Real estate appraisal report writing software

Real Estate Appraisal Software

The biggest presence on the Internet in real estate appraisal software is Bradford Technologies, at least is the frequency with which they appear on the major search engines (Google, Dogpile) is any indication. They offer a well-rounded suite of programs extending far beyond simple report writing; with Bradford Technologies (www.bradfordsoftware.com),one can perform all the conceivable functions of real estate appraising without ever contacting another vendor. There is only one problem; until one actually gives them a credit card number, it is impossible to find out the exact costs. Still, the programs are not inexpensive, and it is obvious the company expects buyers to integrate all its products. Otherwise, the $299 yearly costs of software and hardware support would seem unreasonable. If one assumes a ten percent cost of software purchase price for support, then it is easy to estimate that the basic components of a real estate appraisal suite, including the report-writing software, would come in at somewhere around $3,000.

Is it worth it? It seems so. One of its most enticing components is ClickNOTES Pro, a hand-held data-gathering tool for appraisers designed to work as an appraiser works and, better still, to dump the notes directly into the report writing software program. They promote the hours of typing saved, and it is hard to argue with that. It is especially difficult to argue when you can also take advantage of Bradford's ROI calculator to determine what your return for effort, and expenses, is. That is free on the Web site, which makes it a great marketing tool to go along with their claim that using their report creation software can earn appraisers an extra $10,000 a year.

Day One (www.appraisal.com) claims that it has been the leading appraisal software publisher for more than 21 years. In addition to its report-writing software, it says it had the first case management, automated mapping systems and digital image management software. It is the first appraisal software company to be certified as AI-Ready by the Appraisal Institute Residential Database (AIRD).

That does not necessarily mean the software is easy to use and cost-effective, but a look at the integrated components of its software suite and relatively reasonable prices give some indication that Day One is a good buy.

Day One's AI Ready Module is $150; its Sketch for Windows is $199. The sketching software is attractive for those who want to enhance their reports with accurate graphics.

The report writing software itself ranges from the entry-level version of Day One Nova, which includes more than 300 useful forms, at $395.00. They claim the professional appraiser's choice is the NOVA Pro, however, at $695.00, a package that includes the WinSketch software. In effect, it appears that the Day One software is less expensive, but just as useful, as the Bradford Technologies software, plus it has the advantage of at least some professional appraisal and testing to earn the AIRD certification.