Import Public Records using Total

[Mike Ault]

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.

Your observations are correct however the smaller companies like DataMaster are unwilling to invest the time needed to pull all this data out in my market, I and other appraisers in this area have solicited them before without success. So yes, I am willing to help them develop this new product in this market and yes, I am willing to pay a small fee for its use depending on the productivity increase that I receive from it. They have plenty of nice subscription add-on services that I don't utilize on a regular basis (flood maps, data backup) but this is one that I would. If that makes me a traitor to the cause of the "clerical work protectionists" amongst us then I apologize.

 

[Mike Kennedy]

non scrutinized "Public Data" = G. I. G.O.

 

[Mike Ault]

non scrutinized "Public Data" = G. I. G.O.

I agree however I would rather "scrutinize it" without retyping it if at all possible.

 

[Fargo1]

I agree however I would rather "scrutinize it" without retyping it if at all possible.

I'm not speaking of Mike, as it appears he does his due dilgence in verifying data. However, I often wonder how many of the appraisers that utilize these 'services' of data entry actually take the time to verify all the data. Do they do a search of public records and/or other sources to find all the data that was used and verify it? Do they have an original copy of the data in their workfile to show they verified the data?

I think it would be a USPAP violation if they didn't verify the data. But how many people just trust the data source is accurate and move on? If your verifying your data, as we should be, you are at a great disadvantage to the guy who doesn't verify. If that is the case, it would seem to me that you are putting yourself at a disadvantage by enabling others to use data they do not verify.

I'd rather keep the playing field level. If I am seeking out my own data and maintaining it in my workfile in accordance with USPAP, then I prefer that my competition, whether human or machine, is also verifying all the data and maintaining a pdf of the original source. Taking shortcuts and using automated data will only lead to complete automation of the profession.

 

[Vermonter]

non scrutinized "Public Data" = G. I. G.O.

Pretty much. Not that I expected much in my neck of the woods with severely limited online public records, but about all I've been able to find correct is the site acreage and property taxes (even tho they are usually last years). Owners names, parcel ID, Legal descriptions, zoning classification are all wrong and the rest is just missing.

 

[Mike Ault]

Taking shortcuts and using automated data will only lead to complete automation of the profession.

Unfortunately I believe that horse left the gate long ago, large forces beyond our control have convinced investors that their algorithms are worthy of the public trust and their automated opinions of value good enough to invest large chunks of your pension plan in. I disagree however nobody asked my opinion and while that sorts itself out here's a program that simply keeps me, the individual appraiser from having to cut-and-paste, reorganize and rearrange public records data from my web source documents into my appraisal form like I have been for decades since everything went online. That's what I have liked about Alamode from the beginning (the DOS days), they have seemed to be focused on empowering the individual appraiser to compete against larger forces who seem bent on downplaying and/or controlling our vital role in the process and I don't mind them making a profit along with me. I share your concern for the future and I can't imagine making a living on these $50 valuations floating around however going back to the "Green Hornet" form days and manually typing everything will not lead appraisers to the promised land.

 

[jkvappraisal]

Unfortunately I believe that horse left the gate long ago, large forces beyond our control have convinced investors that their algorithms are worthy of the public trust and their automated opinions of value good enough to invest large chunks of your pension plan in. I disagree however nobody asked my opinion and while that sorts itself out here's a program that simply keeps me, the individual appraiser from having to cut-and-paste, reorganize and rearrange public records data from my web source documents into my appraisal form like I have been for decades since everything went online. That's what I have liked about Alamode from the beginning (the DOS days), they have seemed to be focused on empowering the individual appraiser to compete against larger forces who seem bent on downplaying and/or controlling our vital role in the process and I don't mind them making a profit along with me. I share your concern for the future and I can't imagine making a living on these $50 valuations floating around however going back to the "Green Hornet" form days and manually typing everything will not lead appraisers to the promised land.

I almost never post on here. I've been appraising for about 15 years. Everybody right now needs to find a way to save time. Easy way to verify data. USE EXCEL. I created a file in excel for myself, to do just that. Verify data. My public records shows me to search multiple properties at the same time (comps) then you can download an excel file that has all that data from them. All their data is put in the same cells so it's easy to pull they did numbers and everything from everything else. I also have the MLS do the same thing. The excel file pairs the 2 next to each other and looks for inconsistencies. This works well for me in excel because I can drop that file in a folder and then add the other 2 downloaded csv or excel file and just throw them in the folder and open up the file I created and BAM verified. You can also then take that excel file and import comps in total with it. Or just use the worksheet in total. I also have a full excel file that I use to do my SFR's. When things slow down a little ill write another program for exteriors, condos, and 1025s.

Also to save time. Buy a tablet and sync it up to your software.

 

[Brian W Street]

$50 valuations floating around

Are you really seeing this? Is it some desktop appraisal?

 

[Mike Ault]

I almost never post on here. I've been appraising for about 15 years. Everybody right now needs to find a way to save time. Easy way to verify data. USE EXCEL. I created a file in excel for myself, to do just that. Verify data. My public records shows me to search multiple properties at the same time (comps) then you can download an excel file that has all that data from them. All their data is put in the same cells so it's easy to pull they did numbers and everything from everything else. I also have the MLS do the same thing. The excel file pairs the 2 next to each other and looks for inconsistencies. This works well for me in excel because I can drop that file in a folder and then add the other 2 downloaded csv or excel file and just throw them in the folder and open up the file I created and BAM verified. You can also then take that excel file and import comps in total with it. Or just use the worksheet in total. I also have a full excel file that I use to do my SFR's. When things slow down a little ill write another program for exteriors, condos, and 1025s.

Also to save time. Buy a tablet and sync it up to your software.

Those of us living in Nondisclosure States and sparse data sources dream of such wondrous things…

 

[Mike Ault]

Are you really seeing this? Is it some desktop appraisal?

No, but they are being discussed in the Clients – Good Bad and Ugly section of the forum – AMC's doing Bifurcated Appraisals? | AppraisersForum.com

Quoted from post #8
Bi-Hys' FOR
Proteck : $55
Accurate Group: $45-$65 depending on attachments: MLS, aerial, etc...