a la mode labs Articles
Here you'll find articles by our Product Managers and Research Fellows discussing everything from "pie in the sky" ideas to concepts we're actively working on. We'll be adding articles frequently, and we welcome your feedback.
Armstrong: Finding the right fit
David Braun, Research Fellow
As an appraiser and an appraisal business owner I have an interest in helping appraisers work smarter and in making their jobs eaiser. As I've seen more and more of the Standard version of Armstrong, the more convinced I am that it's going to be a good thing for a large percentage of appraisers...provided a la mode stays focused. Complete Article
PART II: MARKET MODELING
REGRESSION AND PAIRED SALES
David Braun, Research Fellow
In Part I of this series, I made a strong argument that there was really no difference in the mathematics of market modeling whether performed by a computer or by hand. Admittedly, the science of market modeling is going the direction of the computer, as it should be. I made a simple regression application designed for use by the real property appraiser available in conjunction with this series of articles. Complete Article
"Share files, interact with site visitors "
Adam Calvery, VP Appraisal Products, a la mode, inc.
Frequently appraisers have asked us for a way to share appraisals in real time from the Appraisal Desktop, eliminating the need to e-mail a report file back and forth. We're on the case. The new XSites Desktop will be the platform, and will also let you communicate in real time with your XSite's visitors. It's pretty cool stuff. Complete Article
"Clean, simple and to-the-point "
Jim Simmons, Research Fellow
Development on Armstrong, the sixth version WinTOTAL, is well underway. Where are we with this project? What can you expect? And why? Get one Research Fellow's thoughts on the project and what the real benefits will be for the average appraiser. Complete Article
"Test driving DaVinci in the real world"
Woody Fincham, Research Fellow
The pieces are falling in to place. This week we took the latest build for a real world test drive on a Motion LE1600 Tablet PC. As DaVinci's prime-time debut draws near, appraiser and Research Fellow Woody Fincham gives a current real world review. Complete Article
"Market modeling and the appraiser"
David Braun, Research Fellow
What is a market model? Where do statistical tools fit into my appraisal practice? What are some of the common misconceptions about market modeling? In part one of an in-depth exploration of regression analysis, we air these questions and more.
Complete Article
"Update: WinTOTAL and GPS integration"
Jeff Jones, Research Fellow
Where are we with the GPS integration project? How close are we to being able to get WinTOTAL to "talk" to your handheld GPS device? And why? Previewing an easy to use, intuitive tool for integrating raw GPS data into WinTOTAL's Map Wizard.
Complete Article
"Technology that creates new business"
Jim Simmons, Research Fellow
We need to leverage the skill set we appraisers have to provide services other than standard appraisal fare. As our projects in the labs facilitate the rapid flow of property data to and from our appraisal software, we may be creating the alpha version of an appraiser based MLS.
Complete Article
"E-mail security: No phishing"
Jeff Jones, Research Fellow
Practical tips for keeping your computer free of viruses and your identity safe from "pfishers."
Complete Article
"A field report on DaVinci"
Woody Fincham, Research Fellow
Once you get used to the interface and order of the checklist, you literally fly through it. The checklist may only save me a few minutes at best, but the ability to draw on site, and not redo it at the office, saves me a bunch of time. Complete Article
Email Safety and Security (Part 1)
Jeff Jones, Research Fellow
This article is Part 1 in a series that addresses e–mail safety and security. Subjects to follow will include firewalls, virus protection, Internet security and others. Complete Article
Small ideas to improve day–to–day efficiency
Jim Simmons, Research Fellow
During the course of my research, working on an appraisal or just thinking about things in general I find I have had some ideas on the subject of appraisal software. Go figure. Complete Article
Evolution of methods: statistical tools for the appraiser
Woody Fincham, Research Fellow
As we move into this transition I would think that a more commanding use of traditional methods, and more complex methods would prove much more useful to develop reports. Complete Article
How much are you worth?
David Braun, Research Fellow
In the following discussion I will address how to develop your personal hourly billing rate; how technology can improve your earnings; and how to properly price "odd" jobs. A program written in MS Excel is provided to help you develop your hourly billing rate. Complete Article
"What needs to go into the next great field data app?"
Chris Low, Product Manager
Gathering data in the field is more "engineering" than "formfilling" and we're looking into ways to make the field data gathering chores more efficient. By taking advantage of improved mobile technologies in the industry, there are a lot of potential solutions to tap into. I asked for your ideas, feedback and suggestions. Many of you did write back with some great ideas.
Complete Article
"Using optical recognition techniques in field data gathering?"
Jim Simmons, Research Fellow
Seeking alternatives to current methods of field collection, our challenge is to create a system that both acts as a checklist and possibly as an input mechanism to automate the transfer of field data to WinTOTAL form data, while eliminating the need for the appraiser to purchase any additional hardware. Complete Article
"How best to integrate GPS data into WinTOTAL?"
