Which Software?

[Scott.A]

I'm looking at getting a report writing package appropriate for residential and small properties, but I can't find a decent comparison of the available options.

I do narrative reports for my commercial work, and I use AgWare (ClickForms) at USDA. At my previous fee shop, we used Total for residential work, although I never got good at it considering how little residential I did.

So I have an order for a duplex on my desk right now, and I thought this would be a good time to add to my toolbox. Should I stick with ClickForms since it's an interface I already use in my "day job"? Is there another software out there that has significant advantages? Is there an online system that is the new up and coming star?

What are your recommendations?

 

[Zoe]

I like total. I just do the basic silver package. You don't get weekend phone support but you get it monday thru friday. They do chat online bunch if you need help and they have all kinds of training aids on their website.

You could probably do a 30 day trial. I don't know. I think the software form companies will convert reports from a different software for old reports. I am not sure. In other words, I think you can merge old reports to a new software.

 

[Zoe]

You can buy the more expensive package with total and get 24/7 phone support if you need it. They can log into your computer and see what a problem might be.

 

[JTip]

The whole point of residential software is to develop lender specific templates/forms, create your own comp database and have access to years of past reports.

I wouldn't suggest investing in software for the long term, I like the idea of milking a 30 day trial for your occasional residential reports.

 

[TerryRohrer]

I wouldn't suggest investing in software for the long term, I like the idea of milking a 30 day trial for your occasional residential reports.

Ah, the American way! Used to be, deadbeats just focused on keeping the tags on clothes they "purchased" so they could return them for a refund after wearing them. Clearly, theft has become ingrained...let someone else pay your way. Yesterday, I saw the suggestion to acquire plumbing tools, returning them after completing the task. Today, this.

 

[cashcatz]

I'd suggest waiting until the major providers drop the new UAD changes (even if you don't need the UAD) before making a decision, that way you can try them all.

 

[Zoe]

Alamode will be down Saturday morning from 12:00am to 7:00am. I have been with them a long time. They say their schedule now is maintenance the 3rd Saturday of every month. That is probably a good day and time to do maintenance. They just state something like online services will not be available until system is restored.

I knew they did it every now and then but I never really studied it was 3rd Saturday of every month. Some appraisers probably don't even work on weekends.