Software Should Facilitate the Appraisal

Software should facilitate the appraisal process and the creation of thorough digital or hard copy reports. Both the Bradford Technologies ClickFORMS 5.0 and Homeputer fps 4.4 offer real estate appraisers a wealth of tools with which to compile and prepare effective and accurate reports. However, these two applications offer far different features. At $99, Homeputer fps 4.4 is by far the better bargain. Bradford Technologies currently offers ClickFORMS only as a subscription service, with software bundled with an array of ancillary services including ready access to online databases and plug-in support for sketching software. However, Homeputer also offers features ClickFORMS does not, such as built-in HUD, ERC and FEMA reports. Appraisers looking to upgrade their existing software system or new appraisers needing a straightforward means of preparing their first reports should thoroughly investigate both products to determine which features are suitable for their areas of expertise.

If money is a consideration, the clearly Homeputer is the best choice. A simple yet thorough application, Homeputer offers the basic tools needed to compile an appraisal report, includes the latest Fannie Mae forms and hundreds of others, and will even transfer from old appraisal formats to the Fannie Mae. Bells and whistles like the signature scan make the Homeputer package appealing to new appraisers who are willing to spend $100 but not the hefty $50 per month subscription to use ClickFORMS. If the basic database integration, photo editing, and sketching tools are sufficient, then Homeputer is a good place to start when entering the appraisal market.

However, ClickFORMS is clearly a better product. The software is more powerful, offering users a plethora of tools that Homeputer simply does not support. Moreover, the ClickFORMS interface is slicker and more sophisticated than its low-end counterpart. The integration with Census Tract data, with online valuation tools, and with WinSketch may be essential features for some appraisers, even those who are just entering the market. Add the fact that the user can enter his or her business data into an appraisal directory and ClickFORMS seems like the best choice.

At $49 per month, the software is pricey. Whether or not it will be a sound investment for a new appraiser depends on the area of specialization. Appraisers working within a broad geographic base may appreciate the more sophisticated mapping integration that ClickFORMS offers. On the other hand, specialists may not need the advanced tools that the subscription service offers.

Both ClickFORMS and Homeputer fps include hundreds of different forms, both offer PDF support for exporting, and both include photo editors. Thus, the basic tools of appraisal report creation are present in both applications. For basic report creation, appraisers should try Homeputer before shelling out the fee for ClickFORMS. Especially for independent appraisers, the software is sufficient for most appraisal needs. If Homeputer does not meet the user's needs then the money spent will not put the business into debt and nothing is lost.