Calvin, as you stated the cost, learning curve and set up are big factors. You also need to consider the maintenance, system requirements and compatibility issues. Most people under estimate these issues, often way under. Numerous examples of this can be found in the forum.
You provided some good comments, I'd like to elaborate.
DB Engine - this is another PIA which increases the complexity. There are alternatives.
Integration Structure - ValueTech and @Value appear to be built on top of Word or Excel and allow you to embed the other type of doc. There are limitations when embedding Word/Excel docs in the other. I tried it, found it too restrictive and dropped this approach.
DB Customization - cool stuff with many variations. My db schema is created on the fly for each assignment based on the assignment data sources.
Data Import - cool stuff with many variations. You need a generalized mapping tool which will normalize the incoming/outgoing data to a usable format. There are actually several steps in the normalization process. Needs to be table driven and user customizable. I've setup a general mapping process and have conversion tables for the data sources I use. XML support will come with Office 12 so I don't have to buy the Excel Pro version. No clients are pushing XML so there is no hurry.
Excel Valuation Sheets - my system is built on excel so all excel features are available.
Calculations - create whatever you want.
DCF/Unit Sales Analysis - create whatever you want.
Appraisal Mgmt SW - my system includes everything to run my business. Includes appraiser info, appraiser educ/lic info, client info, assignment info, accounting, etc, etc.
In summary, the appraisal report creation process is much hyped. It's actually a fairly simple, straightforward process.
I create commercial and residential reports in the same manner using the same system (I think it is the only system which supports commercial and residential reports). The report structure is the same, ie cover page, TOC, cover letter, invoice, comparison grid(s), analysis, photos, misc addendums, etc, etc. It's all the same, just insert whatever is appropriate for the assignment you are working on and have the common info magically shared throughout the report. If you need something new for an assignment, then create it and save it to your library for future use.
I found the commercially available appraisal packages too restrictive. This prevented me from performing the job as it should be done. Don't have that problem anymore.
Just rambling on late at night . . .
bueno suerto.
You provided some good comments, I'd like to elaborate.
DB Engine - this is another PIA which increases the complexity. There are alternatives.
Integration Structure - ValueTech and @Value appear to be built on top of Word or Excel and allow you to embed the other type of doc. There are limitations when embedding Word/Excel docs in the other. I tried it, found it too restrictive and dropped this approach.
DB Customization - cool stuff with many variations. My db schema is created on the fly for each assignment based on the assignment data sources.
Data Import - cool stuff with many variations. You need a generalized mapping tool which will normalize the incoming/outgoing data to a usable format. There are actually several steps in the normalization process. Needs to be table driven and user customizable. I've setup a general mapping process and have conversion tables for the data sources I use. XML support will come with Office 12 so I don't have to buy the Excel Pro version. No clients are pushing XML so there is no hurry.
Excel Valuation Sheets - my system is built on excel so all excel features are available.
Calculations - create whatever you want.
DCF/Unit Sales Analysis - create whatever you want.
Appraisal Mgmt SW - my system includes everything to run my business. Includes appraiser info, appraiser educ/lic info, client info, assignment info, accounting, etc, etc.
In summary, the appraisal report creation process is much hyped. It's actually a fairly simple, straightforward process.
I create commercial and residential reports in the same manner using the same system (I think it is the only system which supports commercial and residential reports). The report structure is the same, ie cover page, TOC, cover letter, invoice, comparison grid(s), analysis, photos, misc addendums, etc, etc. It's all the same, just insert whatever is appropriate for the assignment you are working on and have the common info magically shared throughout the report. If you need something new for an assignment, then create it and save it to your library for future use.
I found the commercially available appraisal packages too restrictive. This prevented me from performing the job as it should be done. Don't have that problem anymore.
Just rambling on late at night . . .
bueno suerto.