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If you're a property appraiser, you probably know the pain of carrying around a clipboard, a camera, a tape measure and a bunch of papers when you go to inspect a property. You have to write down all the data, take photos, measure the rooms and sketch the floor plan. Then you have to go back to your office and enter all that information into your computer.
It's time-consuming, tedious and prone to errors.
But what if there was a better way? What if you could ditch your clipboard and use a tablet or an iPad instead? What if you could gather all your data in the field using a mobile app and sync it with your desktop software? What if you could save hours of work and hassle on every appraisal?
That's what mobile appraising is all about. Mobile appraising is using tablets to collect and process data at your appraisal inspections. It's a game-changer for appraisers who want to work faster, smarter and easier. And it's not just a trend, it's the future of appraising. More and more appraisers are switching to mobile appraising every day, and you don't want to miss out on this opportunity.
Here are some of the benefits of mobile appraising:
Speed
Mobile appraising can help you speed up your workflow and reduce your turnaround time. You can enter data directly into your tablet or iPad as you walk through the property, instead of writing it down on paper. You can take photos with your device's camera and attach them to your report. You can measure rooms with a laser device and send the data to your tablet or iPad via Bluetooth. You can sketch the floor plan with your fingers or a stylus on your device's screen. You can sync all your data with your desktop software with a click of a button.
Mobile appraising can save you hours of work on every report. You don't have to re-enter data or resketch plans in your office. You don't have to scan photos or documents. You don't have to worry about losing or damaging papers. You can finish your reports faster and deliver them sooner to your clients.
Accuracy
Mobile appraising can help you improve your accuracy and quality. You can avoid mistakes and typos by entering data directly into your tablet or iPad. You can use canned comments and checklists to ensure consistency and completeness. You can use artificial intelligence and machine learning to estimate values, adjust for features, detect anomalies and provide evidence. You can use GPS and geocoding to locate properties and comps.
Mobile appraising can help you produce more reliable and credible reports. You can reduce errors and omissions that could lead to revisions or disputes. You can provide more data and analysis that support your opinions. You can comply with industry standards and regulations.
Convenience
Mobile appraising can help you work more conveniently and comfortably. You can use one device for multiple tasks, instead of carrying around multiple tools. You can use apps that are designed for appraisers, instead of generic software that doesn't fit your needs. You can use cloud storage and backup to access your data anytime, anywhere. You can use online platforms and networks to communicate and collaborate with clients, lenders, AMCs and other parties.
Mobile appraising can make your life easier as an appraiser. You can work more efficiently and effectively with less stress and hassle. You can enjoy more flexibility and mobility in your work.
Which tablet or iPad should you choose?
There are many options for tablets or iPads that you can use for mobile appraising. The best one for you depends on your personal preference, budget and compatibility with your desktop software. Here are some tips to help you choose:
• Make sure it is a compact device that has a long-lasting battery and that it runs your favorite appraisal software smoothly
• Some examples of popular tablets or iPads for appraisals are Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (Android) and Apple iPad Pro 11 (iOS)https://www.cubi.casa/10-technology-tools-for-appraisers/
• Consider also buying a protective case with a hand strap and kickstand (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Protective Casehttps://www.cubi.casa/10-technology-tools-for-appraisers/). You won't fear any drop!
• If you want a tablet that runs on Windows OS, you might want to check out the Microsoft Surface Pro. It's a hybrid device that works as both a tablet and a laptop. Appraise-It Pro runs the full program on this tablet, so it is powerful.
Mobile appraising is not just a fad, it's a necessity for appraisers who want to stay ahead of the curve. Mobile appraising can help you save time, improve accuracy, work conveniently and grow your business. Mobile appraising is easy to learn and adopt, as long as you have the right device and software.
If you haven't tried mobile appraising yet, now is the time to do it. Don't let technology intimidate you or hold you back. Embrace it and use it to your advantage. SFREP and Bradford Technologies’ mobile iPad app, Inspect-a-Lot, gives you the tools you need to take notes, sketch, and get photos in the field. When you’re done, wirelessly transfer everything into your Appraise-it Pro report. Search for Inspect-a-Lot in the iPad app store to try it today.