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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Q: Is this entire software package really $159 complete with the latest appraisal forms and addenda, including the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Forms, GPAR™ (General Purpose Appraisal Report for non-lending assignments), building sketch processor, importing and labeling maps or documents, digital photo addenda, signature scan, and expert technical support 7 days a week? A: Yes |
| Q: Is there an annual renewal fee to operate the software? A: No.
Q: Is there a yearly rental fee to operate the software? A: No. Q: Does the software expire every year? A: No. Q: Is there a separate charge for technical support? A: No.Q: Do you ever upgrade the software? A: Yes. Q: How often do you upgrade? A: One (1) or more times per year. Q: Do you offer low cost upgrades? A: Yes. Please check our order page for current pricing at http://www.homeputer.com/ordernow.htm Q: Will the software continue to operate if I do not upgrade? A: Yes. Q: Do I have to purchase an upgrade to continue receiving technical support? A: No, unless it has been more than one year since your last purchase. Q: Will the software expire if I do not upgrade? A: No. Q: Am I obligated to purchase an upgrade to continue using the software? A: No. Q: If I purchase the full package for the $159 price, do I need to purchase the upgrade also? A: No. Q: Is there a guarantee? A: Yes. There is a 30 day money back guarantee. |
Q: Do you notify us of updates? A: Yes, we send a mailing to our users, and those on our Priority Mailing List, when a new version of this software is released on this Web site. Just because you received a mailing, does not mean that you are on the Priority Mailing List. Click You can also check this Web site: www.homeputer.com |
| Q: Is the technical support any good? A: EXPERT technical support is 7 days a week. HomePuterŪ
is patient and will work with you until the technical issue is resolved. Click the
following button to email HomePuterŪ. Note: Our email address is
homeputer@homeputer.com Click |
| Q: Why is this software so inexpensive? A: HomePuterŪ has been developing the highest quality and lowest cost appraisal software for over 27 years. Experience and good customer relations keep it simple. Simple translates to a lower volume of technical support and staff, thus reducing cost and making it affordable to all appraisers. |
| Q: Is this really a true 32 bit Windows based software package? A: Yes, and it uses the simplest controls and most powerful technology. |
Q: What operating systems does this software work in? A: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. Select the operating system/s you use on the order form. To order click |
| Q: How much space will this software take up on my hard disk? A: Approximately 60 megabytes. |
| Q: Are there installation instructions? A: Yes. |
| Q: Is this software easy to install? A: Yes. Q: Does it install through Windows? A: Yes. Q: Does it come on a CD-ROM A: Yes. |
| Q: How does this software work? A: When you open this software it displays an appraisal form. The screen looks like the form. There are over 100 forms to choose from. Above the form are simple command buttons and a menu bar. You fill in the blanks and select from its powerful features. |
| Q: Do I need a digital camera or scanner to use the forms and sketch portion of the software? A: No |
| Q: Can I plot a floor plan and then print a complete sketch addendum? A: Yes. Q: Will it automatically calculate the square feet? A: Yes. Q: Can I further modify the calculations grid? A: Yes. Q: Can I drag and drop icons, rooms, partitions, and doors onto the sketch? A: Yes. Q: Can I label the rooms and insert text? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I use my old sketch processor (by another company) with HomePuterŪ? A: Yes, if it supports the Windows Clipboard, i.e., copy and paste method, or if you can save your sketch to an image format, i.e., .tif, .jpg, .bmp, .wmf, or .emf. The HomePuterŪ software does already include an excellent sketch processor. |
| Q: Can I scan my signature and have it print with my report? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I print to my Fax or Acrobat PDF Writer as one continuous print job for multiple forms? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I print just one form to my Fax or Acrobat PDF Writer? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I scan a map or document, label it, and then print it as a map addendum, supplement addendum, or as a stand alone form? A: Yes. Q: Where can I get FEMA flood maps and do I have to pay for them? A: You can download them in a popular image format free from FEMA's web site. The flood maps include the Community - Panel Number, Effective Date, and Zone Information. Letters of Map Change (LOMC) are also available on the site. HomePuterŪ will email download instructions at your request once you purchase the HomePuterŪ software. The HomePuterŪ software can open and label the downloaded flood map. |
