Fill your new device with useful apps for appraisers
Written by Marketing on January 2, 2014
Happy new year!
We're past the holiday hurdle, and it's time to buckle down and get back to work. For many appraisers, that means configuring their new mobile device for field work and learning how to get the most out of it. But where to start?
We've put together a list of useful apps that we teach appraisers to use in our Mobile Workshops (click here to sign up for one). I thought it would be helpful to get that list in front of you today, along with a brief description of how we see that app being used in an appraisal business. Naturally, this list isn't all-inclusive, and there may be apps out there that we haven't stumbled across yet. But, we're always on the lookout and listening, so if you know of something that's not on this list, send it on over to our mobile experts at MobileExperts@alamode.com.
Here's our list of top 10 appraiser apps for mobile devices:
TOTAL for Mobile –
www.alamode.com | iOS & Android – You saw this one coming, right? Gather your inspection data, photos, & sketch in the field. Your data flows back into your report automatically in TOTAL.
Dropbox –
www.Dropbox.com | iOS & Android – We position this useful file sharing app in our Mobile Workshops as a tool to allow you to take your Digital Workfile contents with you into the field for access and review. Things like your MLS printouts, deeds, documents, and any other items used in the creation of a report.-
PDF Max Pro – www.mobeera.com | iOS & Android – When you're in the field, you need a way to digitally mark up your MLS PDF printouts and save them. PDF Max Pro lets you do that and more. With tools for writing, highlighting, and more, you can manipulate your PDF files in lots of useful ways. Make sure you get the paid version for integration with Dropbox.
Genius Scan+ –
www.thegrizzlylabs.com | iOS & Android – If you've ever scanned documents at the courthouse, you know it's common that they charge an arm and a leg to use their copy machine, and you still have to scan it into your report when you get back to your office. Use Genius Scan instead to turn your mobile device into a digital scanner you carry with you. Make sure you get the paid version for integration with Dropbox.
CoPilot GPS –
www.CoPilotLive.com | iPhone, iPad, & Android – Getting where you're going quickly and efficiently helps your day move smoothly. CoPilot GPS allows you to enter all the properties you're going to see at once, and then optimizes the drive route for you by either distance or time according to your preference.
Evernote –
www.Evernote.com | iOS & Android – Take and sync notes about your assignments between all your devices and computers using Evernote. Save note files into your digital workfile for compliance.
Skype –
www.Skype.com | iPhone, iPad, & Android – Mobilize your office phone number and take it with you. Your clients will never know if you're in the office or not. With Skype, all your devices can ring at once, allowing you to answer from wherever you are.
LogMeIn –
www.LogMeIn.com | iOS & Android – Sometimes you're out in the field and you realize you forgot to load a file to your mobile device. Or maybe your client called and wants a quick revision to a file you finished last week. LogMeIn lets you access your office computers from your mobile device and complete simply tasks remotely.
WiFi Finder –
iOS & Android – When you're out and about, if you purchased a WiFi-only device that means you need to find a free WiFi hotspot (if you don't own a personal one) to use. WiFi Finder can help you track down free WiFi hotspots to use so you don't have to return to your office.
Square –
www.SquareUp.com | iOS & Android – Want to take credit cards in the field, but don't have an Enterprise XSite? Square lets you swipe credit cards on-site for a minimal per-transaction fee. Know immediately whether a card passes or declines.
For more details about how these apps fit into the overall mobile appraisal workflow, sign up to attend one of our Mobile Workshops in a city near you. You can find details at http://workshops.alamode.com/dates/Mobile. And remember, if you've got a mobile app you think is super useful, let our mobile experts know.
Have a happy and productive new year!