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What is reasonable volume?

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I'm not an expert at the security part, but it seems secure - there's a password to log in, etc. One thing I took for granted and forgot to mention, you do need an "always on" connection like cable modem so your computer will be online even when you're away.
 
I used GoToMyPC for a while.. absolutely loved it, except that it was limited by the fact that it can't send a Control character (like holding control and hitting a number key) which is what HighPerForm uses for its macros. :(

If they could have fixed that I would still be a subscriber.
 
Even a better way I think is e-mail. I e-mail my files home from the office and then after writing the report send them back to the office and print out. To do this efficiently, you might want to have at least cable or DSL or ISDN. Some times the file sizes are large, because of maps and photos, so they might send slowly if you just have a 56k modem (dial-up). Hint: to reduce the file size dramaticaly remove pics and maps before sending if you have cloned from an old file. Really very easy once you do it a few times. Most of the appraiser's in my office want nothing to do with technology. oh well. If anybody is interested, I would be willing to walk you through it.
 
I have been appraising for about 3-4 months now. I started extremely slow. 1-2 jobs per week. I was not sure I would stick it out in this field, as my first 1/2 dozen reports had lots of red ink on them. My supervisor has taken the time to explain my errors and has taught me a lot of appraisal philosophy and do's and don'ts. I am learning that training somebody new is a huge investment that has the potential for tremedous returns.
I am happy to say that I can now produce 5-7 reports per week. I still hold a full-time job in addition to appraising.......not for long. The income potential has already exceeded my expectations, and I only wanted to do appraisals part-time to supplement my income.
If I could give any advice to somebody just starting out, it would be:
a) never bite off more than you can chew. Let your time/productivity limitations be known right up front to your supervisor.
B) ask questions. ask questions. ask questions. You never know as much as you think you do.
c) accept feedback from your mentor/supervisor.
d) be patient. you will get more comfortable and confident with each passing day, week, month.
e) don't worry about the money right away. If you do the right thing and keep working hard......the money will just come in!
 
I had a brain freeze early this week, because I had too many appraisals. I had 5 kinda at the same time. I think sometimes the problem is they want me to travel far, 1.5 hours one way. So therefore the day is shot before i even got on the computer. Verifing comps seems to take alot of time, i need literely yesterday sales to make it. my feedback from my mentor could be better. I am not always aware what are my mistakes. I work with appraiser toolbox and am very proficient now. but that takes time as a trainee to real grasp the software. i am trying wintotal and find it less systemetic more like a puzzle, more time to waste. I feel more comfortable as each report is done.

I never planned to do this full time. I wanted to learn a "skill" to fill my resume and grab balence for my real estate sales career. I enjoy the finality of appraising. There is not the drama of RE. I like being outdoors and traveling to places you would not otherwise do. I don't like the sitting at a computer and being alone and not talking. I am seeing myself do maybe 2-4 or so a week in future. I can relate to guli.

Take breaks and the forms will feel like your friends soon;)
 
My supervisor has taken the time to explain my errors and has taught me a lot of appraisal philosophy

atta boy! AND, zen and the art of appraising is much overlooked. Appraisal Philosophy is simply common sense focused upon the problem. As you gain control of your data, especially with a good memory, things go faster.

For instance, I begin to identify patterns within small subdivisions in my area. Sub X was built minimum FHA and most are between 1200 - 1500 SF. Most built 1987-95. Sub Y was quality spec homes between 1900 - 2500 and all since 1995. On and on. So when I get an assignment for a house in the area not in a sub, built cheapo, 1992, and 1300 SF, I go to MLS data and search subdivision X and others similar to it. I am not wasting time with Sub Y. I also accumulate data in notebooks. A property card and MLS or listing is inserted in sheet protectors. Compiled data (deed list, MLS sheets, Sales Lists, Regional Dev. Reports, etc.) are 3 hole punched and added. It takes about 10 binders per year sorted by month and by class (Commercial, farm, land, and residences; and, county/town) I can do a search of 2-3 mo. per binder, going back in time until I find comps I need.
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