Appraisal Scoop

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!

Video: My office has moved! And it all fits in one bag!

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 877-789-5249 or email me: richard@amcappraisalsinc.com

Today is a good day in my office!  It marks the 5th year of being totally paperless!  And that means, I can finally get rid of the LAST box of paper files taking up a significant corner of my garage!  You know the feeling! 

As appraisers, we garner a wall full of boxes, legal size file cabinets, creative storage solutions, etc, etc!  And we have to after all - since we have to maintain our files for at least 5 years.  And that means every time I moved in the last 12 years, I hauled boxes and boxes of paper files from one storage location to the next!  Yet as of today, I officially have 5 years of digital files stored on a hard drive and various back up services!

Let me show you what it took for me to make the switch:

If you have not yet taken the plunge into the paperless office, let me tell you first off - I feel your pain!  When I first decided - I waded into the water.  I still drew field sketches on a clipboard and scanned the notes into my computer.  I still printed a full copy of the final report and stuck it into a legal sized Manila folder.   Little by little, I took steps to eliminate paper...which really meant I had to eliminate my fear of being without a physical file.

One of the ways I accomplished this was with an online fax service - Efax.com   Efax has a print driver which allows one to print anything, from any source, to a digital file.  The one aspect I found that needed to change, however, was my habit of workflow.  I've produced two short videos demonstrating my Efax and Digital Workfile workflow.  These videos will also be available in the Paperless Office Video section of the Appraisal Scoop blog. 

• Video #1 - Working with eFax - receiving an order
• Video #2 - Working with eFax - collecting data in workfiles

Click here to continue reading . . .

Free Webinar (Recorded): Pulp Fiction – Is The “Paperless Office” A Myth?

Paper cuts! Do they HAVE to hurt?!  Last Friday (October 26th) a la mode, inc. sponsored the free webinar: Pulp Fiction – Is The “Paperless Office” A Myth?   

This recorded a la mode, inc. webinar is NOT a repeat of the PowerPoint presentation given this Summer in Las Vegas or previously recorded by a la mode. It's a live step-by-step demonstration of preparing an appraisal report in a paperless environment.  Click here to watch the recorded webinar.

I covered lots of free tools and services, available from the Internet, to assist you in creating a paperless environment.  I was working LIVE to demonstrate a paperless workflow from receiving an assignment through creating an electronic workfile.

The webinar shows how tools like FolderShare, MS OneNote, PaperPort and even DiVinci, XSites, and Tablet PCs can come into play with a paperless office.

Author: Brian J. Davis, RAA - Brian Davis & Associates - Brian has over 23 years of appraisal experience in Central, IL and hosts the Appraisal Scoop blog and the WinTOTAL Users Group an email forum for appraisers.

Geek's Corner - What is (and isn’t) a Tablet PC?

John Hill, TabletPCBuzz, Owner and Allegiance Technology, CEO has agreed to help guide appraisers through some of their questions with regards to what a Tablet PC is and what it isn't!  I've attended two of John's webinars for appraisers on Tablet PCs and have learned a TON both times.  Welcome John to the Appraisal Scoop blog!

Rather than talk about “feeds and speeds”, advocate or bash certain brands or advise you on what your setup should look like, I’ve decided to help set your expectations about Tablet PCs.

A Tablet PC isn’t a Swiss army knife

It isn’t a computer that weighs 1.2 pounds, has a 17” screen and 16 hours of battery life with a built in 8 megapixel camera and is Mil-spec ruggedized for drops of 30’ and submersible to a depth of 100 meters.

It is a fully capable Windows computer - You can run ALL your Windows compatible software the same as you do on your desktop or laptop computer.  It runs the same version of QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, Apex, WinTOTAL, ClickForms, ACI and any other software without requiring a special “tablet” version.  You can get a very capable tablet PC with a weight under 4 pounds with a high resolution screen and 5+ hours of battery time.  With the right case, you can protect your tablet from rain and mishaps.

A Tablet PC won’t work where I live

I know, you are in Florida where the sun is intense, or Arizona where it is 120F in the shade, or Washington where it rains six days out of five, or Vermont where it is always twenty below.  Tablet PCs, like other mobile computers, are designed to work in a variety of environments.  The outdoor viewable screens aren’t perfect, but they are way better than any standard notebook screen.  All are rated to a wide variety of temperatures. 

