New ClickFORMS Release Update

ClickFORMS version 2.4.5 will be released next week. This will be the first of a series of major releases that we will be distributing between now and the end of the year. So you can look forward to some significant enhancements to ClickFORMS over the next few months. 

In next week's release, we will be adding 22 new forms and an improved AppraisalWorld Connection for Lighthouse and AIReady integrations. In addition to using AppraisalWorld Connection to connect to appraisal networks, you will now be able to connect to property providers and seamlessly integrate property data into ClickFORMS. Now, using the AppraisalWorld connection, you will be able to import property data from First American's Win2Data, MetroScan, and RealQuest, plus FNC's AIRD Property Database and an MLS data source. (See the article below for more info). The Reports List manager has been updated so you can refresh the list of reports and we completely restuctured the UCIAR forms. We also added the ability to get Census Tract info as a new web service.

Coming up next week: we're rolling out a new web service that may change the way you work. Look for details in our next ClickTALK.  

Do you ever need to use the UCIAR forms? If so keep reading. As you know, UCIAR forms consist of the UCIAR-EP which is a 21-page report and the UCIAR-SP which is a 14-page report. Previously we combined all the pages of each type into one form. This made it easy to load, print, etc. But in reality, these reports can be much longer with many comps and extra pages intermixed with the main pages. Having to put your extra comparables on the 22nd page was not a good way to enhance the readability of the report. So, we have separated each of the UCIAR pages into their own form. Now you have complete control over the order of the pages in your UCIAR report. This is something we did in our AgWare version of ClickFORMS with the UAAR (Uniform Agricultural Appraisal Report) report which can be 40 pages or more, and it works very well. As a starting point for UCIAR reports, we will be including two new template files. They will save you from having to drag in each page into the report's digital container. These new UCIAR forms will be in the next release of ClickFORMS.

Order Your "Show Me How..." Movies CD

By popular demand, we have loaded all the Show Me How movies on a CD for easy distribution. If  you have a slow internet connection or just want the convenience of having all the Show Me How movies on a CD for sharing with associates or employees, we recommend this new CD. There is a nominal charge of $25 to cover our costs and shipping. If you would like to order, call your personal account representative at 800-622-8727 and ask for the Show Me How CD. 

MISMO Property XML National Standard Nears Completion 

Bradford Technologies has taken the leadership position in developing and implementing the MISMO XML standards for property and appraisal. This month in Milwaukee, we anticipate that the property standards we helped create for the mortgage industry will be approved by the Mortgage Banker's Association MISMO governing committee. Once this standard is approved, property vendors, MLS providers, and anyone who deals will property data can start to describe this data in a common language.

We have talked with numerous lenders who are implementing two and three year plans to convert and base all their internal data on the MISMO XML standards. The MISMO Property XML is at the core of this implementation, so we are looking to see some major changes and efficiencies in the way we handle property data. We anticipate that property vendors will be one of the first to adopt the standards. The Real Estate Brokers are already working on a conversion between their MLS standard and the MISMO Property standard, so even on the realtor side you will see some changes. What does it mean for you? Higher efficiency in dealing with property data. So if you get the opportunity, promote the MISMO XML standard where ever possible.

Microsoft Update Warning 

Microsoft is warning users of their Windows XP operating system to check for spyware before downloading the free massive security update, called Service Pack 2. Microsoft said some spyware could cause computers to freeze up upon installation of the update. Spyware typically piggybacks with downloaded software such as file-sharing programs. Programs such as Ad-Aware and SpySweeper can scour computers for spyware. Microsoft recommends that users clean their PCs of spyware and backup their data before turning on the auto update feature that automatically downloads Service Pack 2.

If you do update your Windows XP operating system to Service Pack 2, ClickFORMS and all the associated programs (i.e, WinSketch, GeoLocator, etc.) work fine with the new update.

Have a Good Weekend Everyone 

Have a good weekend everyone. Drive safely while you're out inspecting. Don't forget to tell your friends about ClickFORMS.