Any alternatives to Argus software?

[shaxton24]

Has anyone tried other software that does complex calculations like Argus? (for commercial RE cash flows)

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Yep, excel...do it yourself

 

[Howard Klahr]

The calculations in argus are not complex. Depending on the number of tenants, there are just numerous pro-rations. More importantly, what are you trying to achieve? That will direct you to the correct tool.

 

[Phil McDonald]

Plan Ease

I used a program in school along with Argus and I think it was called Plan Ease. Works like Argus, so it would be an alternative. If the DCF is not a monster I prefer Excel just because I like to see every calculation etc...

 

[PL1957]

Regardless of whether you like ARGUS or not, it has become the defacto standard in the industry. Most clients require ARGUS and expect to receive a copy of the file as part of the report. This probably won't change unless ARGUS screws up, kind of like Pro-Ject did in the transition to a Windows based platform. On the other hand, ARGUS Enterprise, their latest-and-greatest, has been plagued by major problems and delays.

 

[David Bailey]

http://www.cougarsoftware.com/

 

[shaxton24]

Alternative commercial re value software

I think more sophisticated cash flow valuations are sometimes necessary in appraising. Though seldom done.

Modernvalue software is a good option that readily replaces Argus. I think the others, including Argus are expensive and time consuming figure out. Plus its based in Excel.

 

[IL1984]

I think more sophisticated cash flow valuations are sometimes necessary in appraising. Though seldom done.

Modernvalue software is a good option that readily replaces Argus. I think the others, including Argus are expensive and time consuming figure out. Plus its based in Excel.

Personally I think we're supposed to reflect how market participants view properties. If they use Argus as their standard lease analysis program, then it should be what we're using. If they were using Excel, then we should use Excel. If you've got a client who expects Modernvalue software, then you should use Modernvalue. It's not our place to dictate what software is used, we're just mirroring the market.

 

[gregb]

Former mentor uses Argus, swears by it. Current mentor, who is better appraiser than Former mentor, uses excel, prefers to do it herself. Both mentors work on assignments together. Their clients do not specify and accept the different dfc methods used. Market participants such as owners and brokers do not have a clue and never specify the dfc used, except clients such as a large insurance company investor. Then, it depends on the company policy, which is subject to negotiation on Argus, Excel or otherwise.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If they use Argus as their standard lease analysis program, then it should be what we're using. If they were using Excel, then we should use Excel. If you've got a client who expects Modernvalue software, then you should use Modernvalue. It's not our place to dictate what software is used, we're just mirroring the market.

Good point, but I wonder how many folks actually use DCF to value property...few I bet. Ditto in the oil patch. The oil companies may run sophisticated valuatoin programs that include production decline analysis then do a calculus of the future cash flows, but 2 things.... One you really don't know what the price of gas is going to be (like natural gas was $7 5 years ago and now it's less than $2 or less than the cost to actually produce it..) and secondly, they will invariably use 10% as the discount rate. Have for 70 years.

The old royalty owner on the other hand will ask or calculate the production from the last 36 months and make an offer that is the same... If it made $40,000 in the last 3 years, that is what they offer for the well...and I bet they are just as "accurate" [an oxymoron when talking about valuation] as any other method.