Spark versus Datamasters

[Wayne Henry]

Hello, my fellow appraisers. I was wondering if anyone used Spark instead of Datamasters and which one is better. I have access to the Bright MLS in Maryland and use ACI appraisal software; I was thinking of giving Spark a try. Your advice will be appreciated.

 

[Tom D]

i have been using spark for a while now. since using it i have started enjoying writing the report again. i would say it has increased my productivity about 30%. the owner is a good guy to deal with. never tried data master. once you learn this system, it's in and out is a matter of minutes, and you're ready to go. i have lost my appraisal typing rage, and there are less typing mistakes.

 

[Renee Healion]

i have been using spark for a while now. since using it i have started enjoying writing the report again. i would say it has increased my productivity about 30%. the owner is a good guy to deal with. never tried data master. once you learn this system, it's in and out is a matter of minutes, and you're ready to go. i have lost my appraisal typing rage, and there are less typing mistakes.

I spoke or wrote to him some time ago and agree he is was helpful and he really gets appraisal. I was thinking about it again, lately. Do you know if Sparks is tied to specific forms? I use the AI forms very often (not the AI-ready).

 

[Tom D]

AI ready is not a form, it's more of a delivery system for the 'xlm'. if you use any form then spark works fine, no matter what format it is delivered in. he always answers emails, if you have any problem or concerns. i can't imagine having to look back and forth between the listing sheets and the computer screen, typing 6 comps on every report. as soon as you upload the MLS cvs file it's done, and a minute later on your report. when i was a bigger appraiser, so very long ago, i had a girl typing all day long. it works the same here, but cheaper.

 

[Renee Healion]

Thanks, Tom. I know about AI-ready. (It was never ready!) I do not take any work that requires I deliver that way. However, I do a lot of work on non-GSE forms, and Appraisal Institute has a suite of forms that works (also called AI but not AI-ready). Just trying to distinguish because people mix them up. AI is like GP but more easily used in a modular way. (Not all software providers update those forms as quickly as they do the GSEs and some do not even provide them.)

I will have to give another look. If the name is any indication, Infosparks, there are some statistical graphing apps now on our MLS, through the showing app provider. Maybe it is by them too. At any rate, the promotion of that reminded me that I should give this one a try and then I saw your post.

edit: I watched the Spark video. I will give it a try. They rely on MLS and Realist, which is no surprise. I have to corroborate or edit Realist data anyway. They mapped for all the usual forms and providers, so I guess AI, but I will check. It is more comprehensive than when I first looked. Includes Costing. It has graphical display of stats. Since we are obligated to understand the selection and reporting of such data, I will look over what they disclose for the workfile. Workfile alone automates what I have to pdf separately then move to it.

 

[Mejappz]

I have used Spark and find it helpful for filling out many sections of the form. It also creates a digital work file which is nice.

I can do the market analysis section on my own with spreadsheets and other programs. But it does create nice charts and commentary.

The Cost Approach section uses data from Dwelling Cost which is ok but I prefer NBC.

Quite frankly if I did not do secondary market work or deal with the AMC cartel. I would just use HomePuter and create my own mini-narratives . That being said Spark is a useful program.