Appraisal software features and applications

Real Estate Software Comparison

The intent of this analysis is to investigate and evaluate real estate appraisal writing software specifically focusing on ClickFORMs from Bradford Technologies and WinTOTAL from a la mode software, Inc..Comparing cost, features, advantage and disadvantages of each is presented in this paper. The analysis also includes the market orientation each of the programs has been designed to capitalize on and address.

Comparing ClickFORMs and WinTOTAL Pricing

Both a la mode software and Bradford Technologies offer a range of bundling packages and levels of product suites, each focusing on the low-end or entry level, mid-range and higher-end of the market. The greatest variation in pricing of packages however is within the ClickFORMs that has a range of between $699 to $1,297 depending on the number of user licenses purchased, additional modules, and support and service levels. The pricing for WinTOTAL is also across a wide range, yet the website's online store suggests the WinTOTAL Enterprise for $799 that includes document and image management options the company offers online, as Bradford Technologies does with its FILECENTER concept that is online storage for appraisers. WinTOTAL's price of $799 includes one year of free support, a differentiator relative to support only being included in the higher-end pricing structure of ClickFORMs. Both company's pricing structures also imply that for larger sites that include over 100 users a site license can be negotiated. Of the two companies, Bradford Technologies is more straightforward in their definition of software maintenance, including all software updates for a period of one year, appraisal forms and form updates, unlimited e-mail technical support, Microsoft MapPoint location maps and online property census tract lookups as well.

Comparing Features of ClickFORMs and WinTOTAL

Both applications are organized into broad feature sets including integrated data gathering features, support for report writing and analysis, compliance and auditability, data management, marketing and customer loyalty options, and continual online training options. Across these six key areas, each of the applications has what appraisers would require for completing a basic residential appraisal. Included are both basic and advanced search tools and applications, mapping applications and integration to Microsoft MapPoint, support for file templates and forms generation for developing customized appraisals, support for scanning and imaging, extensive XML code and PDF file generation capability, and support for integration to small business accounting packages including QuickBooks.