a la mode releases TOTAL 2011, touts more time saving tools for appraisers

Written by on March 8, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY — a la mode today released its latest version of industry-leading formfilling software for appraisers, TOTAL 2011. Appraisers today are facing increasingly shorter deadlines from lenders and appraisal management companies. TOTAL 2011 was developed as the fastest, most efficient formfiller ever to address this need.

"Every day appraisers tell us they need to get more done in less time, so we've added several outstanding features to help them do just that," said Brad Eaton, chief product officer at a la mode.

TOTAL 2011 follows the popular TOTAL 2010, which debuted last year as a simpler formfiller, focused on speed and efficiency, as opposed to "bells and whistles" that aren't critical to report writing. The 2011 edition promises the same lightweight speed and reliability but with added time-saving features as requested by appraisers, including Side-by-Side View, built-in flood and census data and QuickBooks® integration.

Inspired by the popular Comparables View feature in WinTOTAL Aurora, the Side-by-Side View in TOTAL 2011 allows appraisers to view, adjust and edit all comparable properties, listings and rental properties on a single horizontally-scrolling screen. For customers with a membership at any level, there is also built-in flood and census data, which automatically flows into forms when they input their location map.

Going beyond formfilling tools, QuickBooks integration is now included so invoice information from TOTAL 2011 will quickly and smoothly transfer to QuickBooks, the popular small business accounting software, without any retyping.

"We're excited to be adding these new features based on their popularity in previous versions, as well as direct feedback from our customers," a la mode Product Manager Paul Stansberry said. "The ability to manage your listings and rentals in the Side-by-Side View, as well as automatically retrieving flood and census information will be great time savers."

Stansberry said TOTAL 2011 will also be a la mode's first UMDP-compliant product because its flexible forms engine can easily handle the regulatory changes. He said the new form entry requirements will be available to download and preview in the a la mode labs by April, well ahead of Fannie Mae's Sept. 1 deadline for appraisers.

TOTAL 2011 is now available for purchase and as a free download to all a la mode customers with a membership at http://www.alamode.com/appraiser/total2011/.