Appraisal Scoop

Video Sneak Peek: a la mode's DaVinci for iPhone coming soon to the Apple App Store

DaVinci for iPhone has been submitted to Apple by a la mode, inc., and they're waiting to hear when it will become available for download on the iTunes App Store (probably week or two).

To promote the pending release of DaVinci for iPhone, a la mode created a really slick commercial that was debuted at the Valuation 2009 trade show earlier this week.

They first announced they were working on DaVinci for iPhone this past Spring.  Since then, it's received a ton of positive response from appraisers, primarily through its page on the a la mode labs

I've been testing the beta version of DaVinci for iPhone for several weeks and I think they've going to have a real winner on their hands.  Watch their YouTube video to see what I mean.

Fannie Mae Announcement 09-14 Requires Submission of Electronic Appraisal Reports in MISMO XML Standard

In Announcement 09-14, New Data Delivery Requirements, Fannie Mae announced changes to the loan delivery file and the Uniform Residential Loan Application (Form 1003) to accommodate new data elements required by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

Download Fannie Mae Announcement 09-14-Electronic Appraisal Reports

These changes are intended to result in enhanced identification and accountability of key parties in the mortgage transaction and are another step in Fannie Mae’s ongoing efforts to improve loan quality.

In the coming months, Fannie Mae will announce a series of other policies intended to improve loan quality, including the implementation of a robust collateral valuation analysis process, enhanced credit policy guidance, improvements to Fannie Mae’s quality control processes, and additional guidance on lender quality control activities.

In support of the loan quality initiative, this Announcement includes information about the following:

• Submission of Electronic Appraisal Reports
• Enhancements to the Loan Delivery File Format
• Mortgage Fraud Reporting

 

Sarah Vetault of Tucson, AZ - www.ComplineGroup.com asked on the WinTOTAL Users Group:

"I just got this announcement from Fannie Mae requiring submission of electronic appraisal reports in MISMO XML format by 2010.  I wonder what this means from our end.  Is the good old industry standard emailed PDF going bye-bye, forcing us to use slice/dice/rip-the-data portals for mortgage work?  Or will the lenders rip the data themselves out of our pdf files for submission to FNMA?  We are definitely living in interesting times. "

What are YOUR thoughts?

Review: eTrac Webforms - Is free really free?

Working RE Magazine recently featured an announcement that eTrac, an online web based appraisal management system, is offering appraisers an opportunity to sign up in the eTrac network for free.

FREE is always nice, right? So I signed up and began exploring some of eTrac’s offerings. The website states:

"The eTrac Network is designed to provide mortgage brokers, lenders, BPO management companies and consumers with access to qualified real estate professionals. The network can be accessed directly from our website at no cost or from within our management products. eTrac Enterprise Edition or OASIS for lender users have direct access to the entire network of real estate professionals. The system allows users to efficiently find, assign and receive services from thousands of qualified real estate professionals nationwide."

I am not sure, but it would appear that if you don’t have an eTrac website (pricing starting at $199/year) – how would you complete and send reports to the client ordering through the eTrac network?

My next stop was checking out the eTrac “Webforms” module. Another quote from the eTrac website:

"eTrac Web Forms is the newest way to produce your appraisal reports- entirely online, allowing appraisers to be completely mobile and autonomous. This unique approach to delivering software as a service will give appraisers what they really want- a simple solution that will work on their Windows PC, their IMAC, their iPhone, or any Internet browser based. No installs, no PDF drivers, no hassles. "

I found that eTrac offers the Webforms “lite” version for free. You can create new files and send them right from the web. The only limitations they claim for the free suite, is you can only access the last 20 files you create. You must upgrade to store more than 20 files. You can see it at http://www.appraiseanywhere.com.

See eTrac's Response to this review: Click Here

Click here to continue reading. . . .

Free Webinar Wednesday May 7th - Motion F5 Mobile Field Tool - Motion Toughens Up with Semi-Rugged Slate Tablet PC for Appraisers

Appraisal Scoop author John Hill, from Allegiance Technology, and Motion Computing are sponsoring a webinar tomorrow for people that want to learn about the Motion F5 Field Tablet PC.

The Motion F5 Mobile Field Tool is the first semi-rugged slate PC designed specifically for the mobile appraiser that combines durability, mobility and integrated functionality with the benefits and convenience of tablet input. See our Motion F5 Brochure.

The nice part is that if you are thinking about one of these tablets, there is an opportunity for webinar attendees to purchase one for $1,000 off the list price.

Sign Up HERE! - F5 Webinar hosted by Allegiance Technology

The F5 is IP54 rated to meet the demands of the job from dusty construction sites to the occasional drop from a vehicle or exposure to a rainstorm. In fact, the F5 is designed to protect from the top three causes of notebook damage, which continue to be drops, liquid spills and objects being dropped on to notebooks.

