Day One software.....tag line on reports

[metrocoast]

Hello Everyone,

I have a general question regarding Day One appraisal software which has nothing to do with techincal issues so I thought it would be appropriate on this forum.

Of course this is most applicable to Day One users but I am interested in everyone's opinion on this. Appraisal.com is the parent company of Day One appraisal software via an acquistion some time last year or perhaps 2000. At some point they acquired or developed an appraisal directory which helps anyone locate an appraiser and for this function I have been told they collect 30% of the appraisal fee however their pitch is that "you still get to charge your standard fees or more if you like". (I personally don't do work for them because of the outrageous "referral fee" taken).

However, the real bone I have to pick is regarding something which I discovered after I downloaded the latest update today. I have had the software now for 10 years and the tag line at the bottom of the appraisal report was always (Laserform software by Day One, Inc.). I never much liked the fact that they were using my reports to pitch their software but it appears everyone does that. Well today after the latest upgrade download the tag line at the bottom of my appraisal reports no longer even mentions Day One as it now reads in rather bold and prominent lettering Powered By Appraisal.com.

As I see it they are now advertising their appraisal directory on my appraisal reports and worse the bottom line is that I see them as a direct competitor since they are a directory. Am I being paranoid? Please comment!! I am livid to no end and I have drafted a strong response to Day One about this.

I should also mention that on all prior versions my company name was prominantly displayed at the top of the appraisal form and on the new version my company name is now on the bottom left corner of the URAR and in what appears to be only a 12pt font.

I am interested in some input from fellow appraisers as this just does not seem right to me.

Thanks,

George Velazquez
Walnut, CA

 

[Rlong]

I am a former Day One user, but not anymore. (no reason but change of company) I agree this is Obnoxious and wrong. My 2 cents.

 

[Caterina Platt]

George,

That is very obnoxious. JMHO, wouldn't give them another dime of my money if it were me. Hope your letter hits the CEO's desk! Then vote with your dollars, elsewhere.

 

[Neil (Texas)]

They use you and your money to promote your competition to your client. Simply another company thumbing their nose at the appraisal community.

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

I would dump them IMMEDIATELY.

 

[Roger]

I've never used Day One, but AlaMode also had (or perhaps still has) a similar tag line on every page of a report.

With AlaMode it was very simple to adjust the printed area downward on the page, and their line was eliminated from my reports.

If you otherwise like the Day One software, you might try to do this.

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

I have no problem with Alamode/Total having their name on the report and I very much like having mine on it. I would have a major problem with a software putting an advertising site on MY appraisal that I would not be listed on unless I pay them for it. And, how dare they make their web site in prominant letters and your name small in a corner!!!!

Very, very glad I never was talked into buying it. They keep on reinforcing my decision.

 

[BigBlueGA]

They have given me the feeling of a sneaky company since day one (no pun intended, really!).

Go with HighPerForm with United Systems... it used to have it's issues, but it is really a tremendous product at this point.

http://www.unitedsystems.com

 

[Pat Butler]

If you must use their software then create a PDF file of your appraisal. In Acrobat, place a white box over their name and save the file. Whola...

 

[spettifer]

That's the same reason why I don't use First Amercian Title (Fares) data anymore. Why should I put money in the pocket of a company who has there own appraisal enity? They have marketing people out in the field every day that are trying to steal my clients and then solicit me to complete the same appraisals for half the price. Don't know why anybody would put money in the pocket of a competitor.

Scott