Treat it the way you would any expensive device - Feel free to lock it in the trunk of your car when you don’t want it stolen – just don’t leave it there for several days in the baking sun or freezing cold.  Get some rain on the screen and you can just wipe it off – but please don’t use it to complete forms while you are in the tub with your rubber duck.  Drop it off the desk onto the floor when you trip over the cord – our rule is that any fall that would injure you would probably hurt your computer too.

To continue reading, click here . . . .

FREE On-Line Webinars - Marketing "Town Hall Meeting" & Working In A Paperless Office

If you liked the Marketing eBook from a la mode, inc … or if you’re interested in learning about getting more appraisal jobs in any market, a la mode invites you to a special FREE Appraiser Town Hall Meeting (on-line) this Wednesday - October 17th!

Because of the overwhelming response they've gotten from appraisers about the eBook (download it here), a la mode has decided to hold a free town hall meeting on-line to discuss questions they're hearing from appraisers around the country. 

This open panel, featuring Chris Low (author of the eBook: “How to get more jobs in any market”) and other industry experts, will field questions from the audience. 

Join them and other appraisers as they get together and talk in more detail about marketing tips and strategies found in the eBook to meet this market head-on.

Date:  Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
Time:  3:00 PM (CST)
How to attend:  Just click here
Admission:  FREE

Then, next week (Friday October 26th) I'll be hosting my own free webinar: Pulp Fiction – Is the “Paperless Office” a myth? (aka Papercuts, do they HAVE to hurt?). Appraisal offices may never get rid of paper entirely - but minimizing its use can help appraisers cut costs and increase office efficiency.   

This free webinar is NOT a repeat of the PowerPoint presentation given in Las Vegas or previously recorded by a la mode. This will be a live step-by-step demonstration of preparing an appraisal report in a paperless environment.  Click here to register.

The free Paperless Office webinar will help you:

• Understand the real costs of paper;
• Learn how to create a paperless “mind set”, and
• Learn how to get your paperless office STARTED!   

This 1-hour class is NOT just for WinTOTAL users.  I'll be covering lots of free tools and services, available from the Internet, to assist you in creating a paperless environment.  We'll be working LIVE to demonstrate a paperless workflow from receiving an assignment through creating an electronic workfile.   

DATE	CLASS	COST
October 17	Marketing - Appraiser Town hall Meeting On-line	FREE!	Click here to sign-up
October 26	The Paperless Office - Pulp Fiction? with Brian Davis	FREE!	Click here to sign-up

Author: Brian J. Davis, RAA - Brian Davis & Associates - Brian has over 23 years of appraisal experience in Central, IL and hosts the Appraisal Scoop blog and the WinTOTAL Users Group an email forum for appraisers.

Flip Video: Simple Video Capture and Sharing - Blogging, Virtual Tours, VideoCasting

Are you looking for a simple way to record video field notes, a marketing Videocast, or add a video to your blog?  This may be the device for you.  The price is right ($150-$180) and it's bundled with a nice collection of built-in software.

Pure Digital Technologies, on Sept. 12, introduced the Flip Video™ Ultra Series.  This new category of camcorder that allows one to instantly capture, edit and share video.

The Flip Video Ultra Series is available nationwide starting September 12, 2007. The 60-minute (2GB) model is priced at $179.99, while the 30-minute (1GB) model is $149.99. Flip Video accessories include a pouch, tripod, action mount, and USB extension cables.

The built-in software allows people to share videos as easily as they would digital photos. In addition to instant emailing, the program allows videos to be uploaded directly to popular Internet video sharing sites, including YouTube. Creative users can also edit their clips, make custom movie mixes, add their own music, and capture still photos from video.

The Flip Video Ultra Series incorporates a 1.5 inch transflective, no-glare display screen for clear viewing in even the brightest sunlight, next-generation video processing, and increased on-board memory (2 GB of for the 60-minute model and 1 GB for the 30-minute model).

Features include:

• One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom
• Instant on-camera playback and delete
• High-speed video sharing from any PC or Mac
• One-click emailing of videos and video greeting cards
• One-click emailing of videos and video greeting cards
• Custom editing of movie mixes, with the option to set them to your own music
• Capture of still photos from video
• Built-in tripod mount
• Convenient DVD processing option at over 9,400 one hour labs nationwide

Additional Resources:

The Wall Street Journal
September 12, 2007
An Easier Way to Make and Share Videos

USA Today
September 12, 2007
Fun Flip wows camcorder crowd