a la mode

National media explores issue of appraisal report ownership

January 25, 2007

A new article by a nationally-syndicated real estate columnist is bringing the issue of data stripping and ownership of appraisal reports to the fore.

Click to read more

Value-skewing potential of buyer incentives increasing

January 04, 2007

Some time ago we wrote in this space about the unique problem of accounting for buyer incentives in a normalizing housing economy with a lot of inventory for sale. Based on the response, it was an issue you care about and are dealing with a lot. Now, more economists and housing sector watchers are paying attention, too.

Click to read more

Katrina recovery program burned by AVMs; “Road Home” will use appraisals instead

January 04, 2007

The use of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) to calculate property damage in hurricane and flood ravaged New Orleans was recently discontinued, with government officials conceding the AVM values were often drastically off the mark. In most cases pre-storm appraisals will be used instead.

Click to read more

2007 real estate outlook: Some are bearish, but many optimistic for recovery

January 04, 2007

A new year brings fresh new looks at the housing road ahead. We took a look at a number of regional and national 2007 real estate forecasts. Experts are telling us that they are guardedly optimistic the coming year will see a rebound in sales, probably near midyear, steady interest rates if not a drop, and a likely bump in the amount of work for residential appraisers.

Click to read more

Time to think about your 2006 tax return

December 15, 2006

We make and sell software and technology, we don't give tax advice. Hopefully, you already seek professional help with your business' books. If so, consult your tax professional about whether these year-end business and personal tax tips might be right for you.

Click to read more

Market to Zillow’s sales-minded users

December 15, 2006

Zillow, the online interface that lets homeowners and housing voyeurs estimate the value of real estate from public record data, announced last week it would begin allowing users to post home sale listing information on the site.

Click to read more

The Exact way to load WinTOTAL on to your new PC

December 15, 2006

The most efficient way to have your new machine up and running WinTOTAL in no time is to use Exact, which is bundled with the Vault online backup service.

Click to read more

Florida Real Estate Agent Amanda Baggett Wins a Beautiful 2006 Porsche Cayenne from a la mode

December 07, 2006

Real estate agent Amanda Baggett of northeastern Florida is the winner of the latest high-end luxury car giveaway from a la mode, one of the most mission critical and influential companies in the real estate technology industry, the company announced today.

Click to read more

Is requiring payment before report delivery a USPAP violation?

November 10, 2006

Professional or Enterprise XSite allows you to "force" your client to pay by credit card online (or otherwise) before your report can be downloaded. The thoughtful discussion quickly came to the conclusion that the business decision of requiring payment before delivery is not covered by USPAP.

Click to read more