| Q: Instead of scanning, can I copy and paste a map or document from another source, i.e., other map software and the internet. A: Yes. Q: Can I open a map from another source saved in a popular image format, e.g., .JPG (JPEG), .TIF (TIFF), etc.. A: Yes. |
| Q: Will this new software load my old files from previous HomeputerŪ software versions? A: Yes. |
| Q: Will an addendum merge applicable data from an appraisal form? A: Yes. It will merge any applicable data that has already been entered once. Q: Can I choose to modify the merged data? A: Yes. Q: Can I choose to fill out an addendum from scratch? A: Yes. |
| Q: Will the digital photo addenda merge from my existing HomeputerŪ Appraisal Data? A: Yes. It will merge the subject data and the address, sale price, date of sale, age, total rooms, bedrooms, baths, and total GLA above grade of the comparable sales. |
| Q: Can I label each photo and leave out the data? A: Yes |
| Q: Can I download photos directly from my digital camera, scanner, floppy disk, hard disk, or card reader? A: Yes |
| Q: Can I drag and drop or cut and paste photos from any compatible source including MLS and the internet? A: Yes |
| Q: Can I print a cover page with the subject photo at the top? A: Yes |
| Q: Can the digital photo addenda be used also for listings, rentals, interior, exterior, or make up my own, as well as for subject and comparable photos? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I choose the forms for entire appraisal report and then print them all at one time to the printer, fax, Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer, or Adobe PDF printer? A: Yes. |
| Q: Does
this software stand alone? A: Yes
Q: It is self sustaining? A: Yes Q: Do
I need other software to make it work? A:
No. NOTE: 1) To make an Adobe Acrobat PDF (Portable Document Format) file that you can secure and e-mail, you need version 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 Standard, 7.0 Standard, 8.0 Standard, or 9.0 Standard of the Adobe Acrobat software. The price for Adobe Acrobat 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, or 8.0 may be less than 9.0 while supplies last. Check on-line vendor prices by clicking on the links below. Note: HomePuterŪ does not recommend Adobe Acrobat 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, or 9.0 for Windows 95, 98, or ME. In our many years of experience at HomePuterŪ, there is no generic PDF writer substitute that can create a PDF file to match the small size and quality of a PDF file created with the Adobe Acrobat PDF writer. VENDOR LINKS FOR ADOBE ACROBAT: |
| Q: Is there a manual? A: Yes. The manual is displayed on screen and can be printed. It is approximately 68 easy to read letter size pages. It includes step-by-step instructions for data entry, spell check, saving and retrieving files, sketching, scanning, labeling, inserting images from your camera, printing, making and e-mailing a PDF file, AI Ready™(AppraisalPortŪ), and Lighthouse™. |
Q: How does it compare to other form filling software? A: In corresponding with many
customers who have used or tried other software programs - they say our software is the
easiest and fastest on the market. Check out what customers have to say by clicking
here:  |
| Q: Who is HomePuterŪ? A: A software company that has been developing appraisal software for over 27 years. And, a past appraisal company who has performed most every type of appraisal service. |
| Q: Can I run this software both on my work and home computer? A: Yes, but you have to be the only user and operator of the software. Other appraisers have to purchase their own software. |
| Q: What printers work with this software? A: Any Windows compatible printer. |
| Q: Can you recommend a good legal size paper that will not bleed and is bright white and heavy weight? A: Hammermill Laser Print Paper 24 lb. and 96 Brightness. Hammermill Item # 104612. The cost is usually +/- $10.29 per 500 sheets. Your local store may not carry it in legal size. If not, order from Staples at 1-(800) 333-3330. Staples # 852498. |
Q: What
scanners will work with this software. A:
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Q: What
cameras will work with this software? A:
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| Q: What
cameras do you recommend? A: We do not
recommend any particular make and model of digital camera. Most makes and models of
digital cameras are compatible to the HomePuterŪ software. Click on the link below to select a camera based on the criteria most important to you, i.e., camera size, resolution, lens, price, etc. |
| Q: Do you accept Credit Cards as payment? A: Yes. To order by Credit Card click this button:
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| Q: Do you offer an alternate payment method? A: Yes. If you do not want to pay by Credit Card then click this
button to order by C.O.D.