Additional F5 capabilities include:

• Thin and light with high performance capabilities (approximately 3 lbs.)
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and optional integrated mobile broadband
• Shock, drop, vibration and temperature resistance
• Vehicular docking capabilities
• Intuitive buttons and triggers
• Integrated barcode scanner (optional)
• Integrated RFID reader offering quick and simple inventory tracking and management
• 2.0 megapixel camera
• Integrated fingerprint reader to simplify password management while increasing data security
• Natural handwriting interface for convenient data capture while standing or walking
• Speak Anywhere® audio technology for convenient access to voice notes and advanced communication

Webinar 4/18/2008 - Mobile Appraisers Answer Your Tablet PC Questions!

WEBINAR UPDATE:   The webinar on Friday went well and John was able to recorded it for anyone who didn't get to attend.  Many thanks to Greg Davenport for bringing his unique perspective and for the attendees who asked such relevant, thoughtful questions. 

You can see stream it here and download it here.

To help show some of the differences between operating systems and tablets, John Hill of of Tablet PC News at TabletPCBuzz, is going to host a webinar tomorrow (April 18th), at 2pm EASTERN STANDARD TIME.  It will absolutely NOT be any kind of sales pitch.  It is intended to be a forum where people can ask questions and get answers from other appraisers.

If you are an appraiser and Tablet PC owner who would like to be answering questions, please email John at john@alltp.com.  This will allow him to identify you and unmute your call so you can share your expertise.

If this goes according to plan, John won't even talk except to repeat questions to the appraiser experts.  His only shameless plug will be to tell you about their Tablet PC demo program which you can read about on his website - Click here.

Here is the meeting information - please add it to your calendar:

Topic: Appraiser's Tablet Questions
Date: Friday, April 18, 2008
Time: 2:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time
Meeting Number: 559 076 182
Meeting Password: tablet

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To join the online meeting
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1. Go to https://alltp.webex.com/alltp/j.php?ED=96320107&UID=0
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: tablet
4. Click "Join".

Call-in toll number (US/Canada):          1-650-429-3300      

To add this meeting to your calendar program (for example Microsoft Outlook), click this link:
https://alltp.webex.com/alltp/j.php?ED=96320107&UID=0&ICS=MI&LD=1&RD=2&ST=1&SHA2=5IWVHl7NYT-AfVAHj1SVwC0YFvBv7ZMsezPeAJ2mk/Q=


John will attempt to record this meeting (sometimes it works and sometimes not) for later viewing/listening.

Author: John Hill - Enjoy the best source for Tablet PC News at TabletPCBuzz    Visit our Tablet PC Store .  If you have any questions, email me at john@alltp.com

ALLTP Website

ALLTP Tablet PC Store

My blog: John Hill Talks Tablets

a la mode Announces "Appraisal Press" Industry Newsletter

I'm at the a la mode Las Vegas convention this week participating in their "Real World" series of appraiser seminars. Patrick Egger (Outside The Boxes series) and I (Appraisal Scoop - Paperless Office) will be presenters on April 12-14.  The “Real World” series are courses are taught by a la mode customers and are designed to show real life examples of how technology can make a difference in your office.

One of the first announcements was the start of a monthly print and online newsletter called Appraisal Press. 

Dave Biggers, a la mode Chairman said, "We realized that producing this monthly print and online newspaper, instead of various printed and online advertising pieces and newsletters, was the best way to really affect the transformation and aid our customers. So, in here, you’ll find candid, first-person, timely, hard-hitting articles and op-ed pieces — usually delivered in irreverent and edgy style."

Dave also said, "So, why not just write a blog and go doubly green by saving a few trees? Well, blogs are cool, but they aren’t read by the majority of appraisers. By printing a real newspaper while also providing a true online destination (http://www.appraisalpress.com) with the printed articles and more, we reach more people and offer the best of both worlds. We hope you agree."

Click here for a sampling of timely articles and opinions....

Geek's Corner: Use Microsoft's SharedView to put your heads together and collaborate!

Microsoft SharedView is a fast, easy way to share documents and screen views with small groups of friends or coworkers; anytime, anywhere. Use SharedView to put your heads together and collaborate - create, convey, and communicate…across physical boundaries, through firewalls, and down to the smallest details.

Here are 3 simple but powerful SharedView actions:

• CONNECT - Connect with up to 15 people in different locations and invite them to share with you.
• SHOW - Share, review, and update documents with multiple people in real-time.
• SHARE - with up to 15 people in a session. Anyone can share, and the person sharing can give control to anyone else.

Effective collaboration requires getting everyone’s ideas and input, and doing it in a way that is clear, easy to follow, and produces usable results. With Microsoft SharedView, it’s never been easier to put your heads together and see results instantly:

Using SharedView, you (or anyone else in the session) can share your Desktop or an application.

The sharer has initial control of a shared application or desktop, but any session participant can request control at any time so everyone can actively contribute. The sharer can immediately take control back by simply clicking the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard.

Not in control? Relax! Even if you are not in control, you still have a voice. Each participant has a personalized pointer to use to point out specific items or highlight an area--perfect for keeping everyone involved and making sure details aren’t missed.

