Author: Amanda Fleming

  • Mobile Appraising? …Worth-It?

    Mobile Appraising? …Worth-It?

    If you’re a property appraiser, you probably know the pain of carrying around a clipboard, a camera, a tape measure and a bunch of papers when you go to inspect a property. You have to write down all the data, take photos, measure the rooms and sketch the floor plan. Then you have to go back to your office and enter all that information into your computer.

    It’s time-consuming, tedious and prone to errors.

    But what if there was a better way? What if you could ditch your clipboard and use a tablet or an iPad instead? What if you could gather all your data in the field using a mobile app and sync it with your desktop software? What if you could save hours of work and hassle on every appraisal?

    That’s what mobile appraising is all about. Mobile appraising is using tablets to collect and process data at your appraisal inspections. It’s a game-changer for appraisers who want to work faster, smarter and easier. And it’s not just a trend, it’s the future of appraising. More and more appraisers are switching to mobile appraising every day, and you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

    Here are some of the benefits of mobile appraising:

    Speed

    Mobile appraising can help you speed up your workflow and reduce your turnaround time. You can enter data directly into your tablet or iPad as you walk through the property, instead of writing it down on paper. You can take photos with your device’s camera and attach them to your report. You can measure rooms with a laser device and send the data to your tablet or iPad via Bluetooth. You can sketch the floor plan with your fingers or a stylus on your device’s screen. You can sync all your data with your desktop software with a click of a button.

    Mobile appraising can save you hours of work on every report. You don’t have to re-enter data or resketch plans in your office. You don’t have to scan photos or documents. You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging papers. You can finish your reports faster and deliver them sooner to your clients.

    Accuracy

    Mobile appraising can help you improve your accuracy and quality. You can avoid mistakes and typos by entering data directly into your tablet or iPad. You can use canned comments and checklists to ensure consistency and completeness. You can use artificial intelligence and machine learning to estimate values, adjust for features, detect anomalies and provide evidence. You can use GPS and geocoding to locate properties and comps.

    Mobile appraising can help you produce more reliable and credible reports. You can reduce errors and omissions that could lead to revisions or disputes. You can provide more data and analysis that support your opinions. You can comply with industry standards and regulations.

    Convenience

    Mobile appraising can help you work more conveniently and comfortably. You can use one device for multiple tasks, instead of carrying around multiple tools. You can use apps that are designed for appraisers, instead of generic software that doesn’t fit your needs. You can use cloud storage and backup to access your data anytime, anywhere. You can use online platforms and networks to communicate and collaborate with clients, lenders, AMCs and other parties.

    Mobile appraising can make your life easier as an appraiser. You can work more efficiently and effectively with less stress and hassle. You can enjoy more flexibility and mobility in your work.

    Which tablet or iPad should you choose?

    There are many options for tablets or iPads that you can use for mobile appraising. The best one for you depends on your personal preference, budget and compatibility with your desktop software. Here are some tips to help you choose:

    • Make sure it is a compact device that has a long-lasting battery and that it runs your favorite appraisal software smoothly
    • Some examples of popular tablets or iPads for appraisals are Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (Android) and Apple iPad Pro 11 (iOS)https://www.cubi.casa/10-technology-tools-for-appraisers/
    • Consider also buying a protective case with a hand strap and kickstand (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Protective Casehttps://www.cubi.casa/10-technology-tools-for-appraisers/). You won’t fear any drop!
    • If you want a tablet that runs on Windows OS, you might want to check out the Microsoft Surface Pro. It’s a hybrid device that works as both a tablet and a laptop. Appraise-It Pro runs the full program on this tablet, so it is powerful.

    Mobile appraising is not just a fad, it’s a necessity for appraisers who want to stay ahead of the curve. Mobile appraising can help you save time, improve accuracy, work conveniently and grow your business. Mobile appraising is easy to learn and adopt, as long as you have the right device and software.

    If you haven’t tried mobile appraising yet, now is the time to do it. Don’t let technology intimidate you or hold you back. Embrace it and use it to your advantage. SFREP and Bradford Technologies’ mobile iPad app, Inspect-a-Lot, gives you the tools you need to take notes, sketch, and get photos in the field. When you’re done, wirelessly transfer everything into your Appraise-it Pro report. Search for Inspect-a-Lot in the iPad app store to try it today.

  • Housing Predictions for Summer 2023

    Housing Predictions for Summer 2023

    When it comes to predicting the future of the housing market, the most reliable factor to consider is the interest rate. As interest rates increase, so does the cost of borrowing money and the cost of buying a house. This in turn leads to a decrease in home purchases and an increase in rental payments. With this in mind, it is easy to see how the current market could potentially be affected by the summer of 2023.

    It is important to note that the current market environment is ideal for buyers. Specifically, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage interest rate was 4.42% as of March 24, 2022. This rate has since increased by 2% in just one year. This indicates that rates are likely to remain high, or even continue to increase, in the near future.

    Further exacerbating the issue is the fact that the median home sale price decreased by 1.2% year over year in February 2023, while the number of homes sold decreased by a massive 22.3%. These figures suggest that the housing market could potentially slacken even more as we approach the summer of 2023.

    Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that the housing market is largely dependent on the economy, which is expected to recover over the coming years. The International Monetary Fund forecasts that global economic output will expand by about 5.5% in 2022, 4.4% in 2023 and 4.0% in 2024. Such growth can only be beneficial for the housing market.

    One possible scenario suggests that the current trends will continue in the summer of 2023, with home prices decreasing and interest rates remaining relatively high. However, if the IMF’s prediction of a global economic recovery proves to be accurate, then the housing market could become more attractive for buyers, potentially reversing the recent trend of declining home prices.

    At the end of the day, the housing market come summer 2023 will depend largely upon the strength of the global economy. If the economy continues to gain strength, then the housing market could become an attractive option for buyers once again. However, if the IMF’s predictions are wrong and the economy stagnates, then the housing market could

  • Hey appraiser, is your data safe?

    Hey appraiser, is your data safe?

    The lifeblood of many businesses is data. Client data, sales records, research and development notes – these are just some of the data sets that businesses large and small rely on to function on a day-to-day basis.

    Mismanagement of this data can lead to all sorts of problems, which is why it’s so important to choose a reliable, trustworthy software company to help you store and manage your data.

    An independent software company such as SFREP is the best choice for businesses who want to make sure their data is safe and sound.

    Here’s why:

    1. You can be sure your data is in good hands When you choose an independent software company, you can be confident that your data is in safe hands. These companies are not in the business of selling your data – they’re in the business of providing a valuable service to their clients. This means you can be sure that your data will be treated with the utmost care and respect.

    2. You’re not subject to the whims of shareholders Most independent software companies are not publicly traded, which means they’re not subject to the whims of shareholders. This means that their number one priority is providing a good service to their clients, rather than making a quick buck.

    3. You can be sure your data is secure Independent software companies are not only concerned with providing a good service – they’re also concerned with security. This means that you can be sure your data is well-protected against unauthorized access and data breaches.

    4. Finally, independent software companies are usually more innovative. This is because they are not bound by the constraints of a large organization. They are free to experiment and try new things. This means they are more likely to come up with new ways to solve your problems.

  • 2023: The Year of The Standing Desk

    2023: The Year of The Standing Desk

    We all know that sitting is the new smoking. Sitting for long periods of time is linked to everything from obesity and heart disease to cancer. So, it’s no wonder that more and more people are ditching their traditional desks in favor of standing desks. If you’re thinking about making the switch, 2023 is the year to do it. Here’s why:

    1. You’ll be more productive. Studies show that standing desk users are more productive than their sitting counterparts. One study even found that workers who used standing desks for six months saw a 32% increase in productivity.

    2. You’ll burn more calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, a standing desk is a great way to do it. You can burn up to 50 calories more per hour by standing, which can add up to a significant weight loss over time.

    3. You’ll reduce your risk of disease. Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and cancer. By standing more, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

    4. You’ll improve your posture. If you’re working a lot, chances are your posture isn’t the best. By switching to a standing desk, you can improve your posture and reduce the risk of back pain.

    5. You’ll be more alert. Standing desk users report feeling more alert and awake than their sitting counterparts. This is likely due to the fact that standing causes blood to flow more freely through the body, providing the brain with more oxygen.

  • Everyone wants to know: Is non-lending work the answer?

    Everyone wants to know: Is non-lending work the answer?

    While things seem to be slowing down for appraisers early into 2023, many are hungry to learn alternative ways to expand their workload. It’s also no secret that the real estate appraisal industry has seen some big changes in recent years. Lenders and Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) have become increasingly demanding, often requiring appraisers to complete more assignments for less compensation. As a result, many appraisers are looking for ways to supplement their income and diversify their workload.

    One avenue that appraisers can explore is non-lender work. This can include appraising for private individuals, estate planning, divorce settlements, property tax appeals, and more. While the compensation for these types of assignments is often less than what you would earn from a lender, it can be a great way to add some diversity to your workload. Plus, it can be a great way to build relationships with other real estate professionals in your community.

    If you’re interested in pursuing non-lender work, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to check with your state’s licensing board to see if there are any restrictions on the type of work you can do as an appraiser. Second, be sure to brush up on your USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) standards, as they may be different for non-lender work. Next, be sure to market yourself to potential clients so they are aware of your services. Finally, subscribe to https://appraisaltoday.com a monthly newsletter with loads of insight on the non-lending subject and others relevant to the industry.

    While the real estate appraisal industry is constantly changing, appraisers who are willing to adapt and diversify their workloads will be in the best position to succeed. So, if you’re looking for ways to supplement your income or expand your workload, consider non-lender work.

  • Appraisers Depend on Online Services

    Appraisers Depend on Online Services

    Yes, more and more everyone depends on online services. And why not, they provide information that is fast, accurate and easily accessible.

    These days it doesn’t happen often, but occasionally downtime is needed for maintenance and updates. SFREP’s Status Services page is a quick and easy way to check the status of your web services.

    To receive instant notifications via email or SMS (text), click “Subscribe” at the top of the Services Status webpage. Another option: while in Appraise-It, simply go to Help> Check Services Status. With the click of one button on the word “Subscribe” you are signed up.