We ship via United States Post Office Priority Mail COD, or Express Mail COD and accept your check on delivery. |
| Q: Are there any additional charges when delivered C.O.D.? A: No. All shipping, handling, and COD charges are included in the total COD amount. |
| Q: What happens if the carrier delivers C.O.D. when no one is there? A: The carrier will leave instructions for pick it up at your local Post Office. |
| Q: Can I receive the C.O.D. package at my Post Office Box? A: Yes. The Postmaster will leave a notice in your P.O. Box for you to pick it up at the counter. |
| Q: Can I mail my order in with the payment? A: Yes. Click then fill out the order form. Instead of pressing Submit Order, click File at the top of your browser, and then click Print. When the form is printed, mail to HomePuterŪ, P.O. Box 6288, Rutland, VT 05702-6288. |
| Q: Do you process EDI or Web Services, i.e., can I e-mail or upload an
appraisal to a client? A: Yes. 1) The HomePuterŪ software is compatible to the Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer and Adobe PDF printer. An appraisal report can be printed to a PDF file that you can e-mail to any client. The PDF file will have the look and feel of the actual report and can be viewed on screen or printed, from the free Adobe Acrobat Reader which most receiving clients will already have or can download from Adobe at [www.adobe.com]. Note: The Adobe Acrobat software must be purchased separately. The free Adobe Acrobat Reader is not sufficient to create a PDF file. 2) The HomePuterŪ software is 'AI Ready™'(AppraisalPortŪ) so that you can upload your appraisal to lenders/clients via AppraisalPortŪ in Appraisal InstituteŪ XML format. Note: This is only compatible to clients that support AI Ready™ and you will not have to email a PDF file. 3) The HomePuterŪ software is 'Lighthouse™ Certified' to convert appraisal reports from HomePuterŪ to Lighthouse™ for lenders/clients that require Lighthouse™. Note: The Lighthouse™ software must be purchased separately. Setup instructions for Lighthouse™ are included in the HomePuterŪ manual. Note: Lighthouse™ is compatible with eServicesŪ. |
| Q: Can I click one button to make a PDF file of my entire report? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I insert a PDF into my report that was made with another software program, i.e. Microsoft Word, DeLorme, Rand McNally, etc.? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I add, rearrange, delete pages, and add security to a PDF? A: Yes. |
| Q: Can I save an appraisal to diskette then bring it to another computer and edit and/or print it out? A: Yes. The other computer must have the HomePuterŪ software installed. |
| Q: Can one HomePuterŪ user e-mail just the appraisal data to another HomePuterŪ user? A: Yes. If your typist or associate also has the HomePuterŪ FPS, he or she can e-mail the appraisal data to the home office. |
| Q: Do you put our personal or company name on the software or printouts? A: No. |
| Q: Can I put my personal or company name in the top margin of the appraisal form, e.g. URAR? A: Yes. |
| Q: What were the upgrades
made to each version up to the latest HomePuterŪ FPS Version 5.3? A: Click: |
| Q: Do
you know of any Web sites to: Possible computer, printer, scanner, and camera discounts? www.computershopper.com [product reviews, buying advice, and compare prices from top vendors] www.pricescan.com [compare prices from top vendors] Manufacturers of interest? www.kodak.com [digital cameras] www.sony.com [digital cameras] www.olympus.com [digital cameras] www.nikon.com [digital cameras] www.hp.com [computers and printers] www.lenovo.com [computers] www.dell.com [computers] Site that reviews cameras and shows photo samples of various cameras? www.dpreview.com Good source to buy a printer, scanner, camera, Adobe Acrobat and/or supplies? www.computershopper.com [product reviews, buying advice, and compare prices from top vendors] www.pricescan.com [compare prices from on-line vendors] www.staples.com [paper, supplies -- full selection in catalog 1-800-333-3330 Note: HomePuterŪ does not guarantee your satisfaction with any of the above Web sites. |
