GPS with multiple stop and route optimization

[jrichmond182]

jrichmond, so 'firms' have developed a method that doesn't require the necessary local experience and training to 'complete' reports, rather they confirm comps and contact realtors as a substitute. Sort of 'expansion by economies of scale.' I didn't think I was ridiculing so much as wondering if they just lacked simple organization skills or can't figure out where they are at.

This thread was started to answer the simple question of which GPS can optimize routes with multiple stops. This question can be helpful for appraisers whom have experience nationwide where they have to find multiple comps in unfamiliar territory on a weekly basis. How do you confirm comps and contact realtors, in person or over the phone? If you had 30 to 60 comps to confirm and photograph in Washington State a GPS that could do that would come in handy. This type of non-information banter from an "elite" member is what turns off so many from these types of sites.

 

[NachoPerito]

Even in my town I optimize routes if I have a bunch of comps. I could get to all of them, but optimizing would make it quicker. I am trying to figure a way to use My Google Maps because that way I can enter in the addresses faster on my computer then access it from my phone on the road.

 

[Vermonter]

Is it only me, or do appraisers not know their market well enough that they can't figure out the efficient order of inspections and comps?

Hate to admit it....but as I get older, my route optimization skills have diminished.

Drove 10 minutes in the wrong direction yesterday because I confused my route and headed back to a comp I already took a picture of.

 

[GregoryK]

it's even easier than that on a garmin. enter your destination address; enter each comp and choose "add it to route" not "enter as new destination". it will auto-calculate the route for all entered addresses as you enter them (adding them into the route automatically).

What model of Garmin? I am looking at a model for truck and delivery drivers. Last trip to Quad Cities I download an App called Route 4 Me. It works well for optimizing the route, and it loads the address into Apple Maps. But you have to do that for each stop. Its still an easy thing but it does require a couple of clicks each time.

A typical site inspection goes something like this: Once I am on site (I appraise convenience stores primarily) I use GasBuddy to locate the nearby competitors. Then I load these into Roue 4 Me. You have to do this on-site because Gasbuddy will search from where ever you are to the nearest competitor. This worked fairly well. Now if my GPS enabled camera would lock on fast enough, labeling photos and making maps would be a snap.

Also, when using the IPhone for navigation means your Bluetooth connect for hands free telephone is not on. Hence the search for a good GPS Unit

 

[GregoryK]

Some firms choose to specialize in fields that local appraisers would not have the competency to complete without years of experience solely in that field, much less enough market work to justify the training and paperwork. Said firms often have depts. dedicated to finding and confirming comps, contacting relators, city hall ect., across the country. The fact that some appraisers have expanded beyond their "market", is no reason to ridicule.

We specialize in the appraisal of retail fuel properties as going concerns. Its a very specialized niche that requires specific knowledge and a large database of sales. We have around 20 appraisers scattered across the U.S.-each covering specific states or regions.

 

[Pat Butler]

FWIW, MapQuest used to allow for direct downloading into a Garmin GPS, but they dropped that feature.

 

[marc paolella]

Here's what I do, and it works well. Step 1: Get a milk crate and stick in the passenger side floor. Stick a couple of blocks of wood to wedge it so it doesn't move. 2: Get your Ipad out. 3: Install "Waze" on the Ipad. An incredible app that acts as a big screen GPS AND shows you police locations reported by your fellow travelers. 4: Make sure your Ipad has a folio case. 5: Stick your Ipad on the milk crate as close to you as you can.

It's tremendous. It does all the voice directions, but also presents a map view of how you are going to arrive, and your present location is always in the center of the map. You can "see the future" and how you are going to get where you are going as you are getting there. Much better than hearing/seeing a direction too late on a tiny GPS. Big screen navigation heaven. You can put all your addresses in VERBALLY in advance. Rerouting is excellent. And it takes you around all the traffic jams. And again, the cops are on the map. Supplement with a radar detector and your chances of getting caught speeding are near zero as long as you pay attention.

 

[jim farrelly]

2 words: Total Mobile. Run your comps place in report, upload to cloud and sync with phone or IPAD/Tablet. The bubble in the app shows a map with all comps.Looking at the map, you can see where you need/should go. Each comp on the map has a house icon and embedded in that icon is voice guided google maps. Awesome feature!! No more GPS.

I have tried the co pilot app and find it cumbersome average at best. If you have wintotal, try total mobile.

 

[Dale Smalley]

I print out a MLS map page with about 15 comps and listing just below the map. I shoot 6-10 because I don't want to come back if 1 or 2 don't work out. Especially in a Gated community I might take extras just in case. Rarely to I have to type in the address to the GPS. I got a reconditioned garmin at tigerdirect for $89 and mostly use it in 3d mode. I can see in advance the streets coming up. Great for locating canals and dead end street or the best way to get the comps pic on the drivers side. But yeah I drive around in circles a lot.

 

[Gregory Beck]

My car has a navigation system that works with satellite Don't need mapping programs