plan, you get to use their software for free. How many hybrids do you have to do? How much is the fee per hybrid? I asked those questions and did not receive a return reply. It looks pretty slick though. Here's an interview where the guy goes through a report. If you can get by the girl who talks slower than molasses, you'll get to the good stuff.

ValueMate is ala carte, per report as well. I saw an interview I believe from the Appraisal Expo.... he wasn't as polished of a speaker as the AutoMax guy. It appears you're more independent with ValueMate....pay as you go....no hybrid staff deal....

Both of these appear to allow you to determine the neighborhood boundaries and enter the parameters of the subject just like you would searching for comps in the MLS. So, "you" get to choose the comps. That appeals to me. Also, both tout to fill in the 3.6 minutia for you.... which is also appealing. Both are "verified" for GSE assignments whenever that means.

EDIT: Both tout to retain a workfile for the appraiser. I'm unclear if it remains in the cloud or if you get to download it upon report completion.

 

[Dublin ohio]

The RECORD KEEPING RULE only requires access; it does not require possession.

View attachment 111492

I realize that. But what happens if you change software companies before the retention period is up. I guess they could charge you to maintain your files. Same if one of these new companies closes. Sounds like a nightmare

 

[cashcatz]

You would have to have the capability to save a report somewhere else than the provider's "cloud". Otherwise, how could one comply with the record keeping rule. Nighthawk is cloud based, but as long as I start the report on line, I can continue to work on it off line

Every provider should have both the ability import AND export the UAD 3.6 MISMO, otherwise they are trying to lock your data in. The entire point of this format is that it is supposed to be transportable.