Jeff Jones, Research Fellow
It seems we as a labs group have embraced the concept of GPS device integration into the WinTOTAL interface. I think we all agree it's a sound concept, but the questions range from the most obvious — like how best to implement it and can it be made part of a future update to Aurora — to the more abstract, such as will the end user actually understand and utilize the tool. Complete Article
"Data sharing: Small, exclusive groups of peers you trust"
Woody Fincham, Research Fellow
My data share project is a concept intended to use between appraisers, and only for appraisers. It is a tool for you and nothing else. There is not a motive to do anything with your data. So as long as I have been as clear as I can be about that let's talk about some things I've gleaned from reflection, hashing things out with colleagues and reading your feedback that can improve on my previous ideas. Complete Article
"Windows Live Messenger — Collaboration tools unleashed"
Adam Calvery, VP Appraisal Products, a la mode, inc.
Windows Live Messenger (LM) is a program for chatting via your keyboard, via video with a web cam, making Internet phone calls, transferring files, sharing single files, and sharing lots of files at once. In short, it's perfect for collaboration. For these reasons, it can be just as important to your daily workflow as e-mail and cell phones. It makes communication and collaborating with peers, remote co-workers, and even clients instant, much easier, and with a webcam can even be face to face. Complete Article
"Leveraging technology to compete with AVMs — but not in the way you might think"
Matt Barr, Communications Director, a la mode, inc.
When someone grumbles that appraisers need to adapt to a changing world where things happen so much faster, it's because they don't realize that appraisers are early adopters of most technological innovations already. Cell phones, desktop software, mobile devices and applications, digital imaging, electronic document delivery — no other participant in the home selling or mortgage process is as technologically advanced as your average appraiser.
Complete Article
"Accept the Challenge"
David Braun, Research Fellow
Appraisers must improve the tried and true market value estimate and seek other risk management tools that we are uniquely qualified to provide. Today's appraiser can improve performance in terms of turn-around-time and accuracy by use of computer integration and automation. Complete Article
"The Comps and Data Share Debate: Does Size Really Matter?"
Woody Fincham, Research Fellow
During labs meetings our group has sort of moved into two different collaboration camps: one that likes the idea of a large system, and those that would like to see it done on a peer to peer basis only. I think that both sides have good points and not so good points. Here we will take a look at both sides as I see them at this juncture. Complete Article
"As a profession, we must advance along with our technology"
Jim Simmons, Research Fellow
As more and more of our routine data are digitized and models automated, the need to have appraisal involvement in data search and to some degree analysis will diminish. Our task then will be to develop a breadth of skills that becomes less replaceable. Additionally the need to network with like-minded peers will become critical. Complete Article
"Geocoding and GPS 101: How to do it now, and how it ought to be done"
Jeff Jones, Research Fellow
What about a small stand-alone application the user could install on their GPS-enabled PDA or smartphone? Or could we possibly integrate this tool into the next generation Pocket TOTAL? Something that would allow users to record and name GPS coordinates while in the field and transfer those coordinates into their WinTOTAL report using an "Import From GPS Wizard" in the Maps Powerview. Complete Article
"Brainstorming: Field data gathering ideas for the near future"
Chris Low, Product Manager, a la mode, inc.
Appraisers are the "engineers" of the real estate transaction. They're the ones who have to do the research, the legwork, the analysis, the calculations, and finally the accurate assessment. It's a lot of technical work. And most of the real "engineering" aspects don't happen at your desk. They happen in the field. Complete Article
"Brainstorming: Finding collaboration solutions in a hyper-collaborative world"
Chris Low, Product Manager, a la mode, inc.
At a la mode labs, we're currently exploring technologies to help appraisers collaborate better. If you stop to think about it, the appraiser is really a full time "collaborator." Just about everything appraisers do has a collaboration aspect to it. Complete Article
"GIS: Uses and Integration Possibilites"
Jim Simmons, Research Fellow
GIS is most recognized as the technology behind the navigation devices for cars and military ordinance. Used by all levels of government and, until now, confined to a select group of commercial appraisers and corporate decision makers, I'm exploring the idea of bringing GIS driven data to the residential appraisers' desktop. Complete Article
"Introduction to the a la mode Labs and Research Fellows"
David Braun, Research Fellow
The a la mode labs initiative not only includes employees of a la mode, but a team of independent researchers who are knowledgeable in the field of real property appraising and related technologies. This team is made of four members, whom you'll meet in the coming weeks. I'm writing to explain why we accepted a position on this research and development team as paid consultants. Complete Article
"Collaboration and data sharing: Let's talk about why and how"
Woody Fincham, Research Fellow
As we begin our tenure as Research Fellows with a la mode labs, I envision a new type of technology that really could be just as life changing, if not more so, than anything we have ever seen. And now thanks to the labs we have a chance to think it through and eventually try it out. Complete Article
