Appraisal Software

[ken gentle]

Any suggestions on appraisal software (just starting and need advice)?

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Use whatever software your employer is using for convenience sake. Otherwise you will hear several different viewpoints. I use Alamode, most appraisers do, but not all. They all have their good points and bad points. I happen to like Alamode and its bells and whistles. Good Luck!

 

[Mountain Man]

Yeah, I second Tim's idea of use whatever your supervisor uses. I grew up on WCA, know it inside and out, and love it. But that is true with ANY software that one uses for an extended period. It really depends on your price range, production level, and number of users. There are low level packages, mid-level, and the high end stuff.

 

[Gary Leduc]

From a rookies point of view, check out Polaroid Digital.
Find them at [/url]httP://www.polaroidforms.com. User friendly, too[img]8)[/img]

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I will never, ever, never, never ever hire or train anyone who uses a different software package for appraisals. That said, I would recommend Alamode software to anyone. They sell more programs than all the other vendor's combined.

You can do it two ways....find out what your mentor is using OR find a mentor who uses what you bought! Guess what is easier???

 

[Karl]

Just starting out?? Your mentor will tell U what software to use.

 

[ken gentle]

Mike G. thanks for your advice....but in my state a mentor is not required.
Once we receive our notification from the State of Ga. we can start... A mentor would be great....but they are not always available. Fortunately for me my instructor provides assistance with review of appraisals.

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Ken,

There is the USPAP competency issue.

 

[Farm Gal]

Ken:

In that case, give us an idea approximately what sort of budget you are working with... or NOT working with as the case may be.... :wink:

The two high dollar, high amenity systems are ACI/Plaroid Digital Soutions and A La Mode, there are a number of others with less intital start up cost, many of which work just fine for and the two mentioned both come with service warrenties which you had best plan on investing in unless you are a super computer guru...

Many will permit you to test drive their systems for free.

Of the less expensive systems I personally like Bradford.

You can go to the technical forum on this site and check out past postings on various systems, but there is a lot of flaming between proponants of each...

The one reccomendation I can give you PARTICUALRLY if you are going it alone 8O , is to take the time and money to go to a training course on the programs, even for a seasoned appraiser learning a new propriatary system is near overwhelming: to do so while attempting to learn how to appraise would be terribly difficult.

I personally use ACI/Polaroid. I used it for a year before going to a class on 'how to use' it. The class time was well spent even after having learned how to do the basics. The class would be near necessary if you are a beginnner with no office mates to show you the ropes.

Good luck!

 

[ken gentle]

I am most likely going to go with Poloroid. But wondering if there is less costly verision? The quote I have is $800+??? Any ideas?