Import Public Records using Total

[bnmappraisal]

Does it provide sale data in the grid as well?

No. Total's does not (yet?) I think Mike was referring to DataMaster, Spark etc types

 

[Salty]

How is this necessary anyway? All one has to to is export their MLS data into an excel file and upload it to your TOTAL file. After a few tries, you can manipulate your excel file to output the data they way you want it in the grid. Then you're done. Sounds like a lot, but once you perfect your files it is quick and easy. And you know the data will be correct. All of that said, as easy as it is. I stopped using it because manually typing on data for properties is part of how I analyze each property. I use F2 to populate across the grid when necessary to really there are not that many fields left to manually type anyway.

 

[Mike Ault]

How is this necessary anyway?

Is not necessary but it's a timesaver for some of us. I like to start with 15 comparables imported from the MLS in a side-by-side view, determine the appropriate adjustment factors and narrow them down to the best six. I for one am happy that I don't have to type all of that. Once I arrive at the best six then I start the verification process. This new "public records import" could help to automate that as well, pointing out the differences between MLS data and public records which will flag that discrepancy for further investigation. Going on 28 years in this business I have learned to embrace technology when it allows me to be more productive & spend more time with the family. One of the more thoughtful posters on here who said that appraising is like "gathering up nickels in front of a steamroller" had it about right and the more that technology can assist me in focusing on the steamroller and stop worrying about the nickels the happier I am. Your mileage may vary…

 

[Fargo1]

... All of that said, as easy as it is. I stopped using it because manually typing on data for properties is part of how I analyze each property. I use F2 to populate across the grid when necessary to really there are not that many fields left to manually type anyway.

Yep, I too find that I do more anylyzing when I have to type in the data manually. So sometimes I prefer that method that forces me to slow down and thing about the sales and any data I am using.

 

[Salty]

Is not necessary but it's a timesaver for some of us. I like to start with 15 comparables imported from the MLS in a side-by-side view, determine the appropriate adjustment factors and narrow them down to the best six. I for one am happy that I don't have to type all of that. Once I arrive at the best six then I start the verification process. This new "public records import" could help to automate that as well, pointing out the differences between MLS data and public records which will flag that discrepancy for further investigation. Going on 28 years in this business I have learned to embrace technology when it allows me to be more productive & spend more time with the family. One of the more thoughtful posters on here who said that appraising is like "gathering up nickels in front of a steamroller" had it about right and the more that technology can assist me in focusing on the steamroller and stop worrying about the nickels the happier I am. Your mileage may vary…

Yes, but my point is that the excel import I mentioned is free and a function within TOTAL. (at least it was last time I used it)

 

[Mike Ault]

Yes, but my point is that the excel import I mentioned is free and a function within TOTAL. (at least it was last time I used it)

So far the program is limited to populating the subject data only. The MLS importer does not verify your comparable MLS data imports against public records. I was simply hoping that soon it would as they could use the same process to verify comparable data against public records that they're using to populate subject data with. A sort of "poor man's Data Master". It may help some merchants to pass the day by running an abacus however most of them have moved on, embraced technology and spend their time doing something more productive.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

At what point does it not really save you time when you having to proof it, correct it and make changes to it. Some records here are in all CAPS, some are lot first-block second, some are block first-lot second, some are subdivision name first. Lets not forget rural legal descriptions with all the crazy abbreviations.

 

[Mike Ault]

At what point does it not really save you time when you having to proof it, correct it and make changes to it. Some records here are in all CAPS, some are lot first-block second, some are block first-lot second, some are subdivision name first. Lets not forget rural legal descriptions with all the crazy abbreviations.

I know, they have some work left to do on it however they have shown the ability to aggregate all the data in one spot, all they have to do is let us format it properly for each market area – change the order of the fields, replace the case with something less lazy, change dashes to periods when appropriate, etc. That's exactly what they allow us to do with the MLS Data Importer, and they just need to let us do that with the Public Record Importer. At that point it would save a considerable amount of time and even more if we could use it to verify all the data in our report against public records, both the subject & all the comparables. That being said if I was the programmer in charge of this project and read the preponderance of negative opinions on here I would probably just go drink a beer instead. So what if they want to charge one dollar per report?

 

[NJAPRAZE]

Has anyone tried this "Free" (for now) new tool that Total has?
I have not, so just looking for any feedback from those who have tried it/use it
Thanks

I haven't used it nor have any intention of doing so! Core is just using you, your time, & expertise [with the local data] to perfect a new product! They NEED YOU to match the data fields and show them how to "clean" the data they provide, and once you show them how to do it... they'll charge you and everyone else for that priviledge and access. Not to mention... put smaller cos like DataMaster out of business.

 

[Mejappz]

I haven't used it nor have any intention of doing so! Core is just using you, your time, & expertise [with the local data] to perfect a new product! They NEED YOU to match the data fields and show them how to "clean" the data they provide, and once you show them how to do it... they'll charge you and everyone else for that priviledge and access. Not to mention... put smaller cos like DataMaster out of business.

CoreLogic is sucking appraisal data like a vacuum cleaner, similar to what the Collateral underwriter is doing.