You want to track results and contributions? Easy! When working in a Word document with SharedView tracked changes, each change is clearly marked and identified with the name and a custom color of the user making the change.

Here is yet another cool feature - any participant can provide handouts that other participants can download. No email required. Great, isn't it?

Effective collaboration has never been easier! You can share a new plan, get feedback on your latest innovation, or work through a new program--all in real time. No travel required.

FREE DOWNLOAD - You can install the latest SharedView application sharing software for free!

Geek's Corner: PDFescape - Open, Edit, Create "Fillable" PDFs Online

PDFescape is a new way to open and edit PDF files online. It allows you to open your PDF files on the web without downloading or installing any software.  With PDFescape, you can fill in PDF forms, add text and graphics, add links, and even add new form fields to a PDF file.  Best of all, it's Free*!

PDFescape allows you to upload your files directly to the server. There you can open them, make changes, fill in forms, and more. When you click the save button, your progress will be saved to the server, allowing you to come back and work on it more at any time. (Click graphic to enlarge)

If at any point you wish to download what you're working on as a PDF again, in the main interface, click the PDF button or hover over FILE and click Save as PDF. You will then be able to save and download the file again as a PDF, optionally also having it emailed to you.

You will be presented with two downloading options, *FREE and PREMIUM. Choosing the first will let you download the file as a PDF again at no charge, however a small PDFescape logo and link will be added to the file. Choosing the latter will not add the logo or link, however it will require that you have Premium Credits, which you can purchase from their website.

Here's a test document that I modified in PDFescape: Download pdfescape__sample_engagement_agreement_letter.pdf  I tested out the ability to add text, a clickable check box, a hyperlinked signature, and a hypelinked URL. 

Click here for more information . . .

On The Road: Google Maps - Don't Leave Home Without Them! (Video)

AUTHOR: Richard D Ferris - AmcAppraisalsinc.com -  Servicing all of Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole Counties. Also servicing Deltona, Deland, and Orange City in Volusia County. - Phone 877-789-5249or email me: richard@amcappraisalsinc.com

I recently purchased a Tilt from AT&T as my central tool for field data collection.  Using the Tilt, I am able to carry all of my appointments, contacts, and files in one device.  It takes some getting used to - typing or writing on a smaller screen!  But there are some definite benefits to utilizing mobile technology!

The other day, I was traveling from Florida to South Carolina, and forgot to print out my maps from Google or Microsoft Streets and Trips as I usually do.  Instead of turning around, or finding a Kinko's to get online - I took a look at the features in my Tilt.

One of the applications I downloaded was Google Maps.  I actually downloaded this from the web browser on the phone, so I knew I was getting the mobile application.  I then learned that my Tilt actually has a built in GPS!  Although scary to the paranoid conspiracy theory side of my brain - the tech geek in me viewed this as a BIG plus!

Click here to continue reading and video link . . .

"Real World" Appraisal Series Returns to a la mode's Las Vegas Convention - April 12-14 2008!

Appraisal Scoop authors will be presenters at a la mode's 2008 Las Vegas convention!

This year, a la mode is offering more targeted, up to date training in three cities across the country. Appraisers want to stick to business right now, so their Regional Conventions will skip the dinners and cocktail receptions and focus more on the hard core training we want and need.

They're offering three all-new, solid tracks (marketing, management, formfilling), plus real-world courses taught by appraisers and industry experts who’ve developed effective strategies used in their own offices for things like going paperless or doing more in-depth market analysis.

Patrick Egger (Outside The Boxes series) and Brian Davis (Appraisal Scoop - Paperless Office) will be presenters at the first of three regional conventions, to be held April 12-14 in Las Vegas.  Their seminars will be part of what a la mode calls the “Real World” series.  This series of courses are taught by a la mode customers and are designed to show real life examples of how technology can make a difference in your office.

Real World: Going Paperless  (Brian Davis)  I'll be covering lots of free tools and services, available from the Internet, to assist you in creating a paperless environment.   The seminar shows how tools like FolderShare, MS OneNote, PaperPort and even DiVinci, XSites, and Tablet PCs can come into play with a paperless office. I'll be working LIVE to demonstrate a paperless workflow from receiving an assignment through creating an electronic workfile.

Real World: Networking and Security (Jeff Jones) This course teaches safe practices as it relates to computer, network and wireless security. Topics discussed include secure Internet access, spy/adware and virus protection as well as data backup solutions. And It’s all in laymen’s terms.

Real World: Housing Market Analysis (Patrick Egger) Learn how to gather data from the Internet and build a true housing market analysis addendum that demonstrates your expertise and further defines you as a leader in your market.

Real World:  Regression Analysis (David Braun)  If you’ve heard regression analysis isn’t appropriate for real estate, think again.  Learn to use all the great data you’ve been collecting for years to enhance your own reports, compete with AVM’s, and have a tool you can use daily in your business.

To learn more . . . click here!