Appraisers' Free Forum

**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

Well, just ordered Clickforms, and tonight I am going to play with it and see how I like it. I've been using Alamode for quite a few years, but I've heard some folks (GREG!!!) praising the simplicity and ability of this software. And, to be honest, I like the month to month billing set up, so instead of having to pawn one of the kids to afford it, I can pay this with no problem.
I'll see how it compares to Alamode and let everyone know what I think of it. And, those of you who use it, I'll post any questions I have about it as well.
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**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

FINALLY my service provider got our DNS server fixed. No clue what it is, don't care, but I am back online. Downloaded clickforms, already screwed up with it.
It is an entirely different animal than alamode, it seems. I will withhold judgement until I get some time to seriously work with it.
I do know that area sketch is not a program I intend to continue to use. It is not, in my opinion, a program that is very impressive.
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**Goodpasture** · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 10:37 am Post subject:

you can use your existing sketching program. I like area sketch...get to know it pretty well and it will do anything you need and do it fast. It is compatible with bluetooth so you can use your bluetooth enabled disto to sketch to your tablet in the field............
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**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

I am going to work with it before I say forget it. I see I have a good bit to learn on the Clickforms software, as well. Somehow, I put my company name in the slot for my name. I'm going to figure out how to change that next. I'll give it a month to see how I like it.
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**Ter Shields** · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 9:57 am Post subject:

How's the Clickforms coming along? I haven't upgraded in a long time, but still like it very much. Thinking about an upgrade.
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**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

Still working a bit with it at times, but I think it will do the job. I especially like the payment option. Rather than one large payment every year, it's monthly payments. Truthfully, if Alamode had something similar, I'd have stuck with it, since I know how to use it, but large payments are a little out of range. So, I'll keep you updated.
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**Mr. Knowitall** · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:07 pm Post subject:

I never liked WinSketch or AreaSketch. When I finally got a computer with XP, I had to give up my dos program that I had used to draw with for over 15 years (paid $10 for it at Sears way back then). Anyway I found Apex 4 Windows and it has worked just fine. By the way, you have to buy AreaSketch up and beyond ClickFORMS if you decide to use it.

T Shields, not sure what version you are using but ClickFORMS now has an AI version appraisal report along with a generic non-lender form similar to the fannie mae forms. Some of the new bells and whistles are pretty good including it's mapping program and if the arrows aren't quite right, you can move them and when you do move them, it changes the mileages for the comps on page 2 of the report which is pretty cool.

**Ter Shields** · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:26 pm Post subject:

The mapping programs, because of all the changes, are usually obsolete in the new areas. We have resorted to using 911 maps scanned into our computer to get accurate road information.
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The Chinese never ask about Price. They only ask about supply. - Prince Saud, minister SABIC

**Goodpasture** · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:28 pm Post subject:

I use street atlas with the GPS and locate comps and subject that way.
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You should wake up with a smile on your face.....that way you can get it over with early before you have to deal with the world

**Mr. Knowitall** · Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 4:09 pm Post subject:

I use Microsoft Streets and Trips for my maps. Even here in Vegas, the maps provided by BT are pretty good. Beside I let them set my distance for me and now if the arrows are off I can move the arrows and the distance will change. That in itself is a pretty good feature...

**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

I gave up on clickforms due to considering it cumbersome, but am now back at it. I am figuring out some of how to use it, and am going to see if they have an online tutorial for it. It isn't that difficult, just a new animal. I do have to state, however, that I prefer the initial set up feature of alamode over cllickforms, as well as the invoices.
However, I think I can tweak what I am doing to meet my needs.
Since discovering how to clone, it has made things better to deal with.
As I get further in it, I think it may be workable, but I still like Medina to draw with.
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**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

I think the biggest issue that I had with clickforms was that it was TOO simple, compared to alamode. Still playing with it, and getting familiar with the interface, but I do believe that it is going to be a good, solid appraisal software program.
The interface is different, and there are things about it that I am not impressed with, such as the invoices, but by and large I think the biggest issue is simply being used to doing it one way for years, and now changing to a different software, rather than any actual problems.
It's smooth and easy to operate. Any appraisers who ask me, if they are also in the start up phase, I'd recommend clickforms.
Cost effective, ease of use, and no steep learning curve. Not once did I have to pick the phone up and call tech support.
Probably one of the most user friendly programs I've found yet for the computer incompetent.
I've noticed it has something to import PDF files, so I am going to see if I can import a form from something else, and finish it with clickforms.
If so, I am going to start using that feature as well.
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Whoever thinks herding cats is impossible, has never walked with an open can of Tuna.

**Bill Baughn** · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:09 pm Post subject:

M L · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:44 pm Post subject:

Ben, I grew up on WCA, but have used Click Forms in class. Several moons ago, they were two peas in a pod.... easy, affordable, and no frills. I think you would like either one. I hate little windows and stuff pooping up on my computer to tell me that I've just farted... I know dammit, just go away! Mad

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**Steve Owen** · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:29 am Post subject:

I've never used anything but Bradford and Robbins, so I can't really comment on how it compares to others. I don't particularly like Sketcher, and will probably change to another drawing program when I get my next computer.

One thing you will like about Clickforms is the ability to set up templates with some of the universal answers already there when you open it. Another thing you will like is the use of the right mouse button to select responses you have put in. Caution, it is set up to transfer responses from one cell to another on down the form... if you want to change something in one cell, such as the date on the invoice, and don't want it to transfer, you have to change that cell to not allow transfers